Introduction
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with converts spreading all over the world following the many conversions that are taking place every day. In the recent times, the religion has witnessed the emergence of differences among its followers both in the interpretation of their holy writings and religious beliefs.
Traditionally, this religion was based on the teachings of Prophet Mohammad and the Quran. Some religious leaders have however emphasised what is now regarded as radicalism, which is the strict interpretation of the Quran and Mohammed’s teachings. This essay seeks to find the differences between classical and radical Islam life with reference to faith, values, beliefs, practices, and understanding of God.
Differences in Faith
The holy book on which the Islamic religion is based is the Quran, which is the book written directly word for word as communicated by God and memorised by the prophet. It has 114 chapters that were written at around 600 CE. Every Muslim considers this book to be the source of his/her faith and the template to their behaviours and morals. Classical Islam follows the Quran.
However, it discourages any form of violence, which they claim is not advocated for in the Quran. They believe that Muslims should refrain from acts of aggression to practice prayers and respect for Allah (Umar 125).
On the other hand, Radical Islamists are considered violent, a trait they use to propagate their faith. Strict observance of the law is followed with punishments being instituted to those who do not follow this to the letter. While the basic beliefs and faith are common to both groups, there exist few differences. The Quran advises Muslims to pray as many times in a day as possible with the minimum being five times (Ibrahim 34).
God is described as having strengthened their faith by giving them a direction in which to pray. In the Quran, it is written that, “Turn your face to the holy mosque and wherever you are, turn your’ face towards it” (Saheeh International 23). The expression of faith is therefore most importantly portrayed by this prayer practice. While classical Islam leaves the decision of prayer to individuals, it is a sin in Radical Islam not to pray to Allah.
This strict observance of the law means that they practice more of faith in relation to their counterparts. However, this is not genuine, as true faith is based on an individual and not on coercion based on the holy teachings. The Sharia law is responsible for the daily life of the ordinary Muslim. For a radical Muslim, the Sharia law is a doctrine that is to be followed to the letter including the killing of those Muslims who convert to other faiths such as Christianity.
The moderate or classical Muslim teachings do not emphasize a strict adherence to the Sharia law. There is more freedom in the beliefs and practices. Violence among women is popular in the radical Islamic communities with most of them suppressing women and denying them their rights. The girl child in this community is a social responsibility with most of the rules meant to punish her.
Sharia law traditionally allows holy wars for Muslims where they force other religions to Islam with grave consequences for those who do not. In the past, religious conflicts involving Muslims and other religions have almost been by radical Islamists. In both classical and radical Islam, prayer is defined as a basis of faith in the ordinary life according to the Quran, which states, “God would never leave your faith to waste” (Saheeh International 23).
In the teachings of radicalism, prayer is a vital teaching with more emphasis on faith. Another example of faith is the belief that people should do their best to die for the course of religion to go directly to heaven. Radical Muslims believe that death will earn them a prestigious place among the dead if they die while on a mission to kill other people viewed as offensive. The respect for human life is therefore minimal here (Umar 125).
Values, Beliefs, and Practices
The Hadith is the written doctrine for the religion with the main content being the life of Mohammed. This varies among the various sects of Islam as handed down through history. The Shi’ites and the Sunnis are the main groups of Muslims with differing thoughts and interpretation on the Hadith.
For the classical Muslims, Sufism, which is the expression of the inward love for God and respect for the world around is emphasized. The five pillars of Islam, which are Ramadan, Sawm, Zakat, Shahada, and Salat, are strictly followed in classical and radical Islamism (Nadwi 7).
However, in the radical Islam, teachings are that followers have to attend all of them during their lifetime. In both classical and Radical Islam, Jihad is a concept that clearly distinguishes the two. In classical Islam, the jihad is necessary only when considered as a form of preventing evil in the society and or correcting perceived wrongs. Its use is to achieve meritorious deeds in the society, as it tries to achieve the truth besides maintaining what is socially right according to this form of Islam (Qutb 45).
To the Radical Islam, the Jihad is a holy war where members participate to redeem their religion, attain political scores, and punish those perceived as being against the religion. Those countries, organizations, individuals, as well as members of other religions perceived to be a threat to the religion are fought using the jihad (Daniel 24). One may wonder why the radicals spend most of their time creating enemies and practising for the jihad even when they are not aggrieved.
For most of the jihadists, killing the enemy is the main target. Death is not feared. In most of the terrorist activities that are religious-based, radical Islam is blamed for most of the acts. There are implications in areas where radicalism exists to these kinds of activities. The current teachings of radicalism allow the murder of people of different religions without sparing those of the same religion considered as external or too moderate.
These teachings however are not included in the Quran, which teaches peace and living in harmony with other people. Radicalism is therefore not supported by the classical Muslim doctrine. In the daily life of Muslims, there exist distinct differences between radicalism and classical or moderate Islam. In radical Islam, women are inferior, as they dress to cover their whole body. Punishments are harsh especially for those who commit adultery, women in particular.
Another difference is the belief in slavery. Radical beliefs allow Muslims to take in slaves to work for them although this is not indicated in the holy teachings. It is not legal in classical Islam. In Radical Islam, religious leaders dictate all the daily activities of individuals. There is little if any independence. The community is covered with the strict rules as discussed with violation being faced by strict punishment.
Understanding of God
To all Muslims, Allah is the only Supreme Being in the universe. He is to be revered and worshiped alone. The belief in Allah is the foundation of Islam. A difference in this belief exists in Radical and Classical Islam. There has been varying beliefs between classical and radical Islam on the role of Prophet Muhammad and the abilities of God.
In the differences, Radical Islamism allows the belief that the death of a person in the jihad or when fighting for the course will give him/her automatic access to God. Therefore, many malicious Muslims characterize Radical Islamism. To them, they will seize any opportunity that can earn them death and hence the long-awaited destiny of Heaven where God resides.
Conclusion
As discussed above, there exist distinct differences between classical and radical Islam. The foundations of Islam are respected in classical and Radical Islam. These include the common belief of Allah and Prophet Muhammad. Faith is also similar in both though the radical Islamists encourage and or enforce strict forms of the faith.
Major differences include the use of violence especially the jihad. Radicalism has had negative effects on the Islamic world with major wars and bombings being associated with it. It therefore does not represent the teachings of the prophet. Hence, it is not in line with the Quran.
Works Cited
Daniel, Norman. Islam and the West: The Making of an Image. Oxford, England: One-World Publications, 1993. Print.
Ibrahim, Ishmael. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam. Houston: Darussalam, 1997. Print.
Nadwi, AbulHasan. The Four Pillars of Islam. Lucknow, India: Academy of Islamic Research and Publications, 1976. Print.
Qutb, Sayyed. Islam and Universal Peace. Indianapolis, IN: American Trust Publications, 1977. Print.
Saheeh International. The Quran: Arabic Text with Corresponding English Meaning. London: Abul Qasim Publishing House, 1997. Print.
Umar, Ashqar. Belief in Allah in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2000. Print.