Sustained efforts

Islam is a religion wholly based on the principles of peace and tolerance. Violent activism is unlawful in Islam. Under no circumstances are Muslims allowed to adopt violent methods to achieve their goals. According to a verse of the Quran, 'God, calls to the Home of Peace' (10:25). If paradise is the Abode of Peace, how can someone who commits violence be granted entry into it?

Present-day radicalisation of Muslim youth is derived neither from the Quran nor from the Hadith (the teachings of the Prophet of Islam). It is a self-styled upshot of unfounded anger, disillusionment and negative thinking of some radicalised individuals. This false ideology of violence developed as an attempt to regain the lost political glory of a bygone era. An extremist group of Muslims subscribed to this thought process cascaded it as the gospel truth. They misled youth into believing that Muslims have to regain their supremacy using terror.

As per my research and study, the solution to this problem lies in a twofold approach. The first part relates to the implementation of the institutional framework that is under the control of government authorities. They must enforce all anti-violence laws and take strict action against perpetrators of any such act of violence. The second part relates to the role that non-governmental agencies have to play in society to ensure the restoration of constructive thinking and development of positive and non-confrontational approach. If peace is to be established and maintained, it will require sustained efforts of both governments and social reformers.