Islam and Harmful Practices: How Islamic Scholars Promoting Healthy and Ethical Spiritual Practices in the Face of Extremism

Abstract:

Abstract: This paper examines the potential role of Islamic scholars in preventing harmful practices within fanatical, so-called Islamic groups. Through a review of existing literature and case studies, the paper argues that Islamic scholars can play a critical role in countering extremist ideologies, promoting healthy, ethical, and safe spiritual practices, and providing guidance and support to individuals and communities affected by radicalization. The paper first explores the nature of passionate so-called Islamic groups, including how these groups use distorted interpretations of Islamic teachings to justify violence, extremism, and harmful practices. The paper then considers the challenges associated with countering such groups, including the need to address both the root causes and the symptoms of extremism. The research discusses that Islamic scholars are uniquely positioned to address these challenges, given their deep knowledge of Islamic theology, ethics, and jurisprudence. Islamic scholars can provide a critical counter-narrative to extremist ideologies, promote a more nuanced and balanced understanding of Islamic teachings, and help individuals and communities affected by radicalization find alternative sources of spiritual guidance and support. The article also draws on case studies from various contexts to illustrate the potential role of Islamic scholars in preventing harmful practices within fanatical so-called Islamic groups. These case studies include examples of Islamic scholars working on challenging extremist ideologies, providing counseling and support to individuals affected by radicalization, and providing education and training to community leaders to help prevent the spread of harmful practices. The study also concludes by emphasizing the need for continued research and collaboration between Islamic scholars, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address extremism's complex and ongoing challenge.

Presenter bios: Dr. A H M Ershad Uddin is a Lecturer in the Department of Basic Islamic Sciences at Kocaeli University (email: ahmershad86@gmail.com / ahmeu2022@gmail.com). Dr. Ahmet Eksi is Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Islamic Sciences at Kocaeli University (email: ahmedabadanku41@gmail.com).

Presenter affiliation: Kocaeli University, Turkey