Extremists are found among people of all ideologies. They do not represent the faiths, nor are they the model sample for judging people of faith. The question implies that extremism and fundamentalism are synonymous and that this extremism is a component of Islamic ideology. Both these assumptions are incorrect.
If by "fundamentalists" it is meant those who align themselves with the fundamentals of their faith, then every true believer is duty-bound to be a fundamentalist. If "fundamentalism" is equated with fanaticism or extremism, then Islam explicitly distances itself from those things. The holy Qur'an clearly states that Muslims are "those who are balanced, followers of the middle path" (Chapter 2, Verse 143); while the Prophet Muhammad stated, "destroyed are the extremists."
The first definition in Webster's dictionary for "fundamentalism" is "a movement in twentieth-century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching." How and why this term has been suffixed to Islam and Muslims, with distinct negative connotations, is as mysterious as it is diabolical. It is unfortunate that the Western media often reinforces the negative stereotyping of Islam with images of radicalism, terrorism, and militancy.
This negative portrayal is unjustified and certainly inaccurate. All people of faith are expected to live by the fundamental principles of their faith, but none has the right to be extremists.
Q. I have been reading the Qur'an, taking a copy with me wherever I go. Is this wrong? Is there a certain way I must handle the Qur'an?
As people of faith, we are obliged to respect all avenues of learning, and books certainly are a symbol of such learning. If due respect is to be accorded to books in general, how much more should we respect that which we consider to be the ultimate source of guidance?
The Qur'an is the documentation of the final "divine revelation, a source of guidance for all humanity" (Chapter 2, Verse 185). Though it is a book, ink on paper, it contains the sacred words of Allah, which gives it a degree of sanctity. It must therefore be treated with the utmost respect.
Some basic practical guidelines may assist us in maintaining the necessary degree of respect and etiquette expected of us.
Be in a state of purity when reading the Qur'an. Recite it in a conducive environment, and do not take it into or read it in a bathroom or other inappropriate place. Do not be frivolous when reading it nor interrupt your recitation with conversation or eating. Pay due attention to the rules of recitation, and, if studying for meaning, reflect on the content with due consideration.
Overall, our duty towards the holy Qur'an is...
- to honor it as the revelation of Allah,
- to recite it to the best of our ability,
- to reflect on its meanings,
- to implement its teachings,
- and to convey its message.
The holy Prophet Muhammad is reported to have placed a green twig on someone's grave. This indicates the permissibility of putting some form of plant on a grave. It need not be green. As for green flowers, they are indeed rarities. Any flower would do, provided that the display is neither ostentatious nor extravagant.
