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How to stem the rise of Islamic extremism

Natasha Mikles · The Conversation

4-5 minutes

The rise of religious radicalism and the spread of hate crime are not confined
to particular geographical boundaries, and pose a truly global challenge.
Extremist interpretations and narratives of Islam, though still representing a
small minority of the faithful, cannot be written off as simply “un-Islamic”. It is a
reading of Islam that strikes a chord with a disillusioned, angry, alienated but
often educated cohort of Muslim youth. This brand of extremism includes a
range of views, some resorting to violent means and others merely advocating
hateful beliefs and value systems.
For many within this worldview, Islam is an “authentic” and self-defining
narrative that can be used to justify extreme violence. All texts including
religious ones are subject to interpretation and we need to offer the core
peaceful narrative. Other factors have helped to fuel the spread of extremism.
First, within the context of families, communities and the education systems,
messages that extremists disseminate are not always effectively countered.
Second are the economic issues and difficulties that many of these
communities and individuals face, both in Europe and in the region. Third is the
political context in many Muslim countries that generate extreme sense of
antipathy to and exclusion from the political order and societal channels of self-
expression. Lastly and by no means the least is foreign intervention in many
Muslim lands, often resulting in extreme and everlasting violence which
reverberates across many diaspora and immigrant communities in the Western
world.
To combat this global phenomenon, universal and particular approaches must
be pursued. First, the long-term solution must begin with reaching out to
communities and families as partners, not as targets; as human beings and
agencies, not as suspects. Law enforcement, counter-terrorism measures and
penal and legal instruments are necessary but not sufficient for the long haul.
The outreach should help families and communities hear authentic narratives
of Islam which promote peace, mercy and the real practice of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). To achieve this, honest working relations with local
Imams and community leaders are necessary.
Secondly, and related to the first issue, is the need to bring together the
highest authorities of Islam from different schools to articulate the competing
narrative that is both “authentic” and indeed practiced by the vast majority of
Muslims. Interfaith dialogues that bring together different religious leaders

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should be accompanied by grassroots interfaith interaction, not simply to

facilitate assimilation but to enhance understanding and respect for
particularities and correct the distorted image of Islam and Muslims. Thirdly,
social services of religious institutions and life styles of community leaders can
play a vital role in shaping youth’s perception and behaviour. This approach
has been largely neglected in our efforts to build communities more resilient to
messages of hatred and intolerance. At the same time, intra-faith dialogue
must be pursued to respond to challenges of sectarianism and
misunderstanding.
Fourth is to tackle the structural problem of economic exclusion, which does
not lend itself to one-size-fits-all solutions and require government and private-
sector coordination and contribution. Last is the representation of Islam and
Muslims in the media and entertainment industry. The constructed and often
distorted image of the religion over the last decade has led to increasing
Islamophobia and the amplification of the already-felt sense of exclusion,
discrimination and identity crisis by many young people.
We have to engage the industry without infringing the tenets of free speech
and expression. A multifaceted approach must bring all these players –
including states in the Middle East and North Africa – together to face the
menace of radicalism and violent extremism.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the
World Economic Forum.

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