Dr. ul-Qadri: A Canadian Fatwa Challenges Extremism
This blog was co-written with Lana Litvinov, a research associate from Ottawa
A Direct Challenge to Ayman al Zawahiri
A recently issued Fatwa from a Canadian resident may come to be seen as a direct challenge to the ideological works of various groups such as al Qaeda, Lashka-e-Toiba, HAMAS, Hezbollah and other such terrorist groups. Given its scope and nature, individuals such as Ayman al Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s chief ideologue, may be forced to respond to this fatwa as it openly challenges and undermines all of Zawahiri’s previous works.
On March 2, at a press conference in London, England, 59 year old Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri introduced a 604 page fatwa. This has already has been described as one of the most influential religious edicts designed to condemn terrorism and the use of violence in the name of Islam. Dr. Qadri is a prominent Sufi Muslim scholar and a religious leader who has millions of followers around the world. He is a founder of Minhai-ul-Quran International, an Islamic movement based in Lahore with centers in over 90 counties. Dr. Qadri’s message is published in print as well as on CDs and DVDs. His message is delivered in many languages and heard in countries throughout the Middle East, Europe and North America. Unlike many religious scholars who issue fatwas on a regular basis, this is only the second fatwa ever issued by this world class scholar.
His absolute clarity and independence as a scholar is what makes his fatwa different from all the others. As a respected and trusted religious leader, he has more chance to reach those who are most vulnerable and susceptible to radical ideology – the youth. Many Muslim youth are vulnerable to radicalization precisely because of their lack of religious knowledge, not because of it. As Dr. Qadri pointed out, one of his goals in writing the fatwa was to educate young minds about the true nature of Muslim teachings and explain that they do not promote terrorism and violence. In a number of interviews with British press, he agreed that there is definite possibility that his message will not reach those who are already deeply indoctrinated. However, he believes it will reach the impressionable youth, thus aiding them in resisting the pressure to join extremist groups and resorting to acts of terror.
Another factor that makes Dr. Qadri’s anti-terrorism fatwa distinct from others is the intensity of his convictions. He takes a strong stand against the radicals with no fear for his own life. He is unfazed by the unfortunate fate of others who spoke against terrorism, such as Sheik Sarfraz Hussain Naeemi, who was assassinated in Pakistan in 2009. Dr. Qadri is clearly determined to carry his message across the various divisions of Muslim community. He believes that his comprehensive and methodical text, substantiated by the ‘irrefutable evidence’ from the Qur’an, proves the illegitimate and non-Islamic nature of terrorism.
The fatwa’s theological arguments against violence have the potential to become a part of the global strategy against radicalization within the Islamic community. This strategy is based on Dr. Qadri’s open condemnation of al-Qaeda, which he describes as an ‘old evil with the new name.’ He also identified suicide bombers as unbelievers rather than martyrs. Although there is some limited doubt that fatwa will gain traction, it seems that it is already gaining reputation as an important comprehensive theological guidance and a serious study. Dr. Qadri’s call for joining the ’movement of de-radicalization’ is seen an important step towards reconciliation between Muslim moderates and fundamentalists.
Most importantly, Dr. Qadri’s fatwa explains how radical thought has hijacked the true teachings of Islam and he clarifies concepts such as jihad and martyrdom. This comprehensive and detailed breakdown of complex theological concepts is a valuable tool in deterring young people, who have the potential to be radicalized, from taking the path of violence and destruction. Dr. Qadri believes that his ‘jurisprudential explanation’ about minor and major issues concerning Islam might also turn already ‘brainwashed’ youth onto a different path of a clearer understanding. This includes many Islamic concepts including the rights of non-Muslims, mass killing, suicide and others. He aims at taking Islam back from the extremists and reconciling Muslim and Western worlds.
The influence of this particular fatwa remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it is a direct confrontation of the legitimacy of al-Qaeda’s tactics and the extremist approach of other terrorist groups. Although, there have been other fatwas, the uniqueness of this one stems from its author’s unyielding belief that at no point Islam justifies terror and there are no exceptions. In fact, according to Dr.Qadri, Islam is quite clear about condemning it. He also states that terrorists should be exiled from Islam and most importantly, terrorists ‘are destined for hell.’ The overall message is simple – there is an urgent need for education at the grassroots levels which is especially aimed at youth.
The views expressed in this blog are personal and do not reflect the views of either Global Brief or the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs.
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