Radical extremism costs human life in Mogadishu, Somalia

(Mogadishu,  Oct 22, 2011 Ceegaag Online)

By: Mohamud Shalab

       I would like to express my condolences to all innocent graduating students who were on a scholarship to Turkey and their parents, who got killed earlier this month in what's described as one of the worst attacks since 2007. On Tuesday October 4th 2011, a bomb detonated near the ministry of education, in Mogadishu, Somalia. The bombing killed at least 70. It came after a tranquil time period when the al Shabab withdrew their troops from the city. Al Shabab militant forces have confirmed that they are the ones who orchestrated it. The intended purpose of the attack was to send a message to authorities that Al Shabab would never stop fighting to destroy and shed blood and tears from what’s left of the Somali nation. It is a litmus test for those autonomous and peaceful regions such as Puntland and Somali land. Somali land is democratic and relatively calm. The reason for this is because there is excellent co-ordination between the general public and the government in which the public recognizes the proper authority and notifies them about any threats to themselves or their security. Puntland as well is a diplomatic region, they enjoy peace and security. However larger cities such as Bosaso and Galkayo are not in the same status as they do not have appropriate security, there is a lack of coordination between the government and the general public. They must work together otherwise they will fall in a trap and they will pay the price.

     For years in mainstream media, Islam has become synonymous with terrorism. However, many Muslim leaders, as well as ordinary Muslims have denounced the act of terror. One of the main arguments of those who claim that terrorism is necessary, is the war in the time of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but what they fail to realize is that these wars were for self-defense. The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never started wars or attacked innocent people without merit.

    "The people of the book", in the Quran, are the followers of Moses which are the Jewish, the followers of Christ which are the Christians and the followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which are the Muslims. These three monotheistic religions share common grounds, this is an expression of unification; it shows that people of other religions are not enemies to Muslims. There are some verses in the Quran that condemn terrorism and unnecessary violence. In section 5 verse 32 it reads “if anyone slays a person, unless it is for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would be as if he slew all people, and if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people.” Verses like these show what Islam truly stands for. A suicide attack causing the deaths of hundreds innocent people is a great sin and a total violation of Quranic morality. Hijacked, has been the faith, by people with their own distorted political views on what Islam should be. In order to discredit radical extremism, we must first know where these wild fanatics shifted from. Like all oppressive, totalitarian operations, Islāmic extremists do not accept or allow other ideologies.

    Extremists believe “true Islam” is not compatible with democracy. Liberalism or secularism believes that the goal of Islam is to dominate the world. They have thoroughly misinterpreted the Quran and the teachings of the peaceful prophet (pbuh). These men as well as radical groups affiliated with a more politicized view of Islam. This religion is practiced by 2.2 billion people and just like any other religion it can be practiced all over the world however one chooses.  The key to ending extremism in Somalia as well as other parts of the world lies in learning. Muslims need to educate themselves about what’s written in the Quran and the hadiths (anecdotes about the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)). There are many verses misinterpreted by both non-Muslims, as well as Muslim fundamentalists but the Quran, similar to any other historical holy book, should be contextual and only used in the right setting.

     Muslims must take part in an interfaith dialogue so that they can raise awareness about the issues and treat them in a peaceful way. Al Shabab routinely recruits young men and indoctrinates them by taking advantage of them and by telling them that violence is something that is necessary in the religion, however, the younger generation has to be warned against these tactics. Al Shabab would not exist if it were not for their skills in conniving and manipulating young minds. Somalis need to unite for the greater good of the country and stop these violent Islamists with their words and their actions. If Muslims do not speak out and condemn the actions of those deviated and misguided few, then the fundamentalists will become the voice of Islam.

www.ceegaag.com

webmaster@ceegaag.com