Extremism Isn’t Islamic Law

The Koran is clear: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256). Yet the government of Afghanistan came close to executing a Muslim man who had converted to Christianity. Bowing to international pressure, the government ruled that the man was insane and called off the trial. The man’s life was spared, but using the Koran to justify the death penalty for apostasy in Muslim society remains troubling. Former Indonesian President Kyai Haji Abdurrahman Wahid argues that Islamic law is a manmade system with its origin in divine inspiration, and as such, revision is appropriate with changing circumstances and times. Extremists interpret the law as unalterable God’s word. Insisting that their interpretation alone is possible, extremists pose as traditional Muslims when their real goals are political. In truth, the Koran urges religious tolerance, and in the true spirit of religion, Islamic law can be receptive to the needs of real people. Islamic extremism threatens Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and all corners of the world must join forces in battle against extremism for the soul of Islam. – YaleGlobal