Global terrorism and Islamic radicalization: Analysis from Fethullah Gülen's perspective

Abstract

Terrorism and Islamic radicalization have become major global concerns for every citizen in this day and age. Acts of terror have been perpetrated across the borders of nations, and caused global unrest, fear, and uncertainty. People from different walks of life have become more worried about whether Islam is the source of these violent attacks, or whether it is due to the marginal groups who misinterpret it. In light of these recent concerns, this essay will examine the concept of terror and provide an Islamic perspective on terror on the basis of primary Islamic sources, explore interpretations of Islam by radical groups and their contradictions, consider how terrorists are perceived by the majority of Muslims, and analyze the notion of jihad in Islam as well as its misinterpretation by extreme groups and Islamic radicalization. These issues will be discussed from the perspective of Fethullah Gülen, a prominent contemporary scholar of classical Islamic disciplines. Gülen is an Islamic thinker, community leader, and social advocate who has dedicated his life to dialogue, mutual respect amongst different cultures and religious groups to promote world peace and universal human values. Due to his significant impact, he was named as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, and was also recognized as a scholar who preaches a message of peace on the global scale. This essay will conclude by identifying a need for moderate Muslim scholars who advocate universal human values, democracy and dialogue amongst different cultures, faiths and ethnic groups to promote and lead world peace.