The message of Islam is being drowned by extreme voices. In a frank discussion amongst scholars, Radical Middle Way brings together some of Islam’s most prominent names at a summit in the ancient city of Fez, to reiterate the orthodox message of Islam – that of mercy, peace, co-existence and justice. In this groundbreaking video the scholars help shed light on a question frequently posed: What is the Middle Way?

The three things that should be considered in teaching, advice, and policy-making: fear, hope, and love as outlined early on in our history.

The third and probably most efficient weapon in our struggle against fear and ignorance is love. Love for our Creator, for our brothers and sisters, for all humankind, and for creation is what ultimately gives meaning to our efforts, beyond anything that fear and hope could possibly achieve. It is a strong force that is even able to sometimes turn an enemy into a friend by “defeating evil with something that is better” (Surah 41, Ha-Mim as-Sajdah:34).

Therefore Rabi’ah al-Adawiyah, the famous mystic of Basra, reportedly said, “I would like to extinguish hellfire and set paradise on fire so that people get rid of these two veils and serve God only for the love of His beauty.” But this is probably best for advanced mystics to understand.

Read part 1 “Fear”, here and part 2 “Hope” here

The three things that should be considered in teaching, advice, and policy-making: fear, hope, and love as outlined early on in our history.

Another weapon would be hope. In fact, Al-Ghazali describes it as an efficient antidote for fear. While fear of the consequences may prevent bad actions, the hope for a reward may motivate to do good actions.

Hope is also a strong support that enables us to continue, to have patience, to try a fresh start. Our prophetic models have been exposed to depressing experiences and dark days in their lives and had to be reminded of the sparks of hope. Even the Prophet Muhammad was told, “Your Lord has not left you, and He is not angry. And what comes afterwards is better for you than what was before …” (Surah 93, Ad-Duha).

We must keep that in mind for our perspective when we teach our children and get them involved; when we help others to deal with a personal crisis or a conflict. Most important, though, is to keep in mind that the hermeneutical key for exegesis of our source text as well as for ijtihad is a message of hope: the Prophet Muhammad was sent as a “Mercy for the Worlds”.

We must not forget that the purpose of our Law is happiness both in this world and in the life to come.

Read part 1 “Fear”, here and part 3 “Love” here

Faith is a fortress that provides security for the people within and around. It is a stronghold from which to fight. As classical scholars like Al-Ghazali phrased it: “We start doing something about our own character, in this case about our own fear and ignorance, thus building such a fortress.”

Then we might think about possible weapons. I see three things that should be considered in teaching, advice, and policy-making: fear, hope, and love as outlined early on in our history.

Many would first think of fear as an efficient weapon. Well, perhaps a warning of consequences may clarify the limits and boundaries and demand respect and may therefore be necessary. But fear is a double-edged sword.

I frequently come across what I call fear-inhibited religion: inexperienced imams and teachers who are afraid that their communities lose themselves in bad actions put such weight on warning messages of punishment and hellfire that people hardly dare to do anything at all.

Another manifestation would be the demand for drastic measures against something that is perceived as threatening - but this is exactly the stuff that violent extremism grows from - in all varieties that have aptly been described in one of the earlier lectures: both terror and the war against terror are ultimately based on the idea of fighting fear with fear.

Read part 2 “Hope” here and part 3 “Love” here

Keep an eye on the Fez Summit Live blog (or follow us on twitter or facebook) for more notes, articles, photos and videos from the summit…

Difference is a natural need, for God created people different in the way they think and the way they understand. Also, God sent a number of prophets to different nations, which is a great lesson on the importance of difference.

Difference is divded into three approaches; creedal, legal and social differences.

Difference between people in social matters and general behaviors

Our attitudes towards people, be them love or hatred, are all based on conceived images we create in our minds and believe them. Hence, one ought to correct pre-conceived judgments about other people, by means of being open to knowing people. People are mines, we need to dig deep to reveal their essence.

We have a system of values that ought to be revived, so that difference is controlled. This is primarily possible through reinforcing the Prophet’s tradition with this regard. Through this tradition we learn to appreciate the human being regardless of their difference. We need to appreciate the value of the human womb, since all people are the progeny of one family.

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