The above 3 terms have been misused so extensively erroneously lately that I wouldnt be surprised if Oxford dictionary introduces a mention of ‘Islam’ or ‘Muslims’ in the meanings of these 3 words.
From what Ive seen in the past few years, the above words have evolved as follows.
Moderate muslims: Muslims who dont mind the western lifestyle, and dont have any qualms in adopting western lifestyle, dressing manners and cultural aspects.
Fundamentalist muslims: Muslims who refuse to accept the western lifestyle and stick to their own lifestyle, preserving their originality.
Extremist muslims: Muslims who are fundamentalists, and in addition, make a concerted effort to erase the moderation from their society.
Now these definitions have been crafted up by the west, and I cant fault them for it, since its their job to introduce propanganda the way it suits them. However, what I find surprising is that muslims, in increasing numbers, have adopted these erroneous definitions as well, and feel ‘proud’ to introduce themselves as moderates, showing their acknowledgement of the western lifestyle, and their desire to adopt it.
I dont have any problem with who wants to adopt what. But lets take everything for what it is. Lets not mix and match. Lets not allow the western media or the western governments to define our religion for us. Lets not allow them to show us whats right in our lifestyle and whats wrong in it. We do not have to be apologetic for Islam. It is what it is. If someone does not agree with it, or does not like it, fair enough. They dont have to. But they are not going to twist it around and portray it as something its not.
Add to that the erroneous interpretations we see of different Islamic values, emanating from the western media. We see analysts giving interviews to media outlets, people who have gone through a cliffs notes summary of the Holy Quran, who seem to be giving ‘expert opinions’ and ‘accurate interpretations’ of what the Holy Quran says. We cannot shut them up. We cannot remove them from their positions. But we dont have to succumb to their interpretations either! If we cant take a stand for what we believe is right, then at least we shouldnt fall for what others say is right either.
This is in response to the increasing glut of so-called expert interviews, analyses and talks that I see on tv and hear on the radio on a daily basis, and the response put forth by local muslims in an attempt to fit in. Its sickeningly ignorant. I see people willing to compromise on their faith in order to fit in. That is indeed, the weakest form of faith.