ِDID Press: A central issue in understanding contemporary developments in the Muslim world is the relationship between the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the rise of extremist and takfiri movements. In recent decades, these groups have frequently resorted to violence, terror, and distortions of religious concepts, often claiming that their actions reflect the Prophet’s tradition. Scholarly and historical analysis, however, demonstrates that the principles and behaviors of these groups are in direct contradiction to the Prophet’s ethics, teachings, and conducts.
Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently emphasized morality, tolerance, justice, and peaceful coexistence. The Qur’an and authentic Hadiths present him as a model for safeguarding life, property, and dignity, prohibiting transgressions against others and extreme judgments. In Medina, the Prophet established agreements with various tribes and religious minorities, including Jews and Christians, reflecting a respect for diversity and the necessity of peaceful coexistence. In his practice, violence was legitimate only in cases of self-defense or to preserve societal security, and any aggression or harm toward noncombatants was strictly forbidden.
Takfiri movements, by contrast, interpret the Prophet’s teachings selectively and distortively. Using violent ideologies and narrow, rigid readings of jihad, they declare as apostates those who do not share their beliefs and justify killing or seizing their property. Such conduct not only contradicts the Prophet’s principles of justice, tolerance, and ethics but also conflicts with the Qur’an and divine teachings. For example, the Prophet explicitly guaranteed minority rights in the Medina treaties, protecting them from harm, whereas extremist groups target others without any legal or ethical basis.
Historical analysis indicates that extremism and takfirism in the Muslim world stem from a combination of political, social, and economic factors. Weak governance, identity crises, wars, and foreign interventions have created fertile ground for these movements. By misrepresenting religious teachings, they manufacture a deceptive legitimacy for violent acts—but this legitimacy rests solely on selective and erroneous interpretations of the Prophet’s tradition, with no authentic historical or scriptural support.
Another hallmark of the Prophet’s conduct that starkly opposes extremism is his spirit of mercy, patience, and commitment to social reform. Despite years of oppression in Mecca, he entered Medina with wisdom and restraint, striving for the public good and preserving the unity of the Muslim community. His teachings emphasize guidance over coercion, counsel over violence, and reform over punitive excess, while takfiri groups ignore these principles, using violence to impose their will.
Comparative study between the Prophet’s model and the actions of takfiri groups reveals that these movements have distorted both the ethical and legal teachings of Islam and created crises of identity and security within Muslim societies. The Prophet’s method was grounded in prudence, consultation, justice, and respect for differences, whereas extremist approaches rely on coercion, violence, and the elimination of dissent.
Ultimately, it is clear that extremist and takfiri movements, contrary to their claims, do not continue the Prophet’s tradition but rather pervert it. A thorough understanding of the Prophet’s conduct and Qur’anic teachings can provide a path to counter these groups, protecting Muslim communities from religious distortion and violence. Education, scholarly research, and the promotion of historical and ethical awareness are essential tools in combating takfirism and extremism.
Scientific and historical analysis confirms that the tradition and conduct of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are grounded in justice, tolerance, and peace. Any form of violence, takfir, or extremism runs counter to his teachings. By adhering to these principles, Muslim societies can reconstruct a proper religious, social, and ethical path while preventing the influence of extremist and takfiri currents. By Mohsen Mowahed