(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Mian Iftikhar Ahmad)
Extremism has become a serious global issue today, posing threats not only to societal peace and stability but also challenging the spiritual and moral development of Muslims. Addressing this issue requires more than just governmental or political measures; it is deeply rooted in intellectual, moral, and spiritual education. Islam has always emphasized the importance of human intellectual and spiritual development, and this guidance reaches the public through the pulpit (minbar) and the mihrab. The pulpit and the mihrab are not merely centers of worship; they are highly effective means of societal awareness and moral guidance.
Through the pulpit and the mihrab, essential values such as moderation, patience, tolerance, empathy, good conduct, and service to humanity are instilled in the hearts of Muslims, all of which play a key role in reducing the poison of extremism.
The Quran states:
“Do not be extravagant, for Allah does not love the extravagant” (Quran, Surah Al-Isra, 26),
emphasizing the importance of moderation in every aspect of life. Similarly, Allah commands:
“Speak kindly to people” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 83),
which reinforces the principle of good conduct, communicated to the public through sermons and religious gatherings.
On the pulpit, the preacher informs the community about societal evils, prejudice, ignorance, hatred, and religious misconceptions, guiding them toward the balanced and moderate message of Islam. The Quran and Hadith serve as the foundation of such guidance, teaching that Islam does not support oppression or extremism, but promotes justice, good conduct, brotherhood, and peace.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
Such teachings, when conveyed from the pulpit, foster tolerance and empathy within society. The mihrab holds great significance in the context of worship. It is the place where a person stands before Allah with humility and devotion, reflecting on their actions. The mihrab provides spiritual peace and purifies the heart, which helps reduce extremist tendencies.
The Quran states:
“Indeed, prayer restrains from immorality and wrongdoing” (Quran, Surah Al-Ankabut, 45).
Worship performed in the mihrab develops patience, tolerance, and good conduct within the individual. The role of the pulpit in eradicating extremism becomes even more crucial when the preacher addresses issues such as ignorance, prejudice, hatred, and religious misconceptions. Public sermons raise awareness and guide people toward the true, moderate message of Islam. Friday sermons, educational gatherings, and other religious meetings highlight the pulpit’s importance in shaping public opinion and providing intellectual guidance.
The teachings of the Quran and Sunnah help individuals understand that everyone has the responsibility to maintain balance in their actions and thoughts. Sermons from the pulpit cultivate moral consciousness in society, demonstrating that Islamic teachings bring mercy, reconciliation, and peace, not hatred, revenge, or terror. Through the pulpit and the mihrab, societal harmony, brotherhood, respect for human rights, and justice are promoted, all of which weakened the roots of extremism.
Islam encourages every person to seek knowledge, think critically, and adopt moderation, and the pulpit and mihrab play a central role in integrating these principles into daily life. Sermons promote patience, tolerance, good conduct, and empathy, motivating individuals to adopt balanced and moderate societal behavior. In the mihrab, worshippers seek forgiveness, repent for their mistakes, and cultivate compassion, patience, and ethical conduct, which spiritually and morally counters extremism.
Through the pulpit and the mihrab, intellectual and moral awareness is created at the societal level. Scholars and preachers, guided by the Quran and Sunnah, advise the public on moderation, patience, tolerance, and moral conduct. The pulpit and mihrab foster Islamic values such as brotherhood, peace, reconciliation, and respect for human rights, forming the strongest protective barrier against extremism. Worship strengthens the fear of Allah and piety in the heart, which equips individuals with the moral and intellectual balance needed to resist extremist ideologies.
In conclusion, the pulpit and the mihrab play a pivotal role in eradicating extremism and establishing a moderate Islamic society. They are not merely centers of worship but also the most effective tools for moral, spiritual, and intellectual guidance. Through them, the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah reach the public, instilling moderation, patience, tolerance, good conduct, and human values, ultimately creating a balanced, peaceful, and moderate Islamic society aligned with the true teachings of Islam. Recognizing the educational, moral, and spiritual dimensions of the pulpit and the mihrab enables scholars and religious leaders to effect positive change in society and actively combat extremism.
