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Religious extremism worries and affects all fields of life in Libya. Therefore, this episode of the Libya Talk program dealt with this issue with its guests, Member of Parliament Ali Al-Takbali, Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Huntati, a specialist in Sharia and Quranic sciences, and Khaled Al-Badawi, a journalist and blogger.

The program talked about the reality of extremism, its causes and consequences. The causes of religious extremism were discussed, including the beginning of the threat of extremism in Islam to the role of religious institutions and clerics in promoting extremist discourse.

The programs camera also toured the street and asked people about the issue of extremism and its presence in society and the public mindset.

The drive to extremism

One of the main causes of extremism is the economic factor, a misunderstanding of religion, or a persons desire to be extremist.

Ali Al-Takbali said that all these reasons push for extremism, citing what Imam Ali bin Abi Talib faced throughout history, and considered that the story of Islamic extremism began since then.

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hinati replied by saying that the main cause of extremism is ignorance in matters of religion in addition to internal and external factors related to the family, school and environment.

Regarding ignorance of religion, Khaled Al-Badawi, also spoke and indicated that he agreed with the Sheikh and believed him with the simple difference that pushing for ignorance, not ignorance itself is the cause of extremism.

Danger of religious extremism in Islam

The history of the beginning of the danger of religious extremism in Islam occupied a part of the program discussion.

In this context, Al-Takbali mentioned that extremism began during the time of the Prophet and after his death. However, he considered that the major strife occurred in the 1980s and in the current century. On the other hand, he spoke of an Islamic awakening. He added that the public discourse has become extremist as a result of the interference of foreigners who want to corrupt Islam.

Al-Badawi agreed with him, adding to the reasons the emergence and diversity of curricula and the difference of opinion among scholars. This, in his opinion, lost the compass, even though the intentions of the scholars were sound.

People on the Libyan streets were asked the following question: Has Libya succeeded in neutralizing the extremist rhetoric? The answers varied between those who considered it successful and those who pointed out the existence of an extremist ideology that distorts religion and throws it into politics.

A way to reduce religious extremism

There must be means to help reduce religious extremism. This was pointed out by Al-Takbali, who stressed the importance of spreading moderate religious discourse through the media, social media, and education.

The Sheikh praised the impact of true science and understanding as enemies of terrorism and extremism, while Al-Badawi stressed that the Quran should be interpreted as it is and that moderation is in the tone of communication.

Libya between religion and politics

The separation between religion and politics is a crucial issue in Libya, and in this context, Al-Takbali referred to the need to spread a non-extremist religious culture, calling for the use of religious legislation in part.

The Sheikh touched on the Tunisian experience by saying that Tunisia is a successful country because it partially uses religious legislation.

As for Al-Badawi, he said that he refuses to separate religion from politics because religion is the law of the land.

The use of religious discourse in politics constituted a major focus of the episode.

Al-Takbali commented that resorting to religious discourse to attract young people to do what benefits Islam is legitimate, refusing to use this discourse to spread hatred, which the Sheikh addressed by commenting that moderate religious discourse is a patriotic act, a legitimate duty, and a civilized method.

Al-Badawi believed that it is possible to use religious discourse in politics, provided that this is done in a positive direction and does not aim to control people and spread fanaticism.

The fate of the next generation

It was necessary to talk about the future of the next generation in the Middle East and North Africa, and whether it is on the verge of extremism or openness.

Al-Takbali warned of a dangerous stage that Libya may experience if the current approach continues. This would, according to him, destroy the concept of moderate Islam. Therefore, he called on the educated youth to be aware of this reality and to follow the religion of God, not the religion of individuals.

For the Sheikh, the ethnic, racial, sectarian and other conflicts are major calamities for Libya and the entire region, which may eventually lead to war.

As for El-Badawi, he seemed optimistic and said that extremism would end if the children were raised well, learned from experience and of the lessons were actually learned.

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Libya Talk discusses: Religious extremism and its threats to Libya - 218 News