Extremist Ideology Fuels Violence Against Innocents

Authorities in Karak, Jordan, have identified the perpetrators of an attack on the Hammoud Church but have not yet made arrests. The incident raises questions about the justification of violence against civilians, often attributed to religious extremism. This extremism, the article explains, begins with dehumanizing individuals by reducing them to their religious or ethnic identity, thereby justifying aggression. Historically, the concept of 'takfir' (excommunication) within Islam, initially applied to Muslims by other Muslims, emerged during early Islamic schisms, notably with the Kharijites who deemed dissenters as infidels deserving death. In the 20th century, groups like 'Takfir wal-Hijra' in Egypt advocated for isolation from society and deemed former members apostates. The rise of groups like Al-Qaeda, supported by various nations during the Afghan war against the Soviets, and later ISIS in Iraq following the 2003 US invasion, further illustrates the evolution of extremist ideologies. ISIS, in particular, expanded its targets to include Shia Muslims, opposing Sunni clerics, and those who rejected its authority, making allegiance to the group a measure of faith.

The article clarifies that 'takfir' specifically refers to declaring a Muslim an apostate, while Christians and Jews are considered people of other faiths, not infidels, in Islamic doctrine, citing the permissibility of marriage to 'people of the book.' The church attack occurred amidst a charged political climate, including statements by Donald Trump blaming Muslims and immigrants for unrest in France and suggesting Paris would become Islamic, a narrative rejected by French authorities and countered by left-wing groups. Trump's rhetoric also targeted Muslim American politicians like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, exploiting their religious identity for political gain. The article notes that such extremism is not exclusive to Muslims, referencing attacks on Muslims in places like New Zealand and France, as well as sectarian bombings in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This climate provides fertile ground for hate speech, where perpetrators of violence against Christians can be used to demonize all Muslims, while Islamists exploit anti-Muslim sentiment to justify conflict and historical grievances. The article highlights the timing of the Karak church attack, following King Abdullah II's UN address on Israeli expansionism and an interview where a Jordanian banker discussed Arab Christian integration. The author suggests that such attacks, where individuals are targeted for their identity, necessitate a universal condemnation of racism and incitement, advocating for the non-politicization of religion and the protection of all citizens' right to live peacefully and practice their faith freely. The piece concludes by suggesting that extremist groups are often infiltrated by intelligence agencies, with their actions strategically timed to benefit figures like Trump and Netanyahu, and that such violence can distract from ongoing issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.