‘Boko Haram exploits Islam’
is disturbing about the terrorist group Boko Haram; their constant exploitation of Islamic discourse to justify their murder and carnage. Any practicing Muslim understands that God does not command anyone to kill innocent people or kidnap hundreds of schoolgirls! The Holy Quran calls those who attempt to destroy the peace and tranquility of ordinary people as the corruptors of the land. Moreover, Islam is against slavery, therefore; there is no religious or moral justification which permits abducting young innocent schoolgirls and sell them into slavery. However, the most pressing question about Boko Haram’s recent terrorist activities is the following: why are they so violent and so hostile to Muslims and Christians alike?! One possible interpretation of the extreme violence of Boko Haram is that murderers, killers and cutthroats can justify their criminal behaviors anyway they like. In addition to its use of a peculiar name (Boko Haram) which means “Western Education is forbidden” or fraudulent; the group claims to be Jama’atahl as-sunnah li-d-da’wawa-l-jihad;which translates into English: “the Congregation of the People of Tradition for Proselytism and Jihad” (see Wikipedia). However, in the current multi-sect Islam, and particularly in Sunni Islam, no group can claim that it represents Sunnis. Boko Haram claims to represent Sunni Islam; while the “International Islamic Figh Academy, based in Jeddah (Suadia Arabia) and part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemns in practices. According to a statement issued by the IIFA: abductions of schoolgirls is a “heinous act” and contradicts “all humanitarian principles and moral values and violates the provisions of the Quran and Sunnah” (source: http://www.fiqhacademy.org.sa/).
Ordinary Muslims usually read the Holy Quran almost every day; and in the holy book God explains that “O men, We created you from a male and female, and formed you into nations and tribes that you may recognize each other. He who has more integrity has indeed greater honor with God. Surely God is all-knowing and well-informed” (49:13). No Muslim individual or group can claim integrity or “greater” honor unless they become the most righteous.
Furthermore, one fact about Boko Haram and other extremist and radical groups is that they tend to use misleading reasoning. For example; members of radical groups justify murder of innocent victims by using Quranic verses and the Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings out of context. However, according to traditional Islamic teachings one cannot impose their own “personalized” interpretation of Islamic Sharia to justify their own “worldly” interests. It is almost certain that in most cases of terror caused by Boko Haram and similar extremist groups; both ideological and materialistic interests blend together.