Abstract
The article discusses how religion has been used in escalating extremism among people. People of one religion fight with people of other religion, then they argue among themselves and create different sects. It has been a tool in conquering territories and enslaving people. Religion has an emotional grip over people that they squeeze the right to survive of a person who disagree with them in matters of religious believes. Holy Prophet (PBUH) teachings forbade Muslims from taking extreme action. His teaching emphasis is always on mercy, forgiveness and peace and tranquility in society. Islam inculcate in its followers to have staunch adherence to Islamic tenets, “do not interfere with others believes and do not leave the path that one follows”. Quran stressed that Allah had made religion easy to follow by its believers but man's rigid thinking has made it difficult. Muslims must read and try to understand Quran, it teaches people to be compassionate, merciful, kind, gracious and above all humane. Holy Prophet (PBUH) forewarned Muslims not to worship personalities because it will destroy them. Muslims were emotional about Holy Prophet (PBUH) and described him as super-natural. Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) checked them and repeatedly told them that he is human being like any one of them and he is Allah’s messenger. Islam is against extremism of any kind. In Quran Surah Annam (Animal) verse 108: Allah says “Do not revile the idols which they invoke besides Allah, lest in their ignorance they should spitefully revile Allah”. Quran narrates to us about other religions; Muslims should study Quran, understand other religions and have balance approach towards others.
