The word "extremism" means adherence to the most extreme measures or views, as some dictionaries interpret this concept. However, modern politicians and sociologists understand the term in a broader sense. The Law “On Countering Extremist Activities” enshrines the definition of extremism. Today, the following phenomena are attributed to extremism:
- Unlawful forced change of the constitutional foundations of the state, aimed at violating its integrity.
- Public justification of terrorism (ideology and practice of violence), any other terrorist activity.
- Arousal of racial, religious, social, national hatred; violation of human rights and freedoms on the basis of this hatred.
Summarizing the concept, we can say that religious extremism is not just a radical denial of the constitutional foundations, but violent actions aimed at destroying the state system. All extremist acts are committed by groups of individuals.
Most international political scientists distinguish the following types of extremism:
- Political.
- National.
- Religious.
Religious extremism is the desire to rebuild the world on the basis of religious beliefs. In addition, the concept is interpreted as a denial of the whole system of religious values traditional for a particular society, the desire of one of the faiths to spread their beliefs and religious laws to society as a whole.
Today, the phrase “Islamic extremists” is heard, but one must understand: religious extremism is not only Islam. These are some Christian movements that seek to impose their views, religiously based on nationalism. These are sects urging their adherents not to recognize the secular nature of our country, prohibiting obtaining, for example, passports, TIN, etc.
Religious terrorism is any aggressive acts on the part of radically minded believers (or their organizers), radically, militantly
Today, the connection between religion and religious terrorism is growing stronger.
The origin of today's religious terrorism is associated with the 1980 revolution in Iran. Then the word "religious" meant exclusively Islamic terrorism. In the 90s, when the communist ideology collapsed throughout the world, new states formed, there were fewer separatist (i.e., advocating for the separation of countries) organizations. The number of religious movements, by contrast, has increased. Now the word “religious” no longer means exclusively “Islamic”. Extremist and terrorist organizations today are associated with a variety of cults, sects, world religions.
The main goal that religious extremism sets for itself is the recognition of its only faith, the suppression and destruction of all other religious faiths, their forcible joining to their faith.
From this point of view, Islamic extremism with its slogan "Death to all unfaithful" is the most striking, widespread, aggressive. The basis of Islamic religious extremism is the doctrine that Islam is not only a religion, but an integrated political, ideological, social system that stands above all faiths. Therefore, representatives of the movement believe that it is Islam that must rule the world, and all those who do not recognize it must be destroyed.
How to fight extremism and religious terrorism?
- From childhood, cultivate tolerance, tolerance, legal literacy.
- To organize educational work among the population.
- Using the radio and the Internet, the media systematically publish materials describing the activities of legally registered traditional religious associations and cover their work.
- Constantly and purposefully monitor the media.
- Carry out joint preventive actions together with law enforcement organizations to eradicate all illegal religious groups.
- Deny missionary, sectarian activity.
Only joint efforts can rid the world of extremism and terrorism of any kind.
