Ghuloo’ (extremism) in the efforts of Deen by Mufti Shafi’ A good excerpt from "Unity of Ummah" by Mufti Shafi', that deals with the clearly conspicuous and prevalent extremism that is present in many of those who are emotionally attached to a particular effort of Deen, whether it be Sufism, Tableegh, Jihaad, Madaaris etc. The extremism seems to result in the belief that their particular effort is Fard Ain on each individual of the Ummah, and that some of the clearly doubtful practices that have crept in are immune to correction from those who are not directly involved in their effort, even if they be senior reliable ulama. The Extremism in Groups "We have many religious groups amongst us that are established for teaching Din, advising people, propagating and reforming. They are doing sterling work in their respective fields. There are many Ulama and pious people working in these groups. If these groups unite and distribute the work among themselves to combat the attacks against Din and help each other to the best of their abilities, each one regards the other as a helping hand for establishing the common purposes of Din, appreciates the work of other groups as it appreciates its own work, then these different groups can become a colossal strength of Islam even by working within their own perimeters. They would be able to fulfil most of the needs of Din by work distribution. However, what is happening is that every group has demarcated its line of action. In practice, it seems as if each group has regarded the serving of Din to be limited to its own work, although they may not say so verbally. If a group is not fighting with the other groups, it will certainly not appreciate their work. As a result, a kind of division has been created among the groups. After a critical examination, it seems as if the cause is that each group has chosen its own field to work in although everyone's aim is the same, namely to propagate and protect Din and to reform the educational, practical and social life of the Muslims. Some people have established a Darul Ulum for teaching Din, some have formed a jama'at for tabligh to guide people, some have established an organization for Islamic literature, some have established a Darul Ifta to issue legal verdicts while some have established weekly or monthly journals or newspapers to combat the propagation against Islam. All these tasks, although outwardly may seem different but in reality are parts of one whole. It is obvious that each group is working on a different front and their work will also be different. Consequently, each group has made a system and outlined principles and methods for itself to work in, according to its environment in order to simplify matters. It is obvious that the original aim is explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith. Deviating from this path is tantamount to going beyond the boundaries of the Qur'an and Sunnah. However, this system devised by the people and its principles are neither explicit words of the Qur'an and Sunnah nor is it obligatory for each person to follow them. The responsible people of the organization have adopted these principles for the sake of ease. They themselves make changes in these principles according to the need. To adopt another system due to changing circumstances and environments is not regarded as impermissible by anyone. However, practical extremism is found in almost every group whereby they have given their system divine status. Whoever does not participate in their system of operation, even though he may be doing such tremendous work of Din, is not regarded as a brother or partner. If anyone was part of the system, then for some reason or the other, could not continue participating, he is regarded as being deviated from the original aim and off the path of Din. He is treated like a person who has deviated from the path of Din should be treated, even though he may be involved in establishing Dm to a greater extent than before. The result of this extremism gives rise to the perils of partisanship and sectarianism even among religiously-minded people. This kind of partisanship is to be found normally among ignorant ones."