Islam is a religion of peace, a God-oriented faith where a person is called to willingly and consciously submit to God after discovering Him and follow His guidance of one’s own free will. However, the political interpretation of Islam presents it as a religion to be enforced on others. According to the political interpretation of Islam, Muslims are duty-bound to establish the political system of Islam all over the world, even if it involves the use of force. This is a gross misinterpretation of Islam. The Quran says, “Do not go to excess in your religion.” (4:171) Extremism, being against the spirit of religion, culminates in confrontation, war, and violence. Moderation, the opposite of extremism, is closely interlinked with peace. Islam is a religion of peace, followed by one’s choice, not subject to enforcement.

The political interpretation of Islam portrays it as a religion that sanctions violence, while the reality is quite the opposite. This extremism leads people to mistakenly believe that Islam directs Muslims to establish an Islamic state. Maulana addressed these misconceptions in his writings and talks, placing such ideas in their correct perspective. Let us explore the true Islamic viewpoint on these matters.