The more common usage of the term radical today is sort of odd; it is taken to be synonymous with fanatical or extremist. But radical in fact means fundamental or basic -- as from its Latin predecessor, at the root. If you go by the original definition, then, yes, these Muslims are radical. But I think the more appropriate term should be orthodox or traditionalist. I.e., the so-called radicals are not extremists -- they are the truly devout, following Islam to the letter. I dont think its appropriate to call non-radical Muslims moderate; that implies that they occupy some sort of middle ground. But middle ground between what and what? Between radical/orthodox and ??? So I think the more appropriate term for the so-called moderate Muslims is either heterodox or liberal, or, what is probably more accurate, nominal and/or non-practicing. Liberal Muslims are those that do not hold to the fullness of their religion, just as liberal Catholics or Jews have heterodox beliefs which are incompatible with orthodox Catholicism or Judaism. So, in sum, the majority demonstrated in this presentation is of orthodox Muslims -- those who abide by, or at least intellectually assent to, the traditional teachings of Islam.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 09:45:14 +0000
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