Islam & false narrative of Fitna-Al-Khawarij

2026-02-19 - 23:23

ISLAM is a religion whose foundational message is peace, compassion and mercy for all humanity. Its teachings emphasize harmony among people, purification of hearts from hatred and prejudice and the promotion of justice as the bedrock of social order. The Qur’anic worldview seeks to reduce conflict through dialogue, mutual respect and equitable conduct within societies and among nations. At its core, Islam envisions peace not merely as the absence of war, but as a comprehensive moral and social condition grounded in justice. In stark contrast to this philosophy stands the violent ideology associated with Fitna-Al-Khawarij (FAK), formerly known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The very term “Khawarij” historically refers to an extremist sect that rebelled against legitimate authority and declared fellow Muslims apostates. By adopting this label, the state has underscored the group’s deviation from mainstream Islamic teachings. FAK’s operational philosophy revolves around violence, intimidation and the deliberate targeting of civilians, actions fundamentally opposed to Islam’s ethical framework. For over two decades, this terrorist outfit has cloaked itself in religious rhetoric while perpetrating acts that defy Islamic injunctions. Its attacks on security forces, schools, markets, mosques and public spaces across Pakistan have not only claimed innocent lives but also distorted the global perception of Islam. Narratives such as “Islamophobia,” “political Islam” and “Islamic militancy” have gained currency internationally, often fueled by the brutal actions of groups like FAK that falsely present themselves as representatives of the faith. Islam unequivocally forbids the killing of non-combatants, including women, children and worshippers. Classical Islamic jurisprudence upholds the sanctity of life and property, even during warfare. Yet FAK’s victims have frequently been schoolchildren, labourers, religious congregations and ordinary commuters. Bombings and targeted killings have created an atmosphere of fear, undermining not only national security but also the moral fabric of society. Such acts are not merely criminal; they are theological violations of Islam’s most sacred principles. The group’s violence has disproportionately affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the former tribal districts. These regions are deeply rooted in Pashtun traditions of honour, hospitality and communal solidarity. The Pashtunwali code emphasizes respect, protection of guests and conflict resolution through consultation. The centuries-old Jirga system embodies negotiation, reconciliation and collective wisdom. Violence and coercion have never been intrinsic features of this cultural framework. By terrorizing local populations and dismantling social cohesion, FAK has eroded the very traditions it claims to defend. Attacks on supply convoys, small traders and transporters illustrate the group’s disregard for ordinary livelihoods. Destroying a vehicle that sustains a family’s income cannot be construed as resistance or victory; it is an assault on economic survival. FAK’s strategy frequently targets the poor and the powerless, exposing the hollowness of its ideological claims. Islam’s moral compass directs believers to protect the weak and uphold justice. In practice, FAK has done the opposite. The regional dimension of terrorism further complicates the challenge. Multiple United Nations monitoring reports have assessed that FAK remains one of the largest terrorist entities operating from Afghan territory. Reports indicate that it has maintained operational capacity within Afghanistan and has conducted cross-border attacks into Pakistan. The UN has described it as the “largest terrorist group” on Afghan soil, noting its continued ability to mount significant operations.Analysts have highlighted linkages between FAK, the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The geopolitical context is equally relevant. The re-establishment of the Afghan Taliban government in 2021 followed the United States-Taliban Agreement signed in Doha on February 29, 2020. After two decades of conflict that began with the US-led intervention in 2001, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Observers note that FAK’s surge in activity after 2021 coincides with these developments. The question arises whether the group perceived the Taliban’s return to power as a strategic opportunity to expand its own influence in Pakistan’s border regions. Pakistan has repeatedly called upon the Afghan authorities to prevent the use of their soil for attacks against neighbouring states. While statements from Kabul have signaled a commitment to non-interference, practical enforcement remains critical. Beyond geopolitics, however, lies a more profound issue: the theological distortion underpinning FAK’s narrative. Islam’s conception of Shariah is inseparable from justice, mercy and the protection of human dignity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established covenants of coexistence, safeguarded minority rights and forbade transgression. Violence divorced from ethical restraint has no legitimacy in Islamic jurisprudence. What FAK portrays as “Islamic rule” is, in reality, brutality cloaked in religious symbolism. Its campaign of fear contradicts the Qur’anic injunction that killing a single innocent person is akin to killing all humanity. By declaring fellow Muslims apostates and legitimizing bloodshed, the group revives the extremist tendencies historically associated with the Khawarij, tendencies that were rejected by the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholars. Pakistan’s struggle against terrorism has been costly, measured in thousands of civilian and military lives. Yet the broader battle is ideological as much as it is military. Scholars, community leaders and policymakers must continue to articulate Islam’s authentic message: peace anchored in justice and justice guided by compassion. FAK’s philosophy stands as an anti-thesis to Islam. It thrives on chaos, fear and division, whereas Islam aspires to harmony, moral discipline and collective wellbeing. The future of the region depends not only on dismantling militant networks but also on reclaiming the ethical narrative they have sought to appropriate. Peace and justice, not terror are the true face of Islamic Shariah. —The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad. (drmkedu@gmail.com)