Moderation is a Safety Valve... A Reading of the Ramtha Events
By Dr. Bilal Abu Qadoum / Amman Arab University
Societies occasionally witness signs of tension or ideological deviations that threaten their security and cohesion. In light of recent events in Ramtha, a thoughtful reading within a religious and intellectual context is urgently needed. The article posits that moderation (wasatiyyah), a central principle in Islam described in the Quran as making the Muslim community "a middle nation," is the essential safeguard. It stands in stark contrast to extremism in all its forms, which opens the door to radicalization, excommunication (takfir), and internal strife.
Confronting extremist ideology, the author argues, requires correct Islamic scholarship based on the Quran, authentic Prophetic tradition, and the understanding of the early Muslim community. The piece highlights the particular danger of escalating takfiri rhetoric aimed at youth. It commends the effective response by Jordanian security forces and societal cohesion in containing the Ramtha events, presenting it as a model for protecting intellectual security and social stability through a unified state-society approach.
