The Concept of Ghulūw in Islam: An Analysis on Its Manifestations and Causes in The Modern World

Abstract

Ghulūw (Religious extremism) is an ongoing issue which has been
debated from the past and continues to the present day. It is astounding how
something associated with religion can lead a person far from religion for
doing something that is forbidden itself. Therefore, to understand the reality of
this concept of ghulūw in this modern world, this article will attempt to explore
the meaning of ghulūw; firstly, from the etymological and linguistic points of
view, and then secondly, from the perspective of sharaʿ including the Qur’ānic
and Prophetic traditions before concluding its actual meaning by examining
the opinions of both classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. Finally, this
article will investigate its manifestations and causes of ghulūw in the modern
world from the standpoint of contemporary Muslim scholars. Consequently,
the study concludes that ghulūw refers to strictness in beliefs and actions which
exceeds beyond the required limits of sharaʿ and therefore emphasizing the
importance of embracing the characteristics of wasaṭiyyah as a remedy to reject
and oppose all kinds of ghulūw.