Islamic fundamentalism facts for kids

Islamic fundamentalism is a way of thinking that supports using Islamic laws in daily life and government. These laws are based on the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, and the hadiths, which are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. People who follow this idea believe that society should be guided strictly by these religious teachings.

What is Fundamentalism?

Fundamentalism is a way of thinking where people believe that their religion's oldest and most basic teachings are the only true ones. They often want to go back to how things were done in the past, following the original rules very closely. This idea isn't just found in Islam; it can be seen in other religions too, like Christianity or Judaism.

People who are fundamentalists believe that their holy books or traditions should be followed exactly. They might think that modern ideas have moved too far away from the original path. They often want to see their religious beliefs guide all parts of society, including laws, education, and how people behave.

Islamic Fundamentalism Explained

When we talk about Islamic fundamentalism, it means people who believe that Islamic societies should strictly follow the early teachings of Islam. They want to make sure that the rules and ways of life from the time of the Prophet Muhammad are used today. This often means they want to see Islamic law, called Sharia, used as the main law of the land.

These groups believe that following Sharia will lead to a fair and just society. They often feel that modern ways have weakened Islamic values. Their goal is to bring back what they see as the pure and original form of Islam.

Key Ideas

• The Quran: This is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it contains messages from God. Islamic fundamentalists believe every word in the Quran should be followed exactly.
• The Hadiths: These are collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. They help explain the Quran and show how Muslims should live. Fundamentalists also follow these very closely.
• Sharia Law: This is a set of religious laws that come from the Quran and Hadiths. It covers many parts of life, like how to pray, what to eat, and rules for marriage and business. People who support Islamic fundamentalism want Sharia to be the law for everyone.

How it Affects Society

When people believe strongly in Islamic fundamentalism, it can affect many parts of society. In some places, it means that religious leaders have a big say in how the country is run. Laws might be based directly on Sharia.

For example, rules about clothing, public behavior, and education might be guided by religious teachings. There can be different ideas about how Sharia should be used. Some interpretations are very strict, while others are more flexible. It's important to remember that not all Muslims are fundamentalists. Most Muslims follow their faith in many different ways.

See Also

In Spanish: Fundamentalismo islámico para niños