Understanding Islam — Page 87
85 DO MUSLIMS NOT KNOW THEIR TEACHINGS? IT IS SOMETIMES alleged that Muslims should investigate their own faith and if they do so, they will discover that it is violent. In order to support this argument, Islamophobes point to the extremists who appear to be zealously supporting and acting in the name of their faith. It is then suggested that the vast majority of Muslims who do not turn to extremism and violence are simply unaware of their own teachings. But, is this fair? Is it reasonable to suggest that young people who suddenly become radicalized without proper investigation and study are true representatives of a faith? Is it also sensible to argue that some people who convert to Islam and soon turn to extremism are legitimately following their faith? If so, is it correct to further suggest that people like the Khal ī fa of