The Evolution of Extremism

Abstract

From its beginning Islam has witnessed divisions, splits, and the appearance of new groups such as Khawarej, the Shi’a, Zaids, and others. It appears that the common denominator for most of these groups splitting away has been political reasons. Most of the ideological and theological developments that later arose have been an appendix to the split and not its motive and in the distant future would reflect the uniqueness of these groups and movements. The history of Islam is sown with a factionalism that has created unique groups in Middle Eastern history and presented Islam as a religion built on a wide basis that has allowed religious and political interpretation.