The Meaning of Terrorism and Extremism and Their Criterion

Question:
The questioner says: We often hear terms like terrorism and extremism, and anyone who comes along talks about them. What is the correct criterion for that? That is, for the meaning of these terms, or in other words, when does a man become a terrorist or an extremist?

Answer:
Extremism is taking dispensations that have no basis and no evidence, and terrorism is encroaching upon people by beating or killing them without right and without evidence, but rather out of ignorance and lack of insight. The terrorists are those who kill people without right and without a legitimate legal argument; they disrupt people's security and cause problems between them and their countries. These are the terrorists. As for the one who enjoins good or forbids evil according to his capacity, he is not one of the extremists. Enjoining good is done according to one's capacity: with his family, with his children, he calls to it within his authority—whether he is an emir, a head of a department, or an employee responsible for everything as he has been ordered, according to the authorities he possesses. The one who cannot do so forbids it with his tongue: "O 'Abdullah, fear Allah; this is not permissible, this is obligatory upon you," using kind words and good manners, as Allah the Exalted said: "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best." And He said: If he is unable to do so, he hates it in his heart and does not approve of any evil. Those who kill people and beat people without a legitimate basis are the terrorists, the corrupters, the ones who compromise security and corrupt people's societies. However, one does not change things with his hand unless he has authority from the rulers. Otherwise, he should refer the matter to the rulers. If he sees an evil and is unable to deal with it, he refers the matter to the rulers. But he advises with words, calls to Allah, and uses encouragement and warning. As for his family, his wife, his children, and those under his authority, there is no harm in his enjoining good with his hand and otherwise, according to the authority he possesses. May Allah guide them all. Yes.