Dhunya: Islam does not allow ideologies, acts of extremist

Former foreign minister Dunya Maumoon has stated that extremist ideologies and actions were initiated in the Maldives by some religious scholars or sheikhs in retaliation to the freedom of thought ideologies that were spreading in the country after the Tsunami disaster that hit the country in 2004.

Dhunya also stated that extremism was not a problem faced just by the Maldives and was also not a problem distinct to Islam. 

"The religious scholars and sheikh found the opportunity to speak about a lot of different religious topics due to the freedom thought ideologies spreading in the country in those days. This was not an opportunity they had before. Extremists have even corrupted and misinterpreted the true meaning of Jihad," said Dhunya.

The Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances stated on Sunday that there were branches of extremist organizations operating within the country, to which some religious scholars replied that extremist ideologies were spreading in the country due to the restrictions placed on religious teachings and mistreatment and harm caused to scholars in the administration of president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom.

Dhunya also responded to this by stating that the responsibility of spreading extremism cannot be placed on just one person.

President @maumoonagayoom is a respected & progressive Islamic scholar of international stature! He made every effort to promote the true Islamic ideals of peace, compassion, equality and justice. He consistently fought against the hatred & intolerance perpetrated by extremists! pic.twitter.com/nmYoMZNqls

— Dunya Maumoon (@dunyamaumoon) September 2, 2019

"How many days has it been since my father stepped down? He has always spoken against acts of extremism and bombings. He spoke against this at a religious address given during the last Ramadan. He is a well-respected individual in the SAARC region and even in Azhar University," the eldest daughter of former president Maumoon, Dhunya said.

Dhunya stated that her father had always worked earnestly towards exterminating extremist ideologies and to stop the country from being segregated. 

"I am not saying that there weren't issues, There were things that had to be corrected even then. We should all be working towards exterminating extremism. Judiciary, MNDF and even Police," said Dhnuya.