Most people whose knowledge of Islam is derived from the daily news would be shocked to learn that Prophet Muhammad told Muslims, “Religion (Islam) is very easy, whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So do not be extremists, just try to approach perfection, and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded (just for that).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (39) and Muslim (2816).

I often think of this Hadith when I read or hear of terrible things being done in the name of God. by pious people in my own religion as well as pious people in other religions.

Faithful believers, who worship the One and only God, and who sincerely follow the teachings of their religion, find it very hard to understand how other people who worship the same God and follow similar religious teachings, can engage in acts of corruption, coverup, and deliberate terrorism.

Perhaps we think that people of other religions can do such things; because we do not know in much detail what their religions actually teach them. But we do know our own religion, and we know that it does not permit the sexual exploitation or murder of women and children.

Yet we frequently read of such activities, not only being done by members of our own religion, but condoned or covered up, by some leaders of our own religion. How can this be explained?

 All religions condemn hypocrisy. Almost always this refers to those who claim to be believers, and yet do less than they should. But what about those who do more than they should?

Examples of condemnation of religious fanaticism and extremism as hypocrisy within ones own religion are much less frequent. It is not easy to tell your own pious followers that more isn’t always better, or that pious intentions do not justify evil deeds.

The Talmud records a good example of this rare type of criticism of the more is better philosophy. Rabbi Isaac condemned the extremism of some........

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