omething very interesting is going on in the US these days. On the one hand, a cloned Hutton Inquiry is underway to whitewash successful 9/11-operation of the Neo-cons and Zionists’ with prior knowledge of the US administration.  

On the other, the neo-mods of Islam — which include all shades from “liberal” to “progressive,” “moderate,” and “enlightened moderate” Muslims — have intensified their efforts to establish themselves as the only acceptable “moderates” in the eyes of the real culprits of 9/11.

Soon after 9/11, leading media outlets started printing desperate pleas of the neo-mods of Islam for recognition. They called the US administration not to leave them high and dry like other Muslim allies. They assured the establishment in all possible ways that they are the only reliable to rely upon in the administration’s crusade for transforming the Muslim world in the US image. [1]

Irrespective of the confusing fog of clichés, such as “normative principles” and “empirical reality,” there is no denying the fact that the centuries old campaign to classify Muslims has intensified after the fall of Soviet Union. A cursory look at the Western literature over the last 20 years will testify to this fact. 

The term “fundamentalist” was further classified and associated with extremism and terrorism in a way that any mention to fundamentalism now leads people to think of nothing else, but terrorism.  

The neo-mods of Islam played an enormous role in promoting the misconception that there are a diverse set of Muslims, who claim to be the upholders of different types of Islam.  

What is interesting in all of this is not the western demand for moderation. Actually it has been the Neo-cons and Zionist plan to divide Muslims to which many Muslims responded with supplying “moderation” in return for acceptability and the favours they need according to their respective status.  

The latest attempts of these diverse groups of opportunists are directed at proving which the actual “moderates” among them are. 

This article seeks to examine the real basis of classification among human beings, which has been narrowed down only to Muslims with a variety of rancid notions and confusing clichés. It will try to show that there is no place in Islam for the kind of classification vigorously promoted by the neo-mods of Islam.   

It sounds nice to give diverse examples of the Taliban, Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda, etc. and call it empirical reality. When looked from a shallow perspective, these groups might seem relatively moderate or extreme when compared in relation to each other.  

What is difficult for the self-proclaimed “moderates” to show is the bottom line of “moderateness.” Where does the advocates-of-war-promoted moderation end? 

Second, who sets the bench mark of moderation which the “moderates” pre-suppose in their blind quest for recognition?  

Third, who is the judge? Who gauges deviation or conformity of individuals, groups or states with reference to these benchmarks? 

The way Muslims respond to injustice, occupations and various other forms of exploitations is absolutely not the criteria to moderation. As long as the self-appointed judges of moderation do not put themselves in the shoes of victims, they cannot set a bench mark that judges a group on the basis whether it targets civilians and their property or not. [2]  

These self-appointed judges of moderation always elevate reason over revelation, but they leave reason aside when they first declare in the pages of the New York Times that Muslims in America should care about their sons and daughter in America and forget about their brothers and sisters in Palestine and Kashmir; and then blame victims of 50 years Israeli wholesale oppression for targeting civilians, as if the Israeli oppressors know and respect this distinction. 

These are not the valid criteria for such classification among Muslims because the associated vagueness would well classify even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the most radical and militant person for being a model of practicing revelation to the core and being so “aggressive” to engage his followers in a many wars in a short span of after migration to Madina. 

The vagueness of the criteria put forward by the neo-mods can be judged from the way they classify Muslims with “minimalist degree of personal religious commitment,” and those who have “embraced secularity in the public realm” as “Liberal Muslims.”  

These agents of classification, however, can never come up with any reference from the Holy Qur’an or Sunnah that considers a people with avowed “minimalist degree of personal religious commitment” and rejection of the role of Islam in “public realm” at least as Muslims, let alone any other acceptable label.  

It is wrong to assume that Islamic resurgence is a movement in response to the dominance of Western civilisation. The moribund Western civilisation is not dominating the Muslim world. It is the crusade-infected mentality of some in the Western world, who dominate the Muslim world through the use of deputy tyrants, fully supported by economic, military and technological might. The movement in the Muslim world is not for the revival of Islam but for revival of Muslims. 

This tendency did not lead to any new ideology, referred to by the neo-mods as “Islamism.” The so-considered ideologies are simply different modus operandi to call Muslims to Islam according to the situation they face in different parts of the Muslim world.  

In their quest for prominence and personal success, the neo-mods attempt to turn some non-issues, raised by the neo-cons, into international debate. For instance, Muslims do not consider moderation as a function of secularism. They consider it a virtue of Islam and basic trait of Muslims’ behaviour. [3] This is a non-issue. The issue is: Who sets the bench mark of moderation for Muslims? The Qur’an or the Zionist Neo-cons alliance?  

To rise above the confused rhetoric of the classifying agents, one needs to understand the basis of actual classification among human beings, not Muslims alone. 

For this one needs not go too far away from the beginning of the Qur’an. Four verses at the beginning of second chapter describe the believers. The next two describe the disbelievers, and thirteen verses that follow describe the hypocrites among Muslims for the simple reason that identifying hypocrites is extremely necessary to avoid their mischief. 

This is where we see that all the self-pleasing shades ­among so-called Muslims — from liberal to enlightened moderates and those associated with the amalgamated  religio-political parties — is nothing but hypocrisy under different labels. 

Believers 

The first verse of chapter 2 clearly states:  الم - ذَلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ِ that: “This is the Book (the Qur'an), wherein there is no doubt guidance for the Muttaqin (2:1-2).  According to the Qur’an, Muslims are either Muttaqin (who fear Allah) or Munafiqin (hypocrites). Allah recognizes no shades of Muslims in between.

The Arabic word huddun (guidance) in this verse is an attribute of the Qur’an that carries better meaning than fehey-huddun فِيهِ هُدًى (in which there is guidance). This factor is important for the reason that it makes little difference if someone is involved in the so-called “literal” or the neo-mods-promoted ijthehadist interpretation of this verse.

It means correct guidance — Hidayah — is granted only to those who have Taqwa (the fear of Allah in their heart). [4] Those who look for justifying their circular logic, get exactly the same from it. Allah says: “And We send down the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe and it increases the Zalimin (wrongdoers) in nothing but loss.” (17:82).

Muslims other than Muttaqin have a disease in their heart.  Ibn `Abbas said aboutهُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِين   (guidance for the Muttaqin) that it means, "Muttaqin are the believers who avoid Shirk with Allah and who work in His obedience.'' Ibn `Abbas also said that Al-Muttaqin means, "Those who fear Allah's punishment [not Bush’s punishment for refusing to cooperate in vague wars].”

The very next verse shatters the myth that those with “minimalist degree of personal religious commitment,” are also Muslim and take guidance from the book. Allah says, the Qur’an is guidance for Muttaqin: those الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلوةَ “Who believe in the Ghayb (unseen) and perform the Salah) (2:3).

The Messenger of Allah said, “The servant will not acquire the status of the Muttaqin until he abandons what is harmless out of fear of falling into that which is harmful.” [5] Muttaqin avoid what they think Allah might dislike. [6] “Liberal” Muslims on the other hand follow the minimum what Allah has made obligatory. Imagine their status in the eye of Allah, not the neo-cons and see if the classifications we are fed with are valid.

Iman (belief) in Unseen in this verse refers to trust in Allah. [7] Ibn Jarir (At-Tabari) commented, "The preferred view is that they [Momineen/Muttaqin] be described as having faith in the Unseen by the tongue, deed and creed.” It means the deeds are inseparable from the verbal belief in the Unseen — Allah, His books, Angels, Prophets, the Day of Judgment and His powers. [8] In later part we will see how the so-called Muslims today are denying the Unseen as described in the Qur’an.

The four verses at the beginning of chapter 2 describe the believers in general and include every believer, whether an Arab, non-Arab, or a person of a previous Scripture, [9] whether they are Jinns or humans. All of these attributes complement each other and require the existence of the other attributes. For instance, it is not possible to remain Muslim despite believing in the Unseen, performing prayers and giving Zakah if he rejects part of the message of the Qur’an and ignore doing what Allah has made obligatory. [See. 02:85]  

After describing the class of believers among humankind, Allah says:

 أُوْلَـئِكَ عَلَى هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ  

“They are on guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful” (02:05)

Disbelievers

The following two verses of chapter 2 describe non-believers:

 إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ  

“Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.” (02:06) [10]

خَتَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَى سَمْعِهِمْ وَعَلَى أَبْصَـرِهِمْ غِشَـوَةٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عظِيمٌ  

“Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment.” (02:07).

Types of Believers and Disbelievers

Consequently, there are several types of people. There are the believers whom the first four Verses (2:2-5) in Chapter 2 describe. There are the disbelievers who were described in the next 2 verses. We will discuss types of hypocrites at the end of section on hypocrites. 

There is a parables in chapter 24 about the true believers who are compared to a brightly illuminated lamp, just like a rising star. This is the believer, whose heart is built on faith and receiving its support from the divine legislation that was revealed to it, without any impurities or imperfections.  

Allah gave a parable of the disbelievers who think that they have something, while in reality they have nothing; such people are those who have compounded ignorance. Allah said, “As for those who disbelieved, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing” (24:39).  

Allah then gave the example of ignorant disbelievers, simple in their ignorance. He said; “Or (the state of a disbeliever) is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed by waves, topped by dark clouds, (layers of) darkness upon darkness: if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light) (24:40).  

Therefore, Allah divided the camp of the disbelievers into two groups, advocates and followers. Allah mentioned these two groups in the beginning of chapter 22: “And among mankind is he who disputes about Allah, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allah) Shaytan (devil) (devoid of every kind of good)” (22:3), and, (And among men is he who disputes about Allah, without knowledge or guidance, or a Book giving light (from Allah)” (22:8).

Furthermore, Allah has divided the group of the believers in the beginning of Surat Al-Waqi`ah (Chapter 56) and at the end. He also divided them in Surat Al-Insan (Chapter 76) into two groups, the Sabiqun (those who preceded), they are the "near ones" (Muqaribun) and Ashab Al-Yamin (the companions of the right), and they are righteous (Abrar).

In summary, these Ayat divide the believers into two categories, the near ones and righteous. Also, the disbelievers are of two types, advocates and followers.

The Hypocrites

Compared to 4 verses for the believers and 2 for non-believers, Allah used 13 verses for describing the hypocrites among Muslims who show belief and hide disbelief.

To further clarify this class of so-called Muslims, Allah revealed chapter 9, 24 and 63(specifically named as Munafiqoon — the hypocrites). He also mentioned the hypocrites in other Surahs, so that their description would be known and their ways and errors could be avoided. Allah said,

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَبِالْيَوْمِ الأْخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤْمِنِينَ - يُخَـدِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إلاَّ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ  

“And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe.” (2:08).

“They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!” (02:09). The reason is that claiming to be Muslim is not enough. Thus, considering a statement of belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment as a proof of someone to be Muslim is utterly misleading. Only living by the way prescribed by Allah shows if one really is a believer, or not.

Ibn Jurayj said of the hypocrite that, "His actual deeds are different from what he publicizes, what he conceals is different from what he utters, his entrance and presence are not the same as his exit and absence.'' The best example of this class among Muslims is some of the neo-mods who are very religious as far as their private religious practice is concerned. However, to please their benefactors, they deny any role for Islam in public sphere, thus openly espousing secularism for personal gains.

That is where they have to promote themselves as someone whose thoughts are inconsonance with the apparently secular neo-cons on the one hand and the “real” message of Islam on the other. No label of moderatism describes them as accurately as their actual label: the hypocrites.

There are others who believe and openly declare Shari’ah as the essence of Islam, yet they come up with many circuitous arguments to show that their Ijthihadist thoughts are in consonance with their Western promoters. They might consider doing so for the welfare of Muslims but this duplicity of pleasing Allah and Uncle Sam at the same time make them cross the line into the group of Munafiqin.

We must remember that the first Muslim hypocrites were exposed only at the time of Islam’s first battle with Kufr — the battle of Badr and Gazwa-e-Tabuk. Since then they kept exposing themselves at similar occasions that demand sacrifice on their part.

Today Muslims are passing through a similar situation that requires sacrifices on social, political and economic fronts. The weakness of faith becomes evident at such occasions where hypocrites present persuasive arguments for self interest, whether it is the case of enforcing Shari’ah or eliminating Riba or banning homosexuality. Remember, none of the Emigrants from Mecca to Madina were hypocrites, because they sacrificed willingly (seeking the pleasure of Allah). Sacrificing personal comfort, social status, wealth and life for Allah is the bench mark of faith, which not more than 1 per cent of present day Muslims can qualify. The shades in Muslims are invented for precisely the same reason of fine-tuning the Deen according to personal whims and desires.

It is utterly misleading to think that the hypocrites related verses are revealed only for the non-believers who tried to deceive earlier Muslims in the guise of believers. The verses revealed at the occasion of Gazwa-e-Tabuk to condemn Muslims who refused to join Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shatters this myth.

Verse 02:09 is the description of hypocrites, who say the truth with his tongue and defies it with his heart and deeds. According to Qatadah, a hypocrite “changes his mind just like a ship that moves about whenever a wind blows.'' [11] It is not hard to find many of the former comrades on the communist bandwagon now leading the pack of neo-mods of Islam.  

In the next verse (02:10) Allah says:

فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكْذِبُونَ 

“In their hearts is a disease and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies.” Disease in this verse means the doubt the hypocrites bring to Islam. [12] The more they embrace their doubts, the more Allah .[13 ] increases their disease — means increasing their shameful behaviour

The Qur’an describes two characteristics of hypocrites: they lie and they deny the Unseen, such as the help from Allah in case a small number of true believers stand up to the ever growing tyranny and terror of the US, Israel and their allies. They question with doubts: Can you defeat their zulum with stones? Instead of considering how Allah has helped his true believers in the past, the hypocrites argue to first acquire cruise missiles, warships and the vast economic power and then face the challenge posed by the ultimate Pharaohs of the time.

The verses 11 and 12 brings the real picture of what we witness today:

 وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لاَ تُفْسِدُواْ فِى الأَرْضِ قَالُواْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ - أَلا إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَشْعُرُونَ  

And when it is said to them: "Do not make mischief on the earth,'' they say: "We are only peacemakers.'' (02:11). [14] Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. (02:12).

Making mischief on earth means, "commiting acts of disobedience on the earth. Their mischief is disobeying Allah, because whoever disobeys Allah on the earth, or commands that Allah be disobeyed, he has committed mischief on the earth. Peace on both the earth and in the heavens is ensured (and earned) through obedience (to Allah).'' [15] Peace on earth is never possible through secular systems and a world order by Bush, Blair and the army of Neo-cons and Zionists behind them.

Those who support the neo-cons agenda, made acceptable in the wraps of secularism, clearly disobey Allah and command that Allah be disobeyed. All the apparently fine labels of liberal, progressive and moderate Muslims may endear them to the enemies of Allah, but not to Allah.

Ibn Jarir said, "The hypocrites commit mischief on earth by disobeying their Lord on it and continuing in the prohibited acts. They also abandon what Allah made obligatory and doubt His religion… They give as much aid as they can, against Allah's loyal friends, and support those who deny Allah, His Books and His Messengers. This is how the hypocrites commit mischief on earth, while thinking that they are doing righteous work on earth.''

Let us test the statement of Ibn Jarir on the basis of present day reality. Don’t we see hundreds of example of how the neo-mods in particular and the majority of Muslims in general disobey their Lord and continue prohibited acts (for instance through justifying Riba and gambling, drinking, adultery, bribery, and gambling); abandon what Allah has made obligatory (and proudly label the minimalist observance of religion as liberalism); doubt His religion (claiming Shari’ah is not fit for modern times, or normative principles need new forms of operationalisation, which means devising a modus operandi that is acceptable to the anti-Islam forces); and assisting non-believers (who neither believe in Allah, nor the Qur’an, nor the Last Prophet PBUH) in killing and subjugating Muslims.

Taking the disbelievers as allies and protectors is one of the categories of mischief on the earth. Allah said, “(And those who disbelieve are allies of one another, if you do not do this (help each other), there will be turmoil and oppression on the earth, and great mischief.) (Al-Qur’an 8:73), In this way Allah severed the loyalty between the believers and the disbelievers. [16]

Since the outward appearance of the hypocrites display belief, they confuse the true believers. Hence, the deceitful behavior of the hypocrites is an act of mischief, because they deceive the believers by claiming what they do not believe in, and because they give support and loyalty to the disbelievers against the believers.

Allah says, “when it is said to them: ‘Do not make mischief on the earth,’' they say: ‘We are only peacemakers’,” meaning, "We seek to be friends with both parties, Muslims and the non-Muslims, and to have peace with both parties. Is this not what we hear from the so-called reformers and neo-mods. Similarly, Muhammad bin Ishaq reported that Ibn `Abbas said, it means, "We seek to make amends between the believers and the People of the Book. '' Allah, however, said, “Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.”

The next verse 02:13 is further eye opening:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ ءَامِنُواْ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ النَّاسُ قَالُواْ أَنُؤْمِنُ كَمَآ آمَنَ السُّفَهَآءُ أَلاَ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ السُّفَهَآءُ وَلَـكِن لاَّ يَعْلَمُونَ  

“And when it is said to them: Believe as the people believe,'' They say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed'' Verily, they are the fools, but they do not know.” (02:13).

In modern terminology the “fools” mentioned in the Qur’an is replaced with “fundamentalists,” “Islamists,” “radicals” and “extremists.” If a person is called Islamist, he should know that it is an honorable term compared to what hypocrites of that age used to call the companions of Prophet Muhammed [PBUH]: “fool.” [17]

Allah answered the hypocrites in all of these instances. For instance, Allah said here

“Verily, they are the fools. But they know not.” Since they are so thoroughly ignorant, the hypocrites are unaware of their degree of deviation and ignorance, and such situation is more dangerous, a severer case of blindness, and further from the truth than one who is aware.

وَإِذَا لَقُواْ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قَالُوا ءَامَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوْاْ إِلَى شَيَـطِينِهِمْ قَالُواْ إِنَّا مَعَكُمْ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُسْتَهْزِءُونَ - اللَّهُ يَسْتَهْزِىءُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَـنِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ  

“And when they meet those who believe, they say: ‘We believe,’' but when they are alone with their Shayatin (devils), they say: ‘Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.’” (02:14) “Allah mocks at them and leaves them increasing in their deviation to wander blindly.” (02:15).

Imagine Bush asking General Musharraf’s about his reference to the treaty of Hudabiya while preparing the nation for an American attack on Afghanistan with full support of Pakistan. How would Musharraf respond to Bush’s question: “So, General! Do you want to turn on us and defeat us one day just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conquered Mecca after some time of signing the treaty of Huabiya.” Can you imagine any response from Musharraf other than: “I didn’t mean it. I told you I am with you.”

In the next verse (02:16) Allah says:

 أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الضَّلَـلَةَ بِالْهُدَى فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَـرَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ  

“These are they who have purchased error with guidance, so their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided.” (02: 16).

The Ayah also includes those who preferred deviation over guidance. The hypocrites fall into several categories. Ibn Jarir narrated that Qatadah commented on the Ayah, “So their commerce was profitless. And they were not guided”: "By Allah! I have seen them leaving guidance for deviation, leaving the Jama`ah (the community of the believers) for the sects, leaving safety for fear, and the Sunnah for innovation.'' See the sects of hypocrites today in the so-called groups of liberals, progressive, and moderates. See them calling Sunnah out of date. 

In the verse 17 and 18, Allah likened the hypocrites to the example of a person who started a fire. When the fire was lit, and illuminated the surrounding, the person benefited from it and felt safe. Then the fire was suddenly extinguished. Therefore, total darkness covered this person, and he became unable to see anything or find his way out of it. Further, this person could not hear or speak and became so blind that even if there were light, he would not be able to see. This is why he cannot return to the state that he was in before this happened to him. Such is the case with the hypocrites who preferred misguidance over guidance, deviation over righteousness.

Allah says: “Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind) (22:46) and this why they cannot get back to the state of guidance that they were in, since they sold it for misguidance.

Verse 02: 19 gives another parable of hypocrites, who sometimes know the truth and doubt it at other times. When they suffer from doubt, confusion and disbelief, their hearts are, like "the rain" [18] that comes down during “darkness, thunder and lightening” — darkness means, here, the doubts of disbelief and hypocrisy; thunder, that shocks the hearts with fear. The hypocrites are usually full of fear and anxiety. [19] “The lightning” is in reference to the light of faith that is sometimes felt in the hearts of the hypocrites. “They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers” — meaning, their cautiousness does not benefit them because they are bound by Allah's all-encompassing will and decision.  

In 02:20 Allah says that “the lightning almost snatches away their sight” — meaning, because the lightning is strong itself, and because their comprehension is weak and does not allow them to embrace the faith. Also, that the Qur'an mentioned almost all of the secrets of the hypocrites. Whenever the hypocrites acquire a share in the victories of Islam, they are content with this share. Whenever Islam suffers a calamity, they are ready to revert to disbelief. [20]

Types of hypocrites

The Qur’an describes two categories of hypocrites: the complete hypocrites who were mentioned in the parable of the fire, and the hesitant hypocrites, whose light of faith is sometimes lit and sometimes extinguished. The parable of the rain was revealed about this category, which is not as evil as the first category.

Hence, man might have both a part of faith and a part of hypocrisy, whether in deed, as this Hadith stipulates, or in the creed, as the Ayah (2:20) stipulates.

Allah mentioned these types in chapter 9 when He repeated the statement, "And among them'' three times, describing their types, characteristics, statements and deeds. So the two examples mentioned here describe two types of hypocrites whose characteristics are similar.

The bottom line

In the Qur’an, there is no ground for the kind of classification among Muslims to which the whole world is subjected these days. There is a broader classification of Believers and disbelievers. Hypocrites are given specific attention for they appear in the guise of believers and most often than not, they themselves are ignorant of the fact that they are involved in hypocrisy. Calling hypocrisy of these groups and individuals by different names are attempts akin to hiding the sun with fingers in a broad day light.

The CIA is one of the leading force behind promoting such divisions among Muslims. In "The CIA at War", Ronald Kessler, an investigative reporter and author of several books about the CIA and the FBI, reveals how the agency created fake Islamic scholars to preach a “moderate” message and counter anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world.

"In Islam, as in many other religions, anyone can call himself a religious leader," he said in the book. "So, besides paying mullahs, the CIA created fake mullahs -- recruited agents who would proclaim themselves clerics and take a more moderate position about disbelievers."

"We are taking over radio stations and supporting clerics," a CIA source was quoted as saying. "It's back to propaganda. We are creating moderate Muslims." [21]

Similarly, if it doesn't smell of collusion, at least finding CIA’s advertisement at internet discussion groups moderated by self-proclaimed “moderates” is really odd. There is a variety of opportunities, why to pick CIA’s advertisement in particular for display on internet discussion list launched for discussing “political Islam.”

This is time for both Muslims and non-Muslims to wake up and test the “empirical realities” on the touchstone of the Qur’anic criteria for classifying human beings and the Neo-cons’ criteria for classifying Muslims alone. It shows everyone the group with which he will be raised on the Day of Judgment. Any denial of finding ourselves in an unfavorable group will simply ensure our place with them.

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