Islamic Reaffirmation; Young Muslims need to learn that a small minority of extremists is trying to hijack our faith. so, too, do opinion makers in the west.

Byline: Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein (Abdullah is the king of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.)

Every age has its false ideas. In our time, it is the notion that Islam demands hostility and aggression, and rejects peaceful engagement in the knowledge economy and democratic governance. This is certainly the view of Islamic extremists--a tiny minority that seeks to divert our faith. Ironically, a similar view pervades the West, which too often tacitly accepts the extremists' claims to represent Islam. These distortions drive a wedge between our peoples at a time when we must work together for peace and security.

The need to confront such distortions is inspiring a powerful Islamic reaffirmation. It is based upon the fundamental principles of our faith, which have served as the moderating checks and balances of Islamic society for more than 1,400 years. I use the term "reaffirmation," not "reformation," because Islam's fundamental doctrines do not need to be reformulated. Reformulating Islam is what the extremists seek. Only by distorting and abandoning Islam's true teachings can anyone claim to kill innocent civilians "in the name of God." For the Qur'an says (5:87): "Do not transgress; truly God does not love the transgressors."

Traditional Islam stands in stark contrast to the extremists' misinterpretations. It recognizes the same two basic principles as Judaism and Christianity--to love the Lord your God, and to love your neighbor as yourself. As the Prophet Muhammad--peace and blessings be upon him--said: "By Him in whose Hand is my life, none of you believes until he [or she] loves for their neighbor what they love for themselves."

Because they derive from the same ultimate source, the principles of traditional Islam can concur with the best of Western values on many critical issues: human rights and liberties; women's rights; condemning terrorism; forbidding aggression in the name of religion; respect for other religions; Muslim good citizenry in non-Muslim countries, and freedom to choose one's own form of government--including democracy.

As part of the reaffirmation of traditional Islam, Jordan released the Amman Message in November 2004. This short declaration is an explanation of the true nature of Islam and ...