A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Extremism.
The term "extremism" is derived from going to the edge of a matter and distancing oneself from its center.
Anyone who calls to Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, and strives in His path,
is considered an extremist by the West and by secularists.
The correct view, however, is that this is defined only by the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
The legitimate term mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah regarding the departure from moderation
is "ghuluww" (excessiveness), which means overstepping the bounds.
The extremist sects are those whom the Ahl al-Sunnah have categorized as the "ghulat" (those who exceed the bounds),
due to their distance from following the methodology of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Companions.
Personal desire has no place in labeling people as extremists or radicals.
Rather, the standard is adherence to the truth versus innovation.
The one who follows the Sunnah is the person of truth and moderation.
The innovator is the extremist who exceeds the bounds.