Extremism vs Bravery

Living in a theologically enthusiastic society but belonging to a rather agnostic family, I often find my loved ones referring to religious enthusiasts as "extremist". Although calling them extremist is mostly justified by their actions, I still find myself facing a dilemma: How can one be truly religious but not extremist?

Being a Muslims, my definition of "religious" is one who is willing to give up anything and everything to please Allah. And my definition of an extremist is someone who is willing to thoughtlessly go to any extent for the sake of their beliefs.

So is one an extremist if they're willing to go to any extent for the sake of their theological beliefs?

Or is he a hypocrite for not being willing to give up anything and everything to please Allah?

If one's belief in God is true, he shan't question any of His orders. But if he does not question the orders, how does he make sure he is not delusioned into his belief? How does one be rationale enough to question and make sure the verdict he is following is indeed God's Verdict, but also enthusiastic enough to give up any and everything for God? To giev up everything for something you can't see or touch requires you to defy your body's evolutionary instinct.

Can rationality and bravery coexist? Can I be rational enough to distinguish right from wrong and brave enough to kill or die in a fight against malice- wouldn't I be at a risk of being deluded by my dauntless energy? For I've learnt, from life-long observations of my short life, that bravery implies irrationality. Cuz if you let your mind thinks too much, it would never allow you to do something brave; but if you don't allow your mind to think too much, aren't you bound to become irrational every once in a while?

Upon thoughtful reflection, I believe the solution lies in a heart that thinks recklessly, without fear. Such a soul would possess the courage (or recklessness) to act upon rational decisions made by the mind.

To discover or become such a soul, we must understand why most people diverge, either sacrificing rationality for bravery or forsaking bravery in the pursuit of rationalism.

Here's my perspective: Survival instinct predominantly drives individuals toward one of these paths.

Some find that survival requires seizing what they perceive as their rights, embracing bravery even if it verges on irrationality. These individuals, labeled extremists when taking religious actions, may, in their quest to break free from tyranny, become tyrants themselves, defying ethical and moral principles and becoming solipsistic opportunists.

Alternatively, others realize that survival demands protecting themselves from the world's vices, adopting rationality even if it means embracing cowardice. They settle for what they have, refraining from fighting for more, viewing society as a blood-thirsty (opportunistic) mob from which they must hide. Trapped in a self-constructed enclosure for safety, they inadvertently suffocate within the walls they erected.

Choosing the former occurs because individuals believe that not seizing their rights leaves them without any, making life worse than death. Blinding themselves to the harsh reality of the world, they become unable to think rationally for a solution.

Opting for the latter results from an understanding that without self-protection, society's hostile nature can strike them anytime they let their guard down. They lack the courage to confront the predatory instincts of society, leading them to imprison themselves.

Children, fortunately, are not burdened by such fears. Shielded by their parents, they feel safe and know their rights will be ensured. With the right environment and potential untapped by indoctrination, children possess the opportunity to think creatively for solutions.