The strength of democratic societies relies on their capacity to

Hear, O seekers of wisdom, the words of Tariq Ramadan, who spoke with clarity about the destiny of free nations: “The strength of democratic societies relies on their capacity to know how to stand firm against extremism while respecting justice in the means used to fight terrorism.” These words strike like a bell in the temple of conscience, reminding us that true strength is not only the power to resist the enemy, but also the wisdom to guard the soul of justice even in the heat of war. For a democracy that abandons justice in the fight against terror wounds itself more deeply than any foe could.

The strength of democratic societies is not found in their armies alone, nor in their wealth, nor even in the ballot box. It is found in their devotion to principles—liberty, justice, dignity, and fairness. To stand against extremism without betraying these principles is the great trial of free peoples. For the temptation in times of fear is always to answer terror with brutality, to sacrifice justice in the name of safety. Yet if justice is lost, what remains of freedom? The society that destroys its values in the name of survival has already surrendered its soul.

History bears witness to this eternal struggle. After the September 11 attacks, America and its allies vowed to strike against terrorism. Yet in the pursuit of security, dark chapters unfolded—detentions without trial, torture in hidden prisons, and wars that scarred nations far beyond their borders. While strength was shown against the enemy, questions were raised: at what cost to justice? Did the fight against terror preserve liberty, or erode it? Ramadan’s words echo here as a warning—that victory purchased at the price of justice is no victory at all, but a slow unraveling from within.

Contrast this with the example of post-apartheid South Africa. After decades of brutality, when justice could easily have been forgotten in favor of vengeance, the nation chose a harder path. Through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, wrongs were confronted, but with fairness and accountability rather than vengeance alone. It was imperfect, yes, but it sought to honor both firmness against injustice and fidelity to justice itself. There, the strength of democracy lay not in force, but in discipline—discipline to resist hatred, and courage to uphold fairness even after deep wounds.

O children of tomorrow, the teaching is clear: to fight terrorism and extremism is necessary, but how it is fought matters just as much as whether it is fought. A sword swung without restraint may cut down the innocent with the guilty. A law passed in haste may silence the voices of the just along with the violent. To guard democracy is to walk the narrow road, where firmness is joined with fairness, where vigilance is bound to virtue. This is the path of true strength.

For strength without justice becomes tyranny, and justice without firmness becomes weakness. Only when the two walk hand in hand can freedom endure. The words of Ramadan remind us that it is not enough to defeat enemies outside; one must also guard against the enemy within—the fear, the anger, the desire for vengeance that can corrode the very values a free society claims to defend. To triumph outwardly but collapse inwardly is no triumph at all.

Practical is this counsel: when fear arises, do not rush to abandon principle. Support leaders and laws that honor both security and justice. Speak against cruelty done in the name of safety. Remember that the innocent must never pay the price for the guilty. In your own life, when confronted by wrong, resist the temptation to answer with equal wrong. Stand firm, but also stand fair. This is the discipline of free men and women, and the foundation of a lasting democracy.

Thus remember the words of Tariq Ramadan: “The strength of democratic societies relies… on respecting justice in the means used to fight terrorism.” Let this be your guide, that in times of trial you do not forsake what makes you free. For the true strength of a nation, and of a soul, lies not only in the power to conquer enemies, but in the wisdom to conquer them without betraying the very light it was sworn to protect.