Islamic Fundamentalism Beliefs and Practices; Social Movements and Groups

Islam is not equal to Islamic Fundamentalism DO NOT CONFUSE THE TWO!

Islamic Fundamentalism Beliefs An Islamic state should be a unified Islamic society, not split into differing schools of thought (law or theology) or sects, each with it’s own special emphasis. The true Islamic state should be led by a leader who represents the state to the rest of the world, and is called to be leader in the tradition of the early Islamic caliphs. The Koran, the traditions handed down from Muhammed, (Arabic: “sunna”) and Islamic law, (sharia) should be the legal basis for state and society. They must, however, be interpreted anew by Islamic scholars, so as to be appropriate to modern times. Islam must be a fixed element in all areas of life. Life, in its entirety, in state and society, must receive its legitimacy from Islam. Islam must, therefore, stamp its mark clearly on the social, economic and political life of Muslims. Some fundamentalists reject all reform and modernising as “Un-Islamic”. Islam, as generally lived nowadays, is seen as a compromise with the unbelieving world. The lack of unity among Islamic law scholars is critiscised. Most current Islamic statesmen are accused of compromise and corruption.

Islamic Fundamentalism Beliefs The world is divided into two spheres, Dar al-Islam and Dar al-Harb…Jihad is waged to “remove the obstacles to the religion of God” Jihad is a religious war with those who are “unbelievers in the mission of the Prophet Muhammad the Prophet.” A literal approach to the interpretation of the Qur’an---AKA “Muslim” Fundamentalists Believe that Islam has been corrupted by the modern world Want to return to the way people practiced Islam in a “more pure” time No separation between religious and secular authority…the state should implement Shariah law Innovation is to be avoided Belief in revolution to affect social change Education of women should be banned---restricted roles for women The use of modern technology within the Islamic state should be banned or censored----radio, tv, internet, etc..

Appeal of Islamic Fundamentalism: Why? Muslim fundamentalists, filled with idealistic zeal, are committed to the establishing of a state which is influenced only by Islam. They are prepared for great sacrifice – even their own lives – to work for this goal. Their life – perspective is to assist in the building of an Islamic state. Their aversion to all things western, and non – Islamic society, is expressed by clothing which emphasizes an Islamic identity, as well as strict adherence to an Islamic moral code. The strength and attraction of fundamentalist groups lies in their ability to give a perspective and hope to people otherwise trapped in difficult living – circumstances. They are able to give individual people an identity, and new sense of self – respect. It has to be asked, however, whether the idealistic programmes which these groups intend to cayry out can really stand the reality test, and whether economic and social problems (poor education, unemployment, underdevelopment and over-population) can really be solved by a strict observance of Islam.

Appeal of Islamic Fundamentalism: Why? Many fundamentalists have very high moral and ethical goals, and wish to improve the lot of individuals in their personal sphere. Some of the social – welfare projects which fundamentalist groups have set up are exemplary, such asorphan’s and widow’s pensions, the building of hospitals and schools etc.. Tragically, there are people who believe they are following Muhammed’s example by inflicting terror and violence on innocent people, and imagine that this can somehow bring about “peace”.

Islamic Fundamentalism Achieve Goals By Doing The Following: Combine religion and government = create more “Islamic states” Use “Shari’a Law” for whole society Limit the effects of modernization Force non-fundamentalist Muslims and others to obey, even using violence Women’s rights are virtually non-existent Unfair justice system Punishments are cruel Severely repressed by the governments of their own nations, such as Algeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, they nevertheless target the United States as the “Great Satan,” chant “Death to America,” and provide ready recruits for terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda.AlgeriaEgyptSaudi ArabiaAl Qaeda

Islamic Fundamentalism Types and History Three Types of Modern Islamic Theory: The Madhhabists: Adherents to specific schools of law The Salafi: Qur’anic literalists The Ghulat: Extremists (or cultists) Types of Movements: Islamists History: Post Ottoman Period Jamal ad-din al-Afghani ( ): Called for a return to the original principles and ideals of Islam and for greater unity among Islamic peoples Muhammad Abduh ( ): Islami apologist who taught that morality and law must be adapted to modern conditions in the interest of the common good. Rashid Rida ( ): Highlighted the relative weakness of Muslim societies vis-à-vis Western colonialism The Deobandi Movement Dar al Alum University in Deoband, India Adhered to Hanafi School of jurisprudence Social conservatism

History and Beliefs of Islamic Fundamentalism Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi Advocated the creation of an Islamic state governed by sharia law, as interpreted by Shura councils. An integration of Islam with an ethical scientific view. The Muslim Brotherhood Founded by Hassan al Banna in 1928 The Qur’an as “Constitution” Provided basic community services including schools, mosques, and workshops The need to eliminate all non-Muslim imperialism from the world Sayyid Qutb The Iranian Revolution Lebanon and Hezbollah

Flaws in the Islamic fundamentalist argument There was no “purer” time The past they wish to “return to” is not the way they think it was It violates rights of modern Muslims & non-Muslims It leads to extremist acts (like terrorism) that violate the principles of peace inherent in Islam Fundamentalist leaders rely on modern technology (the internet, cars, planes, bombs, etc)