Origins and history of Islam Mainstream vs. radical/fundamentalist

Islam Radical Islam

human nature freedom democracy

Radical Islam as ideology

One of three great monotheistic religions Arabic word islam means “submission”

submission of individual will to greater will of Allah (God) Originated in teachings of prophet Mohammed in Arabia

(early 7th century A.D.) Angel Gabriel revealed to him the Qur’an (or Koran),

Islam’s holy book Along with Sunna (sayings and teachings of Mohammed),

scriptural basis of Islamic faith and Shar’ia (Islamic law) Spread rapidly through Middle East, North Africa, and

west to Spain Displaced local religions and deities Common thread among diverse countries, cultures,

regions

Subordinate individual will to greater will of single all-wise, all-knowing, and loving God (Allah)

Care for poor and needy Lead a pious and upright life

Turning toward holy city of Mecca to pray five times/day

Fasting during holy month of Ramadan Engaging in jihad, which in Arabic means

“struggle” Individual’s spiritual struggle to resist sin and ever-present

temptation to sin, “the greater jihad” Distinguishable from “the lesser jihad,” struggle to

preserve faith from critics, detractors, and enemies

One of Islam’s earliest enemies was Christian Europe

Monarchs in medieval Europe invaded Holy Land to retake territory and rescue inhabitants from “infidel” Islam

Crusades – European armies conquered large parts of Middle East, killing or converting Muslim inhabitants, incurring enduring enmity among Muslims

Many Muslims fear military power, cultural influence of West

Western, particularly American, attitudes disturb and offend conservative Muslim sensibilities

Western liberalism’s emphasis on religious toleration, sexual equality, separation of religion and politics, and secularism considered offensive and dangerous, threatening to spiritual wellbeing of faithful Muslims, especially young and impressionable

American media depict decadent Western culture and threaten to infect young Muslims with distorted visions and values

Western imperialism (military, economic, cultural), along with America’s support of Israel and its military presence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the Middle East, are viewed as attempt to destroy Islam

Jihad – “holy struggle” – discredit and cast out infidel American “crusaders” and Israeli allies, to reclaim Middle East and elsewhere for Islam

Any available means legitimate, including terrorism

Especially influential theorist, Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966), an Egyptian journalist, high-ranking member of Ministry of Education

Critic of corrupt King Faruq Exiled to U.S., earned M.A. in Education from

Colorado State College of Education (1949) Appalled by consumerism, secularism, relaxed

sexual mores, high divorce rate, racial inequality, alcohol, and support for Israel

On return to Egypt, joined radical Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, became leading theorist

Nationalist Colonel Gamel Abdul Nasser overthrew King Faruq, courted Qutb and Muslim Brotherhood

Qutb proposed Nasser remake Egypt as Islamic theocracy

Secularist, Arab-nationalist Nasser refused Qutb and Muslim Brotherhood turned against

him Qutb arrested, imprisoned, tortured; executed

for opposition to Nasser (1966) Became martyr, hero of radical Islam Inspiration for ideas, actions of Al Qaeda,

Taliban, radical Islamists

1. What is the meaning of “jihad”? How do radical Islamists differ from moderate, mainstream Muslims in their interpretation, and what implications do the Islamists’ interpretation of jihad have for their political program?

2. Describe Radical Islam as an ideology. What is its view of human nature, freedom? Describe how it functions in terms of explanation, evaluation, orientation, and program.

3. Is Radical Islam a democratic ideology? If so, how? If not, why not? What features of Radical Islam make it democratic or undemocratic/antidemocratic?