Islamic Extremism: Groups That Have Created Extremist Islam
Islamic extremism has been driven by some very powerful groups and movements through the 20th century. Here you will find background information on the history and acts of some of the most important organizations who have lead to the current radical Islamist ideologies.
Kharijites
An original Muslim dissident movement, this group asserted that Islam had strayed from the real directives established by Allah, and that most Muslims weren't really Muslims after all. This theme, that some Muslims are so impure that they aren't "real" Muslims, has played an important role in the ideologies of several important extremist movements of the modern age.
An original Muslim dissident movement, this group asserted that Islam had strayed from the real directives established by Allah, and that most Muslims weren't really Muslims after all. This theme, that some Muslims are so impure that they aren't "real" Muslims, has played an important role in the ideologies of several important extremist movements of the modern age.
Salafiyya
The school of salafiyya has to do with "getting back to the roots" of Islam and restoring traditional beliefs and practices. All versions share the premise that Muslim societies today no longer apply Islamic principles. True justice and peace are attainable, but only if Islamic law is fully and rigidly implemented. This has been a popular theme with Islamic extremists today.
The school of salafiyya has to do with "getting back to the roots" of Islam and restoring traditional beliefs and practices. All versions share the premise that Muslim societies today no longer apply Islamic principles. True justice and peace are attainable, but only if Islamic law is fully and rigidly implemented. This has been a popular theme with Islamic extremists today.
Wahhabism and Wahhabi Muslims
A reform movement which has been restricted mostly to the Saudi peninsula, Wahhabism sought to eliminate non-Muslim elements which had become popular over the centuries and to return Islam to the purity of its roots. The founder was one of the first to use the term jahiliyya to apply to ostensibly Islamic lands, thus justifying the use of force to make fundamental changes.
A reform movement which has been restricted mostly to the Saudi peninsula, Wahhabism sought to eliminate non-Muslim elements which had become popular over the centuries and to return Islam to the purity of its roots. The founder was one of the first to use the term jahiliyya to apply to ostensibly Islamic lands, thus justifying the use of force to make fundamental changes.
Muslim Brotherhood
A social and political movement started in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna for the purpose of establishing a pan-Islamic state. Al-Banna regarded the West as posing a fundamental threat to the future of Islam. The root of Muslim problems was that Islamic law had not been implemented - once this was accomplished, everything would be better.
A social and political movement started in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna for the purpose of establishing a pan-Islamic state. Al-Banna regarded the West as posing a fundamental threat to the future of Islam. The root of Muslim problems was that Islamic law had not been implemented - once this was accomplished, everything would be better.
Jamaat-i-Islami
Pakistani political party established by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi to ensure that Pakistani society fully implenents Islamic law. According to Maududi, secular authorities do not need to be followed if they are not genuinely Muslim. Revolution against such rulers is not simply a right, but it is in fact a duty. Jihad was thus placed at the center of a Muslim's life.
Pakistani political party established by Maulana Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi to ensure that Pakistani society fully implenents Islamic law. According to Maududi, secular authorities do not need to be followed if they are not genuinely Muslim. Revolution against such rulers is not simply a right, but it is in fact a duty. Jihad was thus placed at the center of a Muslim's life.
Jamaat Islamiyyah
Student groups in Egyptian universities during the late 1970s, their members became radicalized and even violent in their effort to establish Islamic "purity" on campuses and throughout Egypt. They were often very successful, and was later shown in Afghanistan, they demonstrated that Islamic goals could be accomplished through force and intimidation, thus eliminating the need for democracy.
Student groups in Egyptian universities during the late 1970s, their members became radicalized and even violent in their effort to establish Islamic "purity" on campuses and throughout Egypt. They were often very successful, and was later shown in Afghanistan, they demonstrated that Islamic goals could be accomplished through force and intimidation, thus eliminating the need for democracy.
Al-Dawa ("The Call")
A magazine published in Egypt by former members of the Muslim Brotherhood, it expressed many extremist themes. Of real importance is their treatment of "Jews and Crusaders," allegedly two of the greatest evils facing Muslims today. Although not the only outlet of Islamist ideas, it was one of the most important.
A magazine published in Egypt by former members of the Muslim Brotherhood, it expressed many extremist themes. Of real importance is their treatment of "Jews and Crusaders," allegedly two of the greatest evils facing Muslims today. Although not the only outlet of Islamist ideas, it was one of the most important.
Books on Religion, Violence, and Terrorism
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet, at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, terrorism, and even genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet, at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, terrorism, and even genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?