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ISLAMISM
Marek Čejka
Characteristics of Islamism
REVIVALIST movement and alternative to MODERNITY
and MODERNISATION in Muslim world
(signs of modernity: secularization, derogation of role of
Islam, loss of power of traditional authorities,
NATIONALISM, Western influence, imperialism and
colonisation, morale degradation, corruption, poverty)
One of its main aims is to lead Muslims back to their
religious roots and values.
Islamism is criticizing negative phenomenons connected
with Modernity and Nationalism and is offering its own
(Islamic) solutions.
One of the goal of the Islamist also creation of statehood
– but based on religious (theocratic) principles rather
than nationalistic – restoration of caliphate
RADICAL vs. MODERATE
ISLAMISM
The term „Islamism“ does not automatically
mean connection with violence or terrorism
Some Islamist groups are completelly apolitical
Other Islamists want to combine traditional
Islamic principles and values together with
western values (analogy of Christian
democracy)
The most visible Islamist groups in World media
are those, which use the violence for assertion
of their ideology – RADICAL ISLAMISM
Typology of Islamism
Participative/legal (constructive, state-building) Islamist
movements (e.g. Hizb an-Nahda in post-Ben Ali Tunisia, AKP in Turkey)
Radical Islamist/Jihadist movements using subversive and violent
methods for gaining influence and domination of politics in Muslim
countries/or Muslim World (e.g. Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, Islamic
Jihad)
Non-political Islamist movements (e. g. some Sufi orders, some
branches of Salafism)
Hybrid/combined/sui-generis Islamist movements – they could
combine social work, charity etc. together with violent methods (Hamas
in Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon e.g.) or they can use radical rhetoric
without using violence (e.g. Hizb ut-Tahrir, some Wahhabi streams)
This typology was inspired by lecture of Moroccan political scientist Yousef Belal at 13th DGAP New Faces Conference
“Democratization and Security in the Middle East and North Africa”, Istanbul, 17.–20. March 2010
Moderated Islamists
(Participative/Legal Islamism)
Many Islamist groups are able to participate
on democracy and even contribute to
democratization of their countries
Parties:
AKP (Turkey)
Party of Justice and Development
(Morocco)
Muslim Brotherhood (Egypt)
Islamic Action Front (Jordan)
Branches of Islam
Umayyad CALIPHATE
(661 - 750)
Hizb ut-Tahrir international
movement
Al-Afghani (1838–1897)
„Father“ of modern Islamism
He called for a return to the
original principles and ideals of
Islam, and for greater unity
among Islamic peoples.
al-Afghani argued that this
would allow the Islamic
community to regain its former
strength against European
powers.
Al-Mawdoodi (1903 – 1979)
Indo-Pakistansi theologist,
philosopher, politician
founder of political party
Jamaat e-Islami
Idea of Islamic state
„Theo-democracy“
Hassan AL-BANNA (1906–1949)
MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD in
EGYPT (since 1928)
Original aim of the Muslim Brotherhood was
charity
In Egypt (ruled by secular nationalists who were
dependent on Britain) was very bad economic
and social situation
MB offered alternative and charitable activities
Popularity of MB grew steadily and they
become more politicized and radicalized.
Egyptian political establishment saw MB as an
rival.
Conspiration vs. Repression
Anti-British policies of MB
Sayyed Kutb (1906–1966)
„The Milestones“ (1964)
Islamic Revolution in Iran - 1979
Ayatollahs Khomeini and Khamenei
Export of Iranian Islamic Revolution
after 1979
Hezbollah (1982)
Assasination of Anwar Sadat –
1981
Egyptian Islamic Jihad
1987 – Palestine: Hamas
Abdullah AZZAM
Mujahideens in Afghanistan
Ayman Az-Zawahiri
and Osama Bin Laden
TALIBAN and Al-QAEDA
„Knights Under the Prophet's
Banner “ (2001)
For more see:
http://blizky-vychod.blogspot.com
Marek´s books:
Judaism and politics in Israel (2002, 2009)
Israel and Palestine (2005)
Encyclopedia of the Middle Eastern Terrorism (2007)
Rabbis of our Time (2010, co-author)
History of Modern Israel (2011)