Contemporary Political Islam: Movements, Ideologies, and Impacts
Contemporary Political Islam: An Overview
Contemporary political Islam has become a significant part of the broader Islamic movement. These groups share a common goal of implementing Islamic values in all aspects of life but employ diverse methods to achieve this. They range from parliamentary groups to radical and jihadist organizations, significantly impacting the security and stability of states, nations, and communities worldwide. The term “political Islam” is relatively recent, referring to movements active in the Arab and Islamic world from 1928 to the present. Islamism, a form of political extremism, utilizes Islam as a means to achieve its political objective of enforcing Sharia law.
Origins and Ideological Foundations
Contemporary Islamic movements are rooted in the history and theology of Islam, reflected in their cultural frameworks. Salafists and jihadists emphasize the obligation of Muslims to defend the faith when perceived to be under threat. They cite the Prophet Muhammad’s engagement in battles to defend and spread the faith, interpreting Quranic verses to justify attacks on “infidels”—a term used by jihadists to describe non-Muslims or non-religious individuals (Moghadam, 2013). Conversely, moderate and liberal Muslims emphasize the “inner struggle” for strengthening faith and generally denounce the actions of political Islamic movements.
The Rise of Political Islam and Its Causes
The influential presence of political Islam has become a global concern. The recent rise of these groups has prompted extensive research by governments and agencies. Studies offer varying explanations for the emergence and rise of contemporary political Islam (CSPI, n.d.). The CSPI suggests that these groups have emerged alongside the Islamic world’s transition to the modern era, influenced by increased Western activity in the Middle East. The spread of Western culture among Muslims might have led to disapproval from devout and traditional Muslims who hold vastly different ideals.
The Role of Islamic Texts and Interpretations
Islam is a text-based doctrine, making the nature of its texts crucial. Muslims believe the Quran to be perfect, complete, universal, and eternal, containing no errors and representing the exact words of God. Mohammed is seen as the perfect example of a sacred life. This concept of absolute textual truth can be challenging for non-Muslims to grasp (Clark, 2003). Some argue that the prevalence of extremism within Islam stems from the absolute belief in the Quran and the religion’s inherent absolutism (Moghadam, 2013). However, the issue of politically extreme Islamic groups arises not solely from strict belief but also from varying interpretations of Islam and the Quran.
Diversity within Islam and the Rise of Extremism
Like other major religions, Islam is not monolithic. It comprises various sects with differing interpretations of Islamic customs, enforcement practices, and views on other religions. Traditionally, movements like the Sufis and Ibadiyyas have exhibited greater tolerance, while the Hanbali sect of Saudi Arabia is considered more conservative. Today, the most extreme groups adhere to Salafi or Wahhabi ideals, advocating for a return to the original ways of Islam globally. Examples include the Taliban, Boko Haram, ISIS, and Fatah al-Islam (The Economist, 2014).
Power Dynamics and Internal Conflicts
Contrary to common belief, most extremist groups have their own interpretations of the Quran and Sharia law, denouncing other beliefs and often engaging in extreme measures to assert their views. Fundamentally, power plays a central role. Islamists believe in an intertwined relationship between religion and politics. However, enforcing both as one has proven complex, leading to clashes between Islamists and authorities and divisions among themselves.
The Future of Islamic Movements
Islamic movements in the Arab and Islamic world evolve alongside societal and global changes. The Islamic world grapples with confusion regarding its beliefs. While the majority of Muslims live peacefully, the minority of extreme political Islamic movements remains a significant global issue. Some groups resist adopting customs from other ideologies, cultures, and religions, deeming them heretical or haram. Islamic movements in the Arab world retain widespread influence at the grassroots and political levels. The current state of these movements will continue to spark discussions and debates about their role in the Islamic world and their future.