Islam
Islamism
Islamism refers to a collection of political and religious ideologies that advocate for the role of Islam within political frameworks. This movement is diverse and encompasses a range of beliefs but generally centers on the notion that Islamic principles should be integrated into state governance and society. The term is often used interchangeably with "political Islam," though it is broader in scope, capturing both political aspirations and sometimes social-religious activism.
Ideological Foundations
The core belief of Islamism is that Islam is not only a religion but a complete way of life that includes governance and law. Islamists assert that the Quran and the Hadith, the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, provide a blueprint for a political system. This ideological perspective finds its roots in the early Islamic state of Medina, established by Muhammad, which is seen as a model for governance based on divine guidance.
Key Concepts
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Sharia: Central to Islamism is the application of Sharia, or Islamic law, in both personal and public life. Sharia encompasses a wide range of civil, criminal, and family laws derived from Islamic texts.
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Pan-Islamism: This concept advocates for the political and social unity of all Muslims worldwide, transcending ethnic and national divisions. It seeks to establish a single Islamic governance structure that unites the Ummah, or global Islamic community.
Historical Context
Islamism emerged in the modern era as a response to the decline of Islamic power and influence, particularly during the colonial period. The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the abolishment of the Caliphate in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk were pivotal events that sparked a revivalist movement among Muslims desiring a return to Islamic governance.
Variants and Movements
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Sunni Islamism: The majority of Islamist movements are rooted in Sunni Islam. Notable groups include the Muslim Brotherhood founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, which has inspired numerous offshoots and movements globally.
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Shia Islamism: While less covered, Shia Islamism has been influential, particularly in regions like Iran following the Iranian Revolution of 1979 led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This variation emphasizes a theocratic political system led by religious scholars.
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Jihadism: A radical interpretation of Islamism that supports armed struggle, or jihad, as a means to achieve political goals. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS are associated with jihadist Islamism.
Criticisms
Islamism is often critiqued for its perceived rigidity and intolerance. Critics argue that it imposes a monolithic interpretation of Islam that overlooks the diversity within the Muslim community. Concerns also arise over the treatment of non-Muslims and women under Islamist governance, with fears of human rights abuses being prevalent.
Post-Islamism
In recent years, a trend towards Post-Islamism has emerged, characterized by a reassessment of earlier Islamist ideologies. This movement advocates for a more pluralistic and democratic approach to Islamic governance, acknowledging the need for adaptability in a modern context. Salwa Ismail describes it as blending traditional Islamic values with contemporary political systems.
Related Topics
Islam
Islam is a major world religion, embodying a rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and a profound history. It is an Abrahamic monotheistic faith based on the belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God, or Allah in Arabic. Islam's followers, known as Muslims, regard the Quran as the unaltered, final revelation and the verbatim word of God.
Core Beliefs and Practices
Central to Islam are the Five Pillars, which are considered the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice:
- Shahada: The Islamic declaration of faith, proclaiming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Salah: The performance of ritual prayers in a prescribed manner five times each day.
- Zakat: The giving of alms to the poor and needy, reflecting the social responsibility Muslims have to assist those less fortunate.
- Sawm: The fasting during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, if financially and physically able.
The teachings of Muhammad, considered the final prophet in Islam, are an integral part of the religion, documented in accounts known as Hadith and together with the Quran form the basis for Sharia, or Islamic law.
Branches of Islam
Islam has several major branches, the two largest being Sunni Islam and Shia Islam, which differ in certain theological and political aspects:
- Sunni Islam is the largest branch, which holds that Muhammad did not appoint a successor, and leadership should be based on consensus.
- Shia Islam believes that Muhammad appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor.
Islamic World
The Islamic world, also referred to as the Muslim world, consists of the global community of Muslims, known as the Ummah. This community is not only a spiritual and religious collective but also a cultural and historical one.
Islamic Law
Sharia is the religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition, derived from the Quran and Hadith. It influences many aspects of daily life including family, finance, and personal conduct. Sharia is implemented in varying degrees across Islamic countries.
Islamism
Islamism refers to a range of political ideologies that advocate for the implementation and influence of Islamic principles in political systems. These ideologies exist in various forms and have differing interpretations and implementations across the Muslim world.