8th MarchIslamic fundamentalism

Not all Islamic fundamentalists practise violence. This is very important. There are groups within Islam who you might label fundamentalist (according to the characteristics we have looked at, but who do not use violence)We are going to concentrate on Al-Qaeda.

Characteristics of fundamentalism(determined by project at university of Chicago between 1988

and 1993)not all found in every example of fundamentalism

• Reactivity to marginalisation (defence mechanism)• Selectivity (stress particular teachings of Holy Books)• Moral dualism (the world is sinful; salvation lies with them)• Absolutism and inerrancy (non-negotiable truth)• Millennialism and messianism (the idea of world ending and

a new age of God)• Elect membership (people are Chosen)• Sharp boundaries (distinction between saved and unsaved)• Authoritarian leadership (charismatic leader making key

decisions – final interpretation of religious texts)• Behavioural requirements (followers conform to

moral/familial/dress codes etc)

Al-Qaeda (meaning ‘The Base’) set up in 1989 as Soviet army withdrew from Afghanistan. A network ofterrorist organisations which grew out of Arab volunteers who had gone to defend Islam against Soviets – they were funded and trained by USA. There are cells aroundthe world – they tend to look to Bin Laden for inspiration but it’s unknown how much control he has over them.He tends to congratulate terrorists for their successesrather than claim to be behind them.

• Osama Bin Laden• Born March 10th, 1957 –part of a very wealthy Saudi family.• Saudi Arabian by birth – citizenship revoked in 1994 as he tried to

over-throw their corrupt monarchy.• Bin Laden believes that the restoration of Sharia Law will set

things right in the Muslim world, and other belief systems must be opposed.

• He believes Afghanistan under the Taliban is the only true Islamic country.

• Bin Laden believes in violent jihad to right injustices against Muslims perpetrated by the United States and sometimes by other non-Muslim states,

• He believes in the elimination of Israel and the necessity of forcing the US to withdraw from the Middle East.

• He has also called on Americans to reject such things as fornication, homosexuality, gambling and usury.

• The most infamous part of Bin Laden's ideology is that civilians are legitimate victims of Jihad.

• He opposes music on religious grounds.• He considers the four great enemies of true Islam to be Heretics,

Israel, the USA and other Muslims. (He has few friends amongst Muslim governments – he sees them as corrupt and westernised.

• He is popular amongst ordinary arab people.

What makes him think he is a good Muslim?

He believes he is fighting in defence of Islam against invading western armies and against western influence on Arab/Muslim culture. He believes in the Lesser Jihad – fighting a war in defence of Islam.

The Sword Verses "Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them:

seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)." (9:5)

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them: seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."

Time and again, over and over and over again, I either read or hear from people that Islam calls for the murder of "infidels," or all those who are not Muslim. This perception is so pervasive, so entrenched, and I really do not know from where it comes. Yes, there are Muslims who do believe this: 19 of them crashed three planes into the World Trade Centre and Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 of my innocent American brothers and sisters. But, I don't know from where they got this idea. "It is the Qur'an, you idiot!!!" I am quite sure some of you just screamed that to your computer screen. Really? Where? I do not know of one verse which directs the believers to kill all "infidels." Yet, I am constantly reminded of the contrary, such as this verse:

"Now when you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks until you overcome them fully..." (47:4).

"And fight in God's cause against those who wage war against you..."

Thus, it is quite clear that fighting is to be done in self-defence. Now, anyone can commit acts of terror and aggression and say, "it's in self-defence." In fact, that is precisely what Al Qaeda is doing: they claim by killing 3,000 people in New York City and Washington, D.C., they are "defending" the Muslim nation against "Zionist and Crusader" aggression against the Muslims. What sheer rubbish.

The Qur'an clearly states, in the remainder of 2:190 it says:

"...but do not commit aggression, for verily, God does not love aggressors."

"Committing aggression" includes killing innocent civilians in Tel Aviv, Beslan, New York, Baghdad, or wherever. Furthermore, when the enemy ceases its hostility, fighting must cease:

TawhidTawhid means One (one God as opposed to The Trinity)It also means that Islam should be considered as one and that parts of the

Qur’an should not be studied in isolation."Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for

God loveth not transgressors" (2:190)

"Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians – People of the Book - any who believe in God and the Last Day and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord and on them shall be no fear and they will not grieve" (2:62).

"Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause..." (17:33).

"After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave chastisement" (2:178).  

Harming innocent bystanders, even in times of war, was forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad.  This includes women, children, non-combatant bystanders, and even trees and crops.  Nothing is to be harmed unless the person or thing is actively engaged in an assault against Muslims (think back to Islamic teachings on stewardship as well as the Islamic Just war theory)

• So do any of the following characteristics apply to Al-Qaeda

• Reactivity to marginalisation (defence mechanism)• Selectivity (stress particular teachings of Holy Books)• Moral dualism (the world is sinful; salvation lies with them)• Absolutism and inerrancy (non-negotiable truth)• Millennialism and messianism (the idea of world ending and

a new age of God)• Elect membership (people are Chosen)• Sharp boundaries (distinction between saved and unsaved)• Authoritarian leadership (charismatic leader making key

decisions – final interpretation of religious texts)• Behavioural requirements (followers conform to

moral/familial/dress codes etc)

Can violence ever be justified in defending or promoting a faith?