Understanding Islamic Fundamentalism: The Theological and Ideological Basis of al-Qa'ida's Political Tactics

by Sayed Khatab

Overview

Beginning with an examination of medieval Islamic fundamentalist movements such as Kharjism, Ibadism, Hanbalism, and Wahhabism, Sayed Khatab looks at the similarities and differences between them and present organizations such as al-Qa'ida. It may be surprising that many of the radical narratives embraced by modern groups have not emerged recently. Identifying these roots can lead to a better understanding of al-Qa'ida's theological and intellectual narratives, and how they effectively indoctrinate youths and attract many of them to violent acts of terrorism. The book then focuses on al-Qa'ida's theology, ideology, and tactics; the geographic contours and implications of al-Qa'ida's political strategy in relation to the western and eastern countries which are considered enemy states; the impending clash of cultures; and the ideological war within al-Qa'ida. Innovative in its concept, examining political Islamic thought from a historical to a contemporary perspective, Islamic Fundamentalism generates new understanding of the many complexities of political Islam, and the role of violence and terrorism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617973840
Publisher:	American University in Cairo Press, The
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Sayed Khatab is a senior research fellow at the School of Political and Social Inquiry and Global Terrorism Research Centre, Monash University in Australia. He is the author of Democracy in Islam (with G.D. Bouma), and has written extensively on the subjects of Islamist movements, relations between the Muslim world and the west, and counter-terrorism strategies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Introduction 1: Islamic Fundamentalism The Nature of the Challenge 2: The Origins of Fundamentalism Kharijism Ibadism Hanbalism Wahhabism 3: From Fundamentalism to Neo-Jihadism 4: Al-Qa'ida Bin Laden From Jihad to Terrorism Towards the Formation of al-Qa'ida The Mullah and the Hidden Imam 5: Al-Qa'ida's Ideology Jihad: Muslim Consensus Al-Qa'ida: Neo-Jihad The Offensive Jihad The Defensive Neo-Jihad Neo-Jihad against the Rejectionists Who Declares Jihad? The Neo-Jihad is Outdated 6: Al-Qa'ida's Tactics Tactical Goals of 9/11 Tactics after 9/11 The Plan of Action Principles of Military Actions Political Games Al-Tatarrus and the Killing of Civilians 7: Inside al-Qa'ida: The Ideological War Dr Fadl Criticism of al-Qa'ida's Theology and Ideology Stages in al-Qa'ida's Establishment Egyptian Jihad in al-Qa'ida Mullah Umar, Bin Laden, and 9/11 Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri should be Tried American Foreign Aid Al-Qa'ida's Response to Dr Fadl Conclusion Sovereignty (Hakimiyyah) Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"This book is an important contribution to political Islamic thought from a historical to contemporary perspective, and in the English language, there is nothing that compares. This book is a jewel . . . it will be beneficial to all English readers as a reference to understanding the nature and development of Fundamentalist Islamic thought from a religious perspective. This book will give the English reading audience-from academics, students, diplomats, to basically anyone interested in this topic-access to knowledge that is normally reserved for a Muslim audience who have a strong knowledge of Arabic and Islam: in other words, a normally exclusive group."
-Maye Kassem, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, The American University in Cairo

From the Publisher