Tag: Salafi Wahhabi

Diversity, English, Extremism

Shia as Internal Others: A Salafi Rejection of the ‘Rejecters’ – Susanne Olsson

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Conflict and polemic between Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims (or Shiites) have a long history. In the contemporary era, this polemic has been accentuated by the conflictual situation in the Middle East, and it is also colouring the minority Muslim situation. This article is concerned with Islamic interpretations related to ‘othering’, taking as its main focus an analysis of publications on a Swedish Sunni website, ‘Maktabah Dâr-ul-Hadîth’, which has clear Salafi leanings. Reports show that Shiites currently feel threatened by Salafis in minority contexts and the material cited in this article ‘others’ Shiite Islam and Shiites (amongst others), creating a … Continue reading Shia as Internal Others: A Salafi Rejection of the ‘Rejecters’ – Susanne Olsson

English, Extremism

Global Extremism Monitor: Takfiri Islamist Violence after ISIS

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Executive Summary Physical victory does not equate to ideological defeat. Despite the eradication of ISIS’s caliphate across Syria and Iraq in 2017, the Takfiri Islamist group remains active, while 96 other Islamist extremist groups were tracked in 2018 by the Tony Blair Institute’s annual Global Extremism Monitor (GEM). Our research exposes how these groups pursue a campaign of violence to undermine and weaken institutional capacity. As with ISIS, they seek to enhance political vacuums and social fractures which can be exploited to create their own “state.” Unless global decision-makers comprehend the true vision of Islamist extremist groups, the violence will … Continue reading Global Extremism Monitor: Takfiri Islamist Violence after ISIS

English, Extremism

Takfiri Islamist Extremism in 2017: The Ten Deadliest Countries

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Violent Takfiri Islamist extremism struck 66 countries in eight regions in 2017. It claimed the lives of at least 84,023 people. Its grip reached every corner of the world. Islamist violence inspired people in countries from Russia and the United States to Mozambique, Austria and Gabon. Because this extremist violence did not affect all geographies equally, it is necessary to explore the distinct ways in which extremism manifested itself in different environments. Extremist ideology is the key driver of this violence, but unique social, political and economic contexts also affect the directions extremists take.1 Factoring in all these elements, the … Continue reading Takfiri Islamist Extremism in 2017: The Ten Deadliest Countries

Diversity, English, Extremism

Why Do Takfiris Destroy Historic Sites? – Mubaraz Ahmed

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The Temple of Bel in Palmyra, considered to be one of the most well-preserved structures in the ancient city, has joined the growing list of historic sites to be razed by ISIS. In 2015, satellite images released by the UN showing before and after the demolition reveal the sheer scale of the devestation. The city is one of the ancient world’s most important cultural centres and has stood for 2000 years. But ISIS’ actions are not just acts of extreme vandalism. The destruction is part of an overall strategy and ISIS makes clear that, in its eyes, it is religiously justifiable. In … Continue reading Why Do Takfiris Destroy Historic Sites? – Mubaraz Ahmed

Diversity, English, Extremism

ISIS Magazine Targets Sunni ‘Apostates’

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In the 2016 edition of Dabiq, ISIS takes aim at both Islamists and mainstream Sunni Muslim scholars. The issue presents edicts from medieval Muslim theologian Ibn Taymiyya, which sanctioned violence against the Muslim Mongols, as justifying war against fellow Sunni and Sufi Muslims. The view of Ibn Taymiyyah are often promoted by Takfiri Islamist groups within Salafi/Wahhabi and Deobandi sub-branches of Sunni Islam. ISIS, Taliban, Al Qaeda and other similar groups promote a Takfiri ideology and attack Sunni and Shia Muslims alike. Carrying the image of the deposed Muslim Brotherhood President of Egypt Mohammad Morsi with the heading ‘The Murtadd Brotherhood” (the apostate brotherhood), the tone of … Continue reading ISIS Magazine Targets Sunni ‘Apostates’

English, Extremism, Sufism

Sufism: An Alternative to Extremism? – Sarah Feuer

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On a quiet street parallel to the old city of Marrakesh, behind a large, beautifully crafted wooden door, is the Munya Association for the Preservation and Revitalization of Moroccan Heritage (Munya). It is little known, but for the founder and patrons, this small cultural association is a front line in the battle against Islamist extremism. I visited Munya one evening in early February. A group of twenty teenagers were seated in a semi-circle of chairs facing a young man donning a red skullcap and draped in a djallaba, the traditional robe worn by men and women throughout North Africa. He … Continue reading Sufism: An Alternative to Extremism? – Sarah Feuer