Transcript 8th March Islamic fundamentalism

8th March
Islamic 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
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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 of
terrorist 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 around
the 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 successes
rather than claim to be behind them.
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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 Oftforgiving, 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:
Tawhid
Tawhid 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
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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?