Transcript Class Discussion Question

Class Discussion Question
Define or give examples of Islamic
Fundamentalism. Can you think of
any other fundamentalist groups ?
Students will be able to…
• Define Islamic Fundamentalism.
• Understand why Islamic Fundamentalism may
be problematic for USA interests.
• Distinguish the difference between an Islamic
Fundamentalist and a Terrorist.
Islamic Fundamentalism
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•
Islamic Fundamentalism Overview
Islamic Fundamentalism is a broad term that refers to the philosophical or theological approach of
certain groups within the Islamic tradition who hold that the Qur'an is the inerrant and literal word
of God, and that Muslims are required to strictly adhere to the religious practices and moral codes
found there. Most forms of Islamic Fundamentalism maintain that a true Muslim state and society
is essential for following Islamic religious law, and hold that there should be no distinction between
religious and political life, a position that puts them in tension with the modern democratic
principle of the separation of church and state. However, Fundamentalist Islamic movements vary
greatly regarding doctrine and social and political positions. Some fundamentalist movements are
markedly conservative and propound a narrow understanding of the Islamic tradition, whereas
others employ Marxist and other socialist strategies and principles. Many fundamentalist Muslim
groups also employ a sharply dualist ideology in which everyone is either part of the group or
against it. This affects how they interact with other groups, including other Muslim traditions,
Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, and the secular West. For some Islamic Fundamentalists, this
position is linked to the concept of jihad (struggle, or more typically regarded as holy war) that is
common among some Islamic fundamentalist groups. Islamic fundamentalism is also the primary
source of much of the resistance to the West and secular modernism within Muslim
countries. Although Islamic Fundamentalism receives a tremendous amount of attention in the
western media, it represents a minority position within the Islamic tradition and is openly rejected
and resisted by many Muslims
Moderate Islam
• King Abdullah II of
Jordan is a good
example of a moderate
Islamic leader.
• He often dresses in a
Western style, speaks
English, has an
accomplished wife and
was educated at
Georgetown University.
Islamic Fundamentalist
• Egyptian President Mohammed
Morsi is an Islamic
fundamentalist. He was a leader
of the Muslim Brotherhood
before becoming president of
the country. Recently arrested
and thrown out of office by the
military.
• In what direction would he have
taken Egypt????
Radical Islamic Fundamentalist
• The Taliban is an
example of a radical
Islamic fundamentalist
group that is willing to
resort to violence in
order to achieve its
goals.
• The Taliban totally
rejects Western culture
and values.
Say What…?
• Islamic
Fundamentalism is
in part a reaction
against
Westernization
and/or
Modernization.
Imagine…
• That there was NO
separation of church
and state in the USA. An
extremely orthodox
group (Jews or
Christians) has taken
control of our
government. How do
you think our society
would change?
Define
Terrorism
Can you name any terrorist groups?
Question?
Is Fundamentalism the same as
Terrorism?
My Terrorist or Your Hero?
UPFRONT
• Read GROWING
• Read GROWING
UP SAUDI from
UP SAUDI from
page #20 in the
page #8 in the
September 1st
September 22nd
2008 edition of
2008 edition of
Upfront magazine.
Upfront magazine.
Islamic Fundamentalism
• Islamic Fundamentalists
want traditional roles
for women within their
society.
• Women can not go out
alone in public.
• NO driving for women
in Saudi Arabia.
• Is this FAIR????
Only HOPE?
• The best hope for
America and Western
interests is that
moderate Islam is able
to overcome the more
radical elements for
control of these Arab
countries in the Middle
East.
• Turkey??? Maybe
Students will be able to…
• Define Islamic Fundamentalism.
• Distinguish the difference between an Islamic
Fundamentalist and a Terrorist.