11.3.3 To Go Further
Serdar Kaya
This section is but a very short introduction to Islamism. On the one hand, it summarizes the birth and growth of Islamism as an ideology and movement in a variety of contexts, but on the other, each individual case has peculiarities that short and general summaries such as this one cannot capture. Further readings are thus necessary to appreciate the complexity of Islamism. Variations across and within national contexts are among the first to be aware of. So are key scholastic and political movements, such as Wahhabism and Muslim Brotherhood, whose influence and membership often transcend beyond national borders (Al-Anani, 2016; Baron, 2014; Meijer, 2013). Also important are key figures and ideologues such as Muhammad Abduh (1849–1905), Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838/1839–1897), Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), Ruhollah Khomeini (1900–1989), Abul A’la Maududi (1903–1979), Hassan al-Banna (1906–1949), Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani (1914–1999), and many others. Some familiarity with the above figures, phenomena, and the involved debates and intricacies is necessary for a full introduction to Islamism.
Finally, this chapter provided an introduction to religious fundamentalism, where politics and religion become one, through a working model. Then, two examples, Christian fundamentalism and Islamism, were provided, but it is worth mentioning yet again that religious fundamentalism can be found in every religion.
Discussion Questions
- To what extent should religious beliefs be allowed into the political life of liberal democratic states? For example: is it appropriate for politicians to be explicitly motivated by religious conviction when campaigning or when passing laws? Is it appropriate for citizens to defend policy positions in light of religious belief? Should government workers be permitted to wear clothing or symbols that express religious affiliation? Why or why not?
- Which of the three forms of Islamism, if any, can operate peacefully and become a part of a multiculturalist society? Why?
- To what degree should we be concerned about moral breakdown in modern societies? If we are concerned about this, is religion needed to meet the challenge?
