Islamic extremism

2012 Sydney: Muslims protesting against the release of Innocence of Muslims

Islamic extremism, Islamist extremism or radical Islam refers a set of extremist beliefs, behaviors and ideology within Islam. These terms remain contentious, encompassing a spectrum of definitions, ranging from academic interpretations to the notion that all ideologies other than Islam have failed and are inferior.[1] Furthermore, these terms may extend to encompass other sects of Islam that do not share such extremist views.

Political definitions of Islamic extremism, such as that employed by the government of the United Kingdom, characterize it as any form of Islam that opposes "democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs."[2] In 2019, the United States Institute of Peace issued a report on extremism in fragile states, advocating the establishment of a shared understanding, operational framework for prevention, and international cooperation.[3]

It is crucial to distinguish Islamic extremism from Islamic fundamentalism or Islamism. Islamic fundamentalism refers to a movement among Muslims advocating a return to the fundamental principles of an Islamic state in Muslim-majority countries. Meanwhile, Islamism constitutes a form of political Islam. However, both Islamic fundamentalism and Islamism can also be classified as subsets of Islamic extremism. Acts of violence committed by Islamic terrorists and jihadists are often associated with these extremist beliefs.

  1. ^ Cook, David (2015). Understanding Jihad. University of California Press. p. 103. ISBN 9780520287327.
  2. ^ Casciani, Dominic (10 June 2014). "How do you define Islamist extremism?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  3. ^ "Preventing Extremism in Fragile States: A New Approach, Final Report of the Task Force on Extremism in Fragile States". February 2019. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.

© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search