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Islamism

Islamic fundamentalism is a religious and political movement advocating for a strict, literal interpretation of Islamic texts and a desire to return to the fundamental principles of the faith as practiced by the early Muslim community.

Fundamentalists advocate for a literal reading of the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). They believe that these texts should be the sole basis for governance and personal conduct. Many Islamic fundamentalists view modernity and Western influences as corrupting forces that undermine Islamic values. They often reject secularism and modern political ideologies, advocating instead for a return to traditional Islamic principles. Fundamentalists seek to implement sharia (Islamic law) as the legal framework governing personal and societal conduct. This often includes strict penalties for offenses and a focus on moral and social discipline. While jihad can mean "struggle" in a broad sense, fundamentalists often emphasize a more militant interpretation, advocating for armed struggle against perceived enemies of Islam, including foreign powers and local governments that they view as corrupt or un-Islamic. Islamic fundamentalism often emphasizes a strong sense of community (Ummah) and identity, promoting solidarity among Muslims and a collective responsibility to uphold Islamic values.

The roots of Islamic fundamentalism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in response to colonialism and the perceived decline of Islamic civilization. Thinkers like Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Muhammad Abduh criticized Western imperialism and called for reform within Islam. The mid-20th century saw a resurgence of religious sentiment in many Muslim-majority countries. Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood (founded in 1928 in Egypt) sought to integrate Islamic principles into political life and governance. In 1979, the Iranian Revolution marked a significant turning point for Islamic fundamentalism, as a theocratic regime was established based on Shia Islamic principles. This inspired fundamentalist movements globally, demonstrating the potential for Islam to serve as a political force. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of various Islamist groups, including Al-Qaeda and later ISIS, which adopted fundamentalist interpretations to justify violence and terrorism as part of a broader struggle against Western influence and secular governments in the Muslim world.

While Islamic fundamentalism can be seen as a subset of Islamism, the two are not synonymous. Islamism includes various ideologies, from moderate political participation (like the Ennahda party in Tunisia) to extremist views advocating violence (like Al-Qaeda or ISIS). Often characterized by ultra-conservative views, fundamentalism typically emphasizes a return to original Islamic tenets and can sometimes reject modern political processes altogether in favor of militant activism.

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