Category: Caliphate

Glenn Beck’s 019-It IS About Islam examines the historical and contemporary relationship between Islam and the West, challenging common narratives. The book argues that many widely held beliefs about Islam, such as its inherent peacefulness and the moderation of certain groups, are inaccurate. Beck explores the historical development of Islam, focusing on the life of Muhammad and the emergence of various interpretations and sects. He also analyzes the rise of extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, connecting their ideologies to historical precedents. Finally, the book critiques the West’s response to these groups and the role of political and media narratives in shaping public understanding.

Understanding Islam: Core Tenets, History, and Controversies

Here is a study guide based on the provided source material, designed to enhance your understanding of key concepts:

I. Core Islamic Concepts

• Quran: Muslims believe the Quran to be the direct word of Allah, as revealed to Muhammad [1]. It is not considered a collection of stories written by humans, but rather, the first-person voice of God [1]. Unlike the Bible, it is believed to be unchangeable [1].
• Hadith: These are oral traditions recounting the life and practices of Muhammad [2, 3]. Because the Quran can be contradictory and confusing, the Hadith became very important in determining the rules for daily life [2]. There are many “weak” or fraudulent Hadith, and the most authoritative collectors were not born until nearly 180 years after Muhammad’s death [4].
• Sharia Law: Sharia law is a wide-ranging system that encompasses crime, politics, economics, and personal matters [5]. It is not a single document, leading to different interpretations [5]. Sharia is derived from the Quran, the Hadith, Ijma (consensus of Muslim scholars), and Qiyas (reasoning by analogy) [3]. Many Muslims believe that Sharia is the only acceptable law for Muslims [3, 6].
• Some Muslims seek to follow Sharia even in Western countries, attempting to solve disputes within its limits [7]. Some believe a Muslim judge should rule by Sharia law, and hate man-made law [7].
• Jihad: Jihad is often translated as “struggle,” but it has multiple interpretations [8, 9]. Some Muslims and Islamic scholars define it as an inner struggle to do good [8, 9]. However, it is also considered a holy war, an obligation from Allah [10]. Some interpret it as a means to purify oneself or one’s community [8]. Some believe that jihad is a path to establish Islam over all other religions [11].
• Caliphate: A caliphate is an Islamic empire ruled by a successor to the prophet Muhammad [12]. The first caliph was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law [12].

II. Historical Context

• Jefferson’s Quran: Thomas Jefferson owned one of the first English translations of the Quran, which he acquired in 1765 [13, 14]. He was curious about laws of many kinds, including those that claimed to carry the word of God [14].
• Early Islamic Expansion: After Muhammad’s death, the Muslim community faced challenges in uniting around a common direction, due to the lack of a complete written Quran [2]. This led to reliance on memories, written fragments of God’s word, and the Hadith [2].
• Sunni-Shia Split: The loss of Muhammad’s divine revelations and leadership led to divisions within Islam, particularly the split between Sunnis and Shias [2].
• Wahhabism and Salafism: These movements sought to return to what they considered to be the original, pure form of Islam [15]. They often reject modern interpretations and emphasize strict adherence to early Islamic texts and practices [15].
• The Muslim Brotherhood: Founded in the 1930s, the Muslim Brotherhood views jihad as an obligation and seeks to model themselves on the martyrs [10]. Documents have revealed their plan to transform America into an Islamist society [11]. They aim to destroy Western civilization and make God’s religion victorious [11].

III. Key Figures

• Muhammad: Considered by Muslims to be the last prophet, his life and teachings form the basis of Islam [1]. The Quran is believed to be the direct word of God as revealed to him [1].
• Abu Bakr: The first caliph, or successor, to Muhammad, appointed after Muhammad’s death [12].
• Hassan al-Banna: Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood [10].
• Sayyid Qutb: An influential figure whose writings are embraced by jihadist groups [16].
• Osama bin Laden: A key figure in al-Qaeda, his organization sought to destroy the United States [8].
• Abu Bakr Naji: An al-Qaeda theologian who wrote “The Management of Savagery”, which is considered a key strategic text for jihadist groups [17, 18].

IV. Controversial Issues and Criticisms

• Violence and Jihad: Some argue that the concept of jihad is often used to justify violence and terrorism [8, 10]. Some interpret jihad as a fight against non-believers [19]. There is debate over whether the term jihad refers to an inner struggle for good, or an external physical struggle [8, 9].
• Sharia Law in the West: Some fear the implementation of Sharia law in Western countries, noting the existence of Sharia courts and the potential conflict with secular legal systems [20].
• Treatment of Non-Muslims: Historically, non-Muslims in Muslim-controlled lands have sometimes been given a second-class status (dhimmi), required to pay a tribute (jizya) [21, 22]. There are documented instances of massacres and enslavement of non-Muslims by Muslim forces [22].
• Freedom of Speech: Some Islamic texts, like Ash-Shifa, advocate violence against those who disrespect Muhammad [23, 24]. This creates tension with Western values regarding freedom of expression [23].
• Apologists: Some scholars and academics are accused of downplaying or ignoring the violent aspects of Islam by focusing on more peaceful interpretations [9, 25].
• The Role of Western Foreign Policy: Some sources claim that the West is attempting to blame itself for terrorism, rather than acknowledging that the actions of terrorist groups are solely their own [26].

V. Key Lies

• The source material includes a section called “Thirteen Deadly Lies,” which addresses common misconceptions about Islam [13]. It states that claims such as “The Muslim Brotherhood is a moderate, mainstream Islamic group” [13] and “Islam respects freedom of speech” [13] are lies. Other lies include: Muslims don’t seek to live under Sharia [5], and Islam translates to peace [27].

VI. Strategies for Understanding

• Go to Primary Sources: It is essential to go to the primary Islamic sources, such as the Quran and Hadith, to understand the religion [28, 29].
• Understand Motivations: To understand enemies, one must understand their motivations and goals [30].
• Challenge Misconceptions: It is important to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam [31].

VII. The Need for Action

• Educated Citizenry: An educated citizenry needs to fight back against what the source material considers lies about Islam [30].
• Truth: The source material suggests that the truth needs to be known by the public, despite what is claimed by politicians and the mainstream media [31].

This study guide should help you navigate the complex information presented in the sources. Remember to consult the source material directly for a more detailed understanding of each point.

Islam, Islamist Extremism, and the West

Here is a briefing document based on the provided source material and our conversation history:

Subject: Understanding Key Aspects of Islam and Islamist Extremism

I. Core Islamic Texts and Concepts

• Quran: Considered by Muslims to be the direct word of Allah, as revealed to Muhammad [1, 2]. It is not considered a collection of stories written by humans [2].
• It is believed to be unchangeable, unlike the Bible [1].
• Hadith: Oral traditions recounting the life and practices of Muhammad. These became important for determining rules for daily life [2].
• Many Hadith are considered “weak” or fraudulent [2]. The most authoritative collectors were not born until nearly 180 years after Muhammad’s death [3].
• Sharia Law: A comprehensive system encompassing crime, politics, economics, and personal matters, derived from the Quran, Hadith, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (reasoning by analogy) [4].
• Many Muslims believe Sharia is the only acceptable law for Muslims [4]. Some seek to follow Sharia even in Western countries [4].
• Jihad: Often translated as “struggle,” with multiple interpretations [5, 6].
• Some define it as an inner struggle to do good [5].
• Others consider it a holy war, an obligation from Allah to purify oneself or one’s community, and a path to establish Islam over all other religions [5, 7].
• Caliphate: An Islamic empire ruled by a successor to the prophet Muhammad [8].
• The first caliph was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law [8].

II. Key Historical Developments

• Early Islamic Expansion: After Muhammad’s death, the Muslim community lacked a complete written Quran, leading to reliance on memories, fragments, and Hadith [2].
• Sunni-Shia Split: Divisions arose within Islam due to the loss of Muhammad’s divine revelations and leadership, most notably the split between Sunnis and Shias [3].
• Wahhabism and Salafism: Movements aiming to return to the original, pure form of Islam [4]. They often reject modern interpretations and emphasize strict adherence to early Islamic texts [4].
• The Muslim Brotherhood: Founded in the 1930s, the Brotherhood views jihad as an obligation and seeks to transform societies into Islamist states [7, 9].
• Documents reveal their plan to transform America into an Islamist society, destroy Western civilization and make God’s religion victorious [10].

III. Key Figures

• Muhammad: Considered the last prophet by Muslims; his life and teachings form the basis of Islam [2].
• The Quran is believed to be the direct word of God as revealed to him [2].
• Abu Bakr: The first caliph, successor to Muhammad [8].
• Hassan al-Banna: Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood [7, 9].
• Sayyid Qutb: An influential figure whose writings are embraced by jihadist groups [9, 11].
• Osama bin Laden: A key figure in al-Qaeda, sought to destroy the United States [5, 12].
• Abu Bakr Naji: An al-Qaeda theologian who wrote “The Management of Savagery”, a key strategic text for jihadist groups [13].

IV. Controversial Issues and Criticisms

• Violence and Jihad: The concept of jihad is often used to justify violence and terrorism [5, 7, 14].
• There is debate over whether jihad refers to an inner struggle for good or an external physical struggle [5, 6, 15].
• Sharia Law in the West: Some fear the implementation of Sharia law in Western countries, noting the existence of Sharia courts and potential conflict with secular legal systems [4].
• Treatment of Non-Muslims: Historically, non-Muslims in Muslim-controlled lands have sometimes been given a second-class status (dhimmi) and required to pay a tribute (jizya) [14].
• There are documented instances of massacres and enslavement of non-Muslims by Muslim forces [16].
• Freedom of Speech: Some Islamic texts advocate violence against those who disrespect Muhammad, creating tension with Western values [17-20].
• Apologists: Some scholars and academics are accused of downplaying or ignoring the violent aspects of Islam by focusing on more peaceful interpretations [15, 21-23].
• The Role of Western Foreign Policy: Some sources claim that the West is attempting to blame itself for terrorism, rather than acknowledging that the actions of terrorist groups are solely their own [14, 24].

V. Key Lies and Misconceptions

• Claims such as “Islam translates to peace” are false; the more accurate translation is “submission” [25].
• The Muslim Brotherhood is not a moderate, mainstream Islamic group [26].
• Islam does not necessarily respect freedom of speech [17, 20].
• Muslims do not all seek to live under Sharia [4].

VI. Strategies for Understanding

• Primary Sources: It is crucial to study primary Islamic sources like the Quran and Hadith [6].
• Understand Motivations: To understand enemies, one must understand their motivations and goals [27, 28].
• Challenge Misconceptions: Challenge stereotypes and misrepresentations of Islam [23, 29].

VII. The Need for Action

• Educated Citizenry: An informed public is necessary to combat misinformation and threats [28].
• Truth: The public needs to be informed of the truth, despite claims from politicians and the media [28].

VIII. Specific examples of Islamist extremism

• Al-Qaeda: This group began its war against the West long before the attacks of 9/11. Al-Qaeda operatives were responsible for the assassination of Massoud [30].
• ISIS: This group has established what it calls a caliphate, and is responsible for numerous atrocities [8, 22].
• The Muslim Brotherhood: This group seeks to establish an Islamist society in America [10, 31, 32].

IX. The Importance of Dabiq

• The town of Dabiq in northwest Syria is the location where ISIS slaughtered a Western hostage [16]. The ISIS video warned that the conflict would continue until the crusader army was defeated in Dabiq [16].

This briefing document should help provide a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding Islam and Islamist extremism.

Understanding Islam: A Critical Inquiry

Here is a FAQ based on the provided sources and our conversation history:

Q: What are the main sources of Islamic teachings?

• The primary sources are the Quran, believed by Muslims to be the direct word of Allah, and the Hadith, which are oral traditions recounting the life and practices of Muhammad [1]. Sharia law is derived from these sources along with Ijma (consensus of Muslim scholars) and Qiyas (reasoning by analogy) [2].

Q: What is Sharia law?

• Sharia is a comprehensive code of conduct for Muslims, derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Muhammad) [2, 3]. It covers all aspects of life, including family, business, and legal matters [4]. Some Muslims believe that Sharia is the supreme law, which should be followed by Muslims wherever they are [3].

Q: What is the concept of Jihad?

• Jihad is often translated as “struggle” and has multiple interpretations [5, 6]. Some view it as an inner spiritual struggle to live virtuously [5], while others understand it as a physical struggle or war to defend or spread Islam [6, 7]. Some interpretations of jihad involve warfare against non-Muslims to establish the religion [6, 8]. Some Muslim leaders believe that jihad is an obligation from Allah on every Muslim [7].

Q: What is Wahhabism and Salafism?

• These are movements within Islam that seek to return to the original, pure form of the religion, as practiced by the early generations of Muslims [9]. They often reject modern interpretations and emphasize strict adherence to early Islamic texts [9].

Q: What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

• The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamist organization founded in the 1930s [7]. It aims to establish Islamic states and implement Sharia law. The Brotherhood is committed to a long-term “civilization jihad,” seeking to influence and infiltrate Western societies [10].

Q: What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

• The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose after the death of Muhammad, mainly over the issue of who should be his successor [11]. Sunnis believe that the successor should be chosen from among the prophet’s companions, while Shias believe that it should be someone from the prophet’s family, starting with Ali [11].

Q: Is Islam a peaceful religion?

• While some Muslims and scholars emphasize the peaceful aspects of Islam, others point to passages in the Quran and Hadith that advocate for violence against non-believers [6, 8]. The word “Islam” translates to “submission,” not “peace” [12]. Some sources also claim that the concept of being “made victorious with terror” is a component of Islam [13].

Q: What is the view of free speech in Islam?

• Some Islamic texts advocate for violence against those who disrespect Muhammad or Islam [14, 15]. This creates tension with Western notions of free speech [16-18]. Some Muslims believe that it is necessary to suppress speech that casts Islam in a bad light [19].

Q: How does Islamist extremism affect the West?

• Islamist extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS have carried out numerous terrorist attacks in the West [20]. The Muslim Brotherhood aims to infiltrate Western societies and establish Islamic enclaves [10, 21]. Some Muslims living in the West may believe that Sharia law is superior to secular law and may attempt to establish their own courts [22, 23].

Q: What are some common misconceptions about Islam?

• Some common misconceptions include:
• That Islam means peace [12]
• That Islam respects freedom of speech [16]
• That all Muslims support or seek to live under sharia law [4, 22]
• That poverty or a lack of jobs is the root cause of terrorism [24, 25]
• That the Muslim Brotherhood is a moderate organization [10, 21]
• Many believe that claims that Islam is a religion of peace are lies used to mislead people [26].

Q: How should the West respond to Islamist extremism?

• The sources suggest that the West must:
• Understand the ideology and motivations of Islamist groups [27, 28]
• Study primary Islamic texts like the Quran and Hadith [1]
• Avoid self-blame and recognize that Islamist violence is often driven by religious motivations [25]
• Challenge misrepresentations of Islam and the use of politically correct language [29]
• Recognize the importance of the truth as it relates to the motives and goals of radical Islamic groups [27]

Understanding Islam: A Critical Inquiry

Here is a FAQ based on the provided sources and our conversation history:

Q: What are the main sources of Islamic teachings?

• The primary sources are the Quran, believed by Muslims to be the direct word of Allah, and the Hadith, which are oral traditions recounting the life and practices of Muhammad [1]. Sharia law is derived from these sources along with Ijma (consensus of Muslim scholars) and Qiyas (reasoning by analogy) [2].

Q: What is Sharia law?

• Sharia is a comprehensive code of conduct for Muslims, derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Muhammad) [2, 3]. It covers all aspects of life, including family, business, and legal matters [4]. Some Muslims believe that Sharia is the supreme law, which should be followed by Muslims wherever they are [3].

Q: What is the concept of Jihad?

• Jihad is often translated as “struggle” and has multiple interpretations [5, 6]. Some view it as an inner spiritual struggle to live virtuously [5], while others understand it as a physical struggle or war to defend or spread Islam [6, 7]. Some interpretations of jihad involve warfare against non-Muslims to establish the religion [6, 8]. Some Muslim leaders believe that jihad is an obligation from Allah on every Muslim [7].

Q: What is Wahhabism and Salafism?

• These are movements within Islam that seek to return to the original, pure form of the religion, as practiced by the early generations of Muslims [9]. They often reject modern interpretations and emphasize strict adherence to early Islamic texts [9].

Q: What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

• The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Islamist organization founded in the 1930s [7]. It aims to establish Islamic states and implement Sharia law. The Brotherhood is committed to a long-term “civilization jihad,” seeking to influence and infiltrate Western societies [10].

Q: What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

• The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose after the death of Muhammad, mainly over the issue of who should be his successor [11]. Sunnis believe that the successor should be chosen from among the prophet’s companions, while Shias believe that it should be someone from the prophet’s family, starting with Ali [11].

Q: Is Islam a peaceful religion?

• While some Muslims and scholars emphasize the peaceful aspects of Islam, others point to passages in the Quran and Hadith that advocate for violence against non-believers [6, 8]. The word “Islam” translates to “submission,” not “peace” [12]. Some sources also claim that the concept of being “made victorious with terror” is a component of Islam [13].

Q: What is the view of free speech in Islam?

• Some Islamic texts advocate for violence against those who disrespect Muhammad or Islam [14, 15]. This creates tension with Western notions of free speech [16-18]. Some Muslims believe that it is necessary to suppress speech that casts Islam in a bad light [19].

Q: How does Islamist extremism affect the West?

• Islamist extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS have carried out numerous terrorist attacks in the West [20]. The Muslim Brotherhood aims to infiltrate Western societies and establish Islamic enclaves [10, 21]. Some Muslims living in the West may believe that Sharia law is superior to secular law and may attempt to establish their own courts [22, 23].

Q: What are some common misconceptions about Islam?

• Some common misconceptions include:
• That Islam means peace [12]
• That Islam respects freedom of speech [16]
• That all Muslims support or seek to live under sharia law [4, 22]
• That poverty or a lack of jobs is the root cause of terrorism [24, 25]
• That the Muslim Brotherhood is a moderate organization [10, 21]
• Many believe that claims that Islam is a religion of peace are lies used to mislead people [26].

Q: How should the West respond to Islamist extremism?

• The sources suggest that the West must:
• Understand the ideology and motivations of Islamist groups [27, 28]
• Study primary Islamic texts like the Quran and Hadith [1]
• Avoid self-blame and recognize that Islamist violence is often driven by religious motivations [25]
• Challenge misrepresentations of Islam and the use of politically correct language [29]
• Recognize the importance of the truth as it relates to the motives and goals of radical Islamic groups [27]

A History of Islam and Islamist Extremism

Here is a timeline of key events and developments related to Islam and Islamist extremism, based on the provided sources:

Early Islam (c. 609-732 AD)

• c. 609 AD: Muhammad receives his first revelations in a mountain cave near Mecca [1].
• c. 610-632 AD: Muhammad begins to preach the word of God, and his revelations are memorized or written on fragments, but not yet compiled into a complete written Quran [2, 3].
• c. 622 AD: Muhammad and his followers move to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Islam becomes a political and military force [4].
• c. 632 AD: Death of Muhammad, leading to the selection of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph [5].
• 632-732 AD: Islamic conquest and conversion spreads, reaching as far north as France, where their advance is stopped by Charles Martel at the Battle of Tours [3, 6].

The Islamic Golden Age and Subsequent Decline (c. 700-1800)

• 700-1250 AD: The Islamic Golden Age, marked by advancements in learning and science [7].
• c. 1200 AD: Islam has enjoyed nearly half a millennium of continuous expansion since the time of Muhammad [6].
• 1200-1798 AD: The Islamic world begins to decline, and the Ottoman Empire is eventually surpassed by European powers [8].
• 1798: Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt [9].

Rise of Modern Islamist Ideologies (18th-20th Centuries)

• Late 18th Century: The rise of Wahhabism, calling for a return to the pure Islam of the early generations [10].
• 19th Century: The Ottoman Empire declines, and European powers exert control in the Middle East [8].
• Early 20th Century: The Ottoman Caliphate collapses (1924), leaving the Muslim world without a single leader. The lands of the former Caliphate are divided by Western powers [11].
• 1920s-1930s: The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, founded by Hassan al-Banna, who taught that misery was caused by two things: Western influence and the Jews [12].

Mid to Late 20th Century

• 1947: The British mandate expires in Palestine leading to the creation of Israel. [13]
• 1980s: The mujahedeen in Afghanistan, backed by the US, fight the Soviet Union. This period is considered to be a key moment in the development of the Islamist movement [14].

The Rise of al-Qaeda and Islamist Terrorism (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

• 1980s-1990s: Osama bin Laden emerges as a key figure in al-Qaeda, which begins its war against the West [15].
• 1981: Anwar Sadat, president of Egypt, is assassinated by members of the Muslim Brotherhood [16].
• 2000-2003: Al-Qaeda’s “Phase I: The Muslim Awakening” of their twenty-year plan, beginning with 9/11 and aimed at provoking the West [17].
• 2001: Al-Qaeda is responsible for the 9/11 attacks [14, 17].
• 2003-2006: Al-Qaeda’s “Phase II: Opening Eyes”, using propaganda and battlefield victories to reawaken Muslims and return them to the foundations of their faith [17].
• 2004: Publication of “The Management of Savagery” by Abu Bakr Naji, a key strategic text for jihadist groups [18, 19].

The Rise of ISIS and Continued Conflict (2010-Present)

• 2011: Unrest in the Middle East leads to the toppling of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt. This period became known as the Arab Spring [16].
• 2011: Qaradawi issues a fatwa outlining the Islamic standard for jihad [20].
• 2013: Al-Qaeda predicted that a new Islamic government would form a Caliphate, which would occur by 2016 [21].
• 2014: The Islamic State (ISIS) declares itself a Caliphate, adopting al-Qaeda’s ideology [21].
• 2014-present: ISIS commits atrocities in its controlled territories, broadcasting executions and using the Quran and Sharia to justify its actions [22, 23].
• 2015: The Charlie Hebdo massacre in France leads to further media self-censorship [24]. The Islamic State continues to be ground zero for crimes against humanity [22].
• 2000-2020: Al-Qaeda’s twenty-year plan, which included the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate, was scheduled to be completed by the year 2020 [25-27].

Ongoing Issues

• Present Day: The struggle continues between those who seek to moderate Islam and those who seek to impose a totalitarian and fundamentalist form of the religion [28]. Some fear that the West is being infiltrated by radical Islamist groups [29].

This timeline highlights the key historical developments and the ongoing struggle between various factions of Islam, from its early days to the present. It also underscores the continuing threat posed by Islamist extremist groups.

A Concise History of Islam

Islam’s history is marked by periods of expansion, cultural flourishing, and internal conflict, and is characterized by a unique relationship between religion and political power [1-3].

Early Expansion (7th-8th Centuries):

• The religion began in Mecca with the revelations of Muhammad [4].
• After facing opposition in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, where Islam became a political and military force [3]. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar [3].
• Following Muhammad’s death, the Islamic community rapidly expanded through conquest and conversion [5].
• By 732, Islamic expansion had reached into France, where it was halted at the Battle of Tours [4, 5].

The Islamic Golden Age (c. 700-1250):

• This period saw significant advancements in science, mathematics, and philosophy [6].
• Muslims translated and preserved the works of Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato [7].
• However, this era was not without conflict, as there were sporadic bouts of violence between Muslims and religious minorities [7].
• The flourishing of Islam during this period was based on military and trading power and cultural reappropriation [8].

Decline and the Rise of Islamist Ideologies (c. 1250-1924):

• The Caliphate, the political and religious leadership of the Islamic world, gradually declined [9].
• The Islamic world was surpassed by Western powers [10].
• The Ottoman Empire, the last major Caliphate, was known as the “sick man of Europe” before it was dismembered after World War I [11, 12].
• In 1924, the Caliphate was abolished by the secular Turkish Republic, leaving the Muslim world without a single leader [11].
• The fall of the Caliphate is considered a tragedy by radical Islamists, who seek to restore it [11].
• The loss of the Caliphate led to a push to revive Islam, and a belief that it is a total system that should include a political vision and social order [13].
• The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 to restore the Caliphate and impose Islamic law on all nations [14].

The Rise of Modern Islamist Movements (20th-21st Centuries):

• The creation of Israel and the loss of Arab lands became propaganda tools for those who saw Islam as the solution to the world’s problems [15].
• The 20th century saw the rise of modern Islamist ideologies, including Salafism and Wahhabism which seek to return to the original, pure form of Islam [15].
• The Soviet war in Afghanistan in the 1980s was a key moment for the development of the Islamist movement. The US supported the Mujahideen in Afghanistan [16].
• Al-Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden, launched a war against the West [17].
• The 9/11 attacks in 2001 marked a turning point in the relationship between the West and radical Islamists [17].
• ISIS declared a new Caliphate in 2014, committing atrocities and seeking to expand its territory [18].

Key Themes in Islamic History

• The concept of Dar al-Islam (house of Islam) and Dar al-harb (house of war): This division of the world into Muslim lands and non-Muslim lands has influenced the relationship between Islam and the rest of the world [19].
• The inseparability of religion and politics: Unlike Christianity, where a separation of church and state developed over time, Islam has historically been associated with political power and conquest [2, 3].
• The importance of the Quran and Hadith: These texts are regarded as the ultimate authority for Muslims and have been used to justify various actions throughout history [20].
• The ongoing struggle between moderate and extremist interpretations of Islam: This tension has existed throughout Islamic history [21]. Some seek a classically liberal approach recognizing faith as something between God and the individual, while others seek to impose Islamic law on the world [21].

This history reveals that Islam is not a monolithic entity, but rather a diverse religion with various interpretations and movements. The tension between these interpretations continues to shape the Islamic world and its relationship with the West today [21].

Sharia Law: An Overview

Islamic law, known as Sharia, is a complex system of rules and guidelines derived from the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad [1, 2]. It is not just a legal code, but an all-encompassing way of life [1]. Sharia is meant to be a pathway to God’s will [1, 3].

Sources of Sharia:

• Quran: The central, sacred text of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad [4].
• Sunna/Hadith: The example and practices of Muhammad’s life, as recorded in oral traditions [4].
• Ijma: The consensus of Muslim scholars [4].
• Qiyas: Reasoning by analogy, which establishes new precedents in areas where the Quran and Hadith are unclear [4].

Key Aspects of Sharia:

• Sharia covers a wide range of matters, including crime, politics, economics, and personal matters such as sexuality, diet, hygiene, prayer, and fasting [5]. It is intended to guide all aspects of life [3].
• Sharia is considered by some to be the supreme law over everything and everyone, regardless of where they live [3].
• Sharia is not a static set of rules; there are varying interpretations of Sharia [5-7]. Different schools of legal thought emerged after Muhammad’s death as scholars debated the meaning of the Quran and Hadith [8].
• Sharia is viewed by many Muslims as a religious imperative [9]. Some believe that living under Sharia is a defined religious obligation [9, 10]. Muslims are expected to follow Sharia, wherever they live, and it must take precedence over the laws of man [7].
• Some Muslims believe that the entire Muslim community must live under Sharia [11].
• Some Islamic scholars believe that no other sovereign or authority is acceptable to a Muslim unless it guarantees the application of Sharia in its entirety [4].
• Many Muslims believe that Sharia is the answer to the world’s problems and represents the holistic worldview of Muhammad and the Quran [12].

Sharia and Governance:

• Sharia includes a “program for government,” which is why Islam has been a political force since its beginning [2].
• Historically, there has been no separation of church and state in Islam, and caliphs were both religious and political leaders [1].
• Sharia law developed a set of rules, laws, and traditions for non-Muslims, who were often treated as second-class citizens if they survived initial waves of conquest [13].
• Some interpretations of Sharia call for Muslims to continuously wage war against non-Muslims until Islam establishes supremacy over all other religions [14].

Sharia and Punishment:

• Sharia prescribes punishments for crimes considered to be against God, called hudud, including theft, adultery, and apostasy. Punishments range from lashes to banishment to death [15].
• According to some interpretations of Sharia, theft may be punished by amputation of a hand [8, 15], and adultery is punishable by death by stoning [8, 16].
• Apostasy, or abandoning Islam, is considered the most severe crime in Sharia, and can be punished by death [17].
• Blasphemy, or anything seen as insulting to God or Muhammad, is also considered a severe crime, with punishments ranging from fines to amputation to hanging or beheading [8].

Sharia and Non-Muslims

• Non-Muslims were sometimes allowed to retain their faith if they paid a tribute called a jizya, and were considered “protected” or “guilty” people (dhimmi) [13].
• In some interpretations of Sharia, only “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians) are allowed to live in exchange for paying the jizya, and other non-Muslims must either convert to Islam or be killed [14].
• In addition to paying the jizya, non-Muslims were required to acknowledge their position as second class citizens, and sometimes had to wear distinctive clothing [18].

Sharia in the Modern World:

• Many Muslims around the world support the implementation of Sharia as the official law in their countries [12]. Some polls show that a large majority of Muslims in some countries favor making sharia the official law [9, 12, 16].
• Some groups seek to impose Sharia on the entire world. [19, 20]
• There are increasing instances of Sharia law coming into conflict with Western legal systems [21]. For example, some courts in the West have had cases where the husband claimed that it was his right to have sex with his wife at any time under Sharia law, or that a woman’s testimony should be worth half of a man’s [8, 21].
• There is concern that some groups are trying to introduce Sharia into the judicial system in the West [22].
• Some Muslim leaders have set up their own courts that follow Sharia, and some of these leaders have expressed support for harsh punishments such as cutting off the hands of thieves [23, 24].

Different Interpretations of Sharia:

• There are varying interpretations of Sharia, leading to different practices across the Islamic world [5, 6, 25].
• Some argue that Sharia is flexible and can be adapted to different political systems and cultures [25].
• Others argue that Sharia is an eternal, unchangeable system that must take precedence over all other laws [7].
• Many moderate Muslims believe that Sharia is personal religious law and moral guidance, but some groups have a literalist and absolutist view that believes Sharia should be imposed on everyone everywhere [20, 25].

It is important to note that there is no one “Sharia”; the term refers to a body of law and tradition interpreted differently across time and by different groups. It is this range of interpretations that forms the basis of both moderate and radical Islam.

Jihad: Interpretations and Justifications

Jihad is a complex concept with multiple interpretations, ranging from a personal spiritual struggle to a physical war against non-believers [1-5].

Multiple Interpretations of Jihad:

• Some interpretations of Jihad focus on the internal struggle to be a better Muslim [1, 2, 4, 5]. This can include striving for virtue, doing good works, and taking personal responsibility [1, 4, 5].
• Some scholars and Muslims view Jihad as a personal commitment to service, patience, and taking the higher road [2, 4].
• Other interpretations view Jihad as a physical war against non-believers, and a holy duty for Muslims [6-10].
• Some Muslims consider Jihad to be a legitimate tenet of Islam, meaning to purify oneself or one’s community [2].
• Many Muslims and Islamic scholars consider the more correct definition of jihad to be the inner struggle to do good and follow God’s teachings [2].

Jihad as Holy War:

• The Quran outlines the Islamic duty to make war upon non-Muslims [6]. Specifically, Sura 9, verse 29, explains the duty to fight those who do not believe in Allah, the Last Day, or forbid what has been forbidden by Allah and his messenger [6]. It also mentions fighting those who do not acknowledge Islam among the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission and feel subdued [6, 11].
• Sura 47, verse 4, sanctions taking captives as spoils of war [7]. It orders Muslims to continue Jihad against disbelievers until they embrace Islam or come under Muslim protection [7].
• Sura 2, verse 154, states that Allah will reward holy warriors who fight on his behalf [8].
• Some interpretations of Jihad involve the use of violence, crudeness, terrorism, frightening others, and massacring [12].
• Some scholars believe that Jihad is the most merciful method for all created things and the most sparing of the spilling of blood [13].
• Some Islamic scholars have stated that war is the real basis of relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and that the infidelity of non-Muslims is the cause of such war [14].
• Classical Islamic scholars have defined Jihad as a holy war, contrasting it with other religions where war is only for purposes of defense [10].
• Some interpretations of Jihad emphasize the need to convert everyone to Islam by persuasion or by force [10].
• Some Islamic scholars believe that Muslims are obligated to raid the lands of infidels, occupy them, and exchange their system of governance for an Islamic one [15].
• Some believe that the objective of Islamic Jihad is to eliminate un-Islamic systems of rule and establish an Islamic system in its place [16].
• Some Muslims believe that the goal of Islam is to spread its system of law across the world; therefore, any opposition to spreading Islamic law could be defined as a defensive act [17].
• Some interpret Jihad as a movement aimed at preventing enemies from forcing their hegemony over land and people through violence that takes away freedom, kills people, and usurps wealth [18].
• Jihad is sometimes interpreted as confronting violence with violence and force with force [18].

Jihad and its Justifications:

• Some believe that disbelief alone is enough to justify murder [19].
• Some Muslims believe that those who wage war against Allah and his messenger should be killed, crucified, have their hands and feet cut off, or be exiled [20].
• Some also see “mischief in the land” as a justification for violence, with “mischief” referring to various types of evil [19].
• Some interpretations of jihad see it as a way of extending the sovereignty of God’s law throughout the world [21].

“Defensive Jihad”

• Some apologists for Jihad argue that, according to Islamic law, Allah will only countenance a “defensive” jihad, and that jihad is only justifiable once Muslim lands are attacked or Muslims are persecuted [22].
• However, the definition of “defensive” can be broad. For example, some believe that if Muslims are not permitted to live according to Sharia law, it could be considered persecution and justification for defensive jihad [23].
• Some have also used the concept of “defensive jihad” to justify attacks that could be seen as offensive, such as terrorist attacks [17].
• Some have defined defensive jihad as a movement that prevents enemies from forcing their hegemony over land and people by violence that eliminates freedom, kills people, and usurps wealth [18].

Jihad and Motivation

• Jihad must be done in the cause of Allah [24].
• Anger, or worldly motivations, are not sufficient reasons for a Muslim to engage in jihad [25, 26].
• Some believe that those who fight for reasons of anger or worldly emotions will not receive a heavenly reward [25, 26].

Modern Interpretations

• Some Muslims and Islamic scholars are urging a careful scrutiny and revision of traditional understandings of jihad [14].
• Some Muslim groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood are committed to a “civilization jihad,” a long-term plan to influence and infiltrate Western societies and destroy Western civilization from within [27-29].
• Some groups believe that they will conquer Europe and America not through the sword but through dawa, which is the principal means of the Muslim Brotherhood’s civilization jihad [28].

It is important to note that the concept of jihad is not monolithic and has been interpreted and used in many different ways throughout history.

ISIS and al-Qaeda: A Comparative Analysis

ISIS and al-Qaeda are both radical Islamist terrorist groups that share a common goal of establishing a global Caliphate under Sharia law, but they have distinct origins, strategies, and organizational structures [1-4].

Shared Ideology:

• Both groups adhere to a supremacist political ideology, known as Islamism, which seeks to impose Sharia law on the world [1, 5].
• They believe that Islam is not a religion of peace, but rather a religion of war [6].
• Both groups believe that they are charged with playing an active role in bringing about the end times [7].
• They both seek to replace the world order of sovereign nation-states with a new world order divided between the Caliphate and the Muslim community of believers, and the unbelievers [8].
• They believe in the concept of dar al-Islam (house of Islam) versus dar al-harb (house of war, or the rest of us) [9].
• Both groups believe that their actions are justified by their interpretation of Islamic texts [10].
• Both groups believe that they are the true protectors of Islam [11].
• Both groups are focused on expanding their power to the entire planet [12].
• Both see the imposition of Sharia law as an imperative [4].

Origins and Evolution:

• Al-Qaeda emerged as a terrorist organization, while ISIS evolved from al-Qaeda’s Iraq branch and became a quasi-government controlling territory [13, 14].
• Al-Qaeda’s origins can be traced back to the fight against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. It later became a global terrorist network led by Osama bin Laden [15, 16].
• ISIS grew out of the chaos of the Syrian Civil War and the power vacuum in Iraq after the withdrawal of U.S. forces [13, 17, 18].
• Al-Qaeda had a twenty-year plan to install a Caliphate, and the 9/11 attacks were part of that plan [15].

Organizational Structure and Leadership:

• Al-Qaeda has evolved from a terrorist organization to an ideological movement to which ISIS and other jihadi groups pledge allegiance [19].
• Al-Qaeda is no longer seen as having a command-and-control structure like a mini-Pentagon, but rather a movement with adherents that are self-recruited and can spring up anywhere [19].
• ISIS declared itself a Caliphate in 2014, establishing a physical territory and governing structure in parts of Syria and Iraq [20].
• ISIS’s self-appointed leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared himself Caliph and changed his name to include “Muhammad,” believing himself to be the Mahdi [21].

Tactics and Strategies:

• Al-Qaeda primarily operates as a terrorist organization conducting attacks on Western targets [8, 15, 22].
• ISIS uses a combination of terrorism and conventional warfare to expand and control territory [18, 20, 23].
• ISIS is known for its brutality, using beheadings, massacres, and enslavement as methods of control and intimidation [21, 23].
• Both groups use propaganda, social media, and videos to spread their message and recruit new members [21, 24-26].
• Both groups use cyberattacks to target America’s economic might [2].

Goals and Objectives:

• Al-Qaeda’s goal was to re-establish the Caliphate and return Islam to global dominance [15].
• ISIS’s objective is to establish a global Caliphate and impose Sharia law on all survivors, believing it is their duty to bring about the end times [7, 27].
• ISIS believes it will be a key agent of the coming apocalypse [28].
• ISIS wants to engage in a final confrontation with the West that will result in World War III [29].
• Both groups believe the West will lose its will to fight, allowing the Caliphate to grow in strength and territory [2].

Relationship and Merging of the Groups:

• ISIS grew out of Al-Qaeda in Iraq [3, 13].
• There is evidence that al-Qaeda and ISIS are merging [3].
• Al-Qaeda’s ideology and terrorist tactics went mainstream after ISIS declared the Islamic State [14].
• The declaration of the Caliphate by ISIS was a goal al-Qaeda had predicted a decade earlier [14].

Specifics about ISIS

• ISIS’s capital is al-Raqqa in eastern Syria [18].
• ISIS has cells operating in more than a dozen countries with outposts where it governs pockets of territory [30].
• Some ISIS members believe that their leader, al-Baghdadi, is the Mahdi himself [21].
• ISIS considers the village of Dabiq to be the location of the final battle between the forces of Islam and the infidels [17, 27].
• ISIS propaganda refers to the United States as the “forces of Rome” who will be defeated at Dabiq [27].
• ISIS believes that after this battle, there will be an open road to Istanbul and Europe beyond [27].
• ISIS has a digital magazine called Dabiq [24].
• ISIS has razed the birthplace of human civilization in Iraq and Syria to build a new Caliphate [31].
• ISIS destroys ancient artifacts because they consider them “worthless,” even if they are worth billions of dollars [31].

Specifics about Al-Qaeda

• Al-Qaeda’s twenty-year plan, which began in 2001, has seven phases [15, 16].
• Al-Qaeda’s plan included drawing America into war in Afghanistan and Iraq, toppling secular governments, and creating an Islamic Caliphate [32].
• Al-Qaeda’s plan predicted the Arab Spring, when secular governments would topple [32].
• Al-Qaeda’s plan included a special focus on Syria, because Syria is home to Dabiq, and it is the doorstep to toppling Jordan and Israel [17].

Differences in Tactics

• While both groups use violence, ISIS is known for extreme brutality, including beheadings, crucifixions, and mass executions [23, 33, 34].
• ISIS uses savagery as a central method of ruling to shock and deter. It may alienate some potential supporters, but it forces many more into submission [21].

Response to the Groups

• Some governments recognize the threat posed by both groups, and see no distinction between them [35].
• Some governments and media outlets do not acknowledge the connection between Islam and the actions of these groups, labeling them as “not Islamic” [36-38].
• The U.S. administration initially downplayed the threat of ISIS, calling them a “JV team” [37].

In conclusion, while ISIS and al-Qaeda share the ultimate goal of a global Caliphate under Sharia law, they have evolved with different strategies and methods. Al-Qaeda has become an ideological movement with decentralized control, while ISIS has established itself as a quasi-government with control of territory. Both groups use violence and propaganda to spread their message and achieve their goals [19, 20].

The Caliphate: Goals, History, and Challenges

The overarching goal of a Caliphate is to establish a global Islamic state governed by Sharia law [1-3]. This objective is central to the ideologies of various radical Islamist groups [4, 5], including ISIS and al-Qaeda [6, 7].

Here are specific goals and aspects associated with the Caliphate as described in the sources:

• Unification of Muslims: The Caliphate aims to unite all Muslims under a single political and religious authority, transcending national borders and secular laws [2, 8]. The vision is to erase the boundaries of nation-states and create one Muslim community, the umma [2, 9].
• Implementation of Sharia Law: A key objective is to enforce Sharia law in all aspects of life, encompassing legal, social, and political systems [2, 8]. Sharia is viewed as the inalterable law of God [1, 5]. The Caliphate sees its mission as “compelling the people to do what the Sharia (Allah’s law) requires of them” [10].
• Global Expansion: The Caliphate seeks to expand its territory and influence worldwide [1, 11]. This is based on the concept that dar al-harb (house of war, referring to non-Muslim lands) should shrink, giving way to a global Caliphate of believers [2, 11, 12].
• Rejection of Western Influence: The Caliphate seeks to reverse the perceived decline of the Islamic world by rejecting Western innovations and traditions, such as secular constitutions and nation-states [2, 13]. It aims to restore Islam to what is seen as its original, pure form [5, 14].
• Establishment of an Islamic State: The Caliphate aims to set up an Islamic state to faithfully implement Sharia law as Muhammad and the first four rightly guided caliphs did [2].
• Role in the End Times: Many Islamists believe that establishing the Caliphate is a necessary step to bring about the return of the Mahdi and the Day of Judgment [15, 16]. The Caliphate is seen as a sign of the impending end times, giving meaning to those who seek it [15, 17]. Some ISIS members believe that their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is the Mahdi [17].
• Total Submission to Allah: The Caliphate requires complete submission to Allah, with Muslims acknowledging their purpose to carry out the commands of Allah, establish His religion, and refer to His law for judgment [1, 10].
• Confrontation with the West: The Caliphate seeks a final confrontation with the West that they hope will result in World War III [18]. They believe that the West will lose its will to fight, allowing the Caliphate to grow in strength and territory [19].
• Establishing a new world order: The Caliphate seeks to replace the world order of sovereign nation-states with a new world order divided between the Caliphate and the Muslim community of believers, and the unbelievers [12].
• Rejection of National Citizenship: The Caliphate does not recognize national citizenship or the borders of countries, and uses terms like Syria and Iraq that have no meaning [8].

Historical and Ideological Context:

• The concept of the Caliphate is rooted in Islamic history, dating back to the time of Muhammad and the early Islamic empires [4, 20].
• The Caliphate expanded from Spain to India by the beginning of the eighth century A.D. [21].
• The abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 is seen as a tragedy by radical Islamists, who seek to reestablish it [6, 22].
• The desire to create a Caliphate has been a long-standing goal for groups like al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood [6, 23].
• The rise of ISIS and its declaration of a Caliphate in 2014 has galvanized many Islamists around the world [24].
• Reestablishing the Caliphate was a goal for Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda [6].

Specific Actions and Beliefs of the Caliphate:

• The Caliphate considers those who are not true Muslims to be enemies [8].
• The Caliphate imposes harsh punishments on those who don’t follow Sharia Law [25].
• The Caliphate uses violence and brutality to instill fear and force submission [6, 17, 26].
• They believe that they are fulfilling prophecies of Muhammad about the coming Day of Judgment [17].
• Many radicals believe that the Caliphate will be ruled from Jerusalem [27]. They see Jordan as the eastern gate to Israel [27].
• The Caliphate sees itself as a divinely ordained political entity destined to spread to the corners of the earth [9].

Challenges to the Idea of the Caliphate:

• Many Muslims do not recognize the legitimacy of the Caliphate established by ISIS [9].
• Some view the idea of a Caliphate as a fanciful dream, or an absurd delusion that will never happen [27, 28].
• Some Western political and media figures have downplayed the threat of the Caliphate, dismissing it as unrealistic [28-30].

In summary, the Caliphate’s goal is to establish a global Islamic state under Sharia law, uniting all Muslims, rejecting Western influence, and fulfilling prophecies about the end times [16]. This is a core objective for many radical Islamist groups, and it involves the use of various tactics, including violence, propaganda, and political action [5, 9].

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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