This is a guest post by Ishtiaq Hussain from the Quilliam Foundation
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Quran inscriptions on wall, Lodhi Gardens, Delhi. Credit: Shashwat Nagpal
Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is an Abrahamic faith and a Monotheistic religion. Its followers are called Muslims. Islam was founded in Arabia in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fought against oppression, injustice and corruption. During his lifetime he was able to create a just and fair society based on religious tolerance. After his death Islam quickly spread to various parts of the world and within a hundred years it had attracted a huge following. Various Muslim Empires were created by Muslims. Islam had not defined a set political system so these Empires were able to establish themselves and flourish by using the systems which Muslims encountered when they gained hegemony.
In the early 20th century the age of Empires was coming to an end. The Ottoman Empire had collapsed and the British Empire was withdrawing from areas it had previously occupied. A political and social vacuum was being created in former colonial territories. This political climate resulted in new ideologies emerging. In Europe totalitarian ideologies such as Communism and fascism had arisen that claimed to overcome the decadence of the dominant liberal democratic societies of the West and create the basis of an alternative modernity in a new socio‐political order. In the Middle‐East ideologies such as Ba’athism and Islamism formed which made parallel claims in the Muslim world. These ideologies were primarily reactions to Colonialism.
What is Islamism?
It is important to note that just as there is no one single definition of Communism, there is also no one single definition of Islamism. There are, however, certain characteristics within Islamism that distinguish it from established religions, particularly from Islam itself.
One fact about Islam that influences Islamism’s nature as a political ideology is that Islamist’s are able to manipulate Islamic scripture and history in order to justify their socio‐political aims. For example, the Qur’an mentions the virtues of being a ‘just leader’, and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) maintained a political, as well as spiritual, leadership in the society he established in Medina, drawing treaties and taking part in battles. For these reasons Islam is seen by many Muslims as being operative in all spheres of life, including politics.
Yet though most Muslims regard Islam as being operative in all spheres of life, including politics, this does not mean that Islam has predefined a political system or stance that it is incumbent on all Muslims to believe in. For example, there is no mention of statehood in the Quran, nor are there pre‐ordained political principles prescribed in any of the Islamic holy texts that Muslims are required to follow. Islamists, however, will argue that Muslims are only allowed to follow and participate in one type of political system, and that all other political systems and ideologies are “un‐Islamic”. This is quite unprecedented and lacks historical or scriptural justification. Muslim empires in the past have had multiple legal and political systems. Today Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia all see themselves as “Islamic states”, yet their political systems are different. This is due to the fact that Islam is not a political ideology, and has not ordained a particular political system for Muslims to abide by.
The key difference between Islam and Islamism is that Islam is not, and has never been described as, a political ideology.
Furthermore, one could even argue that there is in fact scriptural justification for the separation of Church and State in Islam, so that there is no real scriptural justification for establishing an Islamic state as Islamists maintain. I refer to the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “You know your worldly affairs better than I do, and I know your religious matters better than you do” (Muslim ‐ 139‐141). Many have interpreted this to mean that although the Prophet was a religious and political leader, he was not infallible when it came to politics and that Islam makes no prescriptions about the way human beings should organize the political realm while on earth.
It is thus in marked contrast to both the history of Muslim societies and world majority Muslim opinion that even today the Islamists regard Islam axiomatically as a revolutionary political ideology surpassing all other political ideologies, such as Communism and Capitalism, since it is a divine ideology rather than one based on fallible man‐made concepts and ideas. An implication of this is the Islamist assertion that Islam must have provided a detailed and divinely pre‐ordained stance on matters such as political structure or the economy and these can be realized, by definition, only by destroying institutions based on Capitalism and Communism which have no basis in the Qur’an. If these structures and systems are deemed absent, the Islamists will work to bring them about.
A further implication of this belief is that Islam, as a political ideology, must also be in perennial conflict with other dominant political ideologies, in the same manner that Communism was in perennial conflict with Capitalism during the Cold War.
Ironically, Islamism, thanks partly to the absence of a fully developed tradition of political theory in Islam, borrows heavily from Europe’s revolutionary political ideologies such as Marxism‐Leninism in its organizational and operational structure, and due to this fact many of the concepts within Islamism resemble those within Marxism.
Since Islam is seen by Islamists as a political ideology destined to achieve hegemony within the modern world, they assert that the Shariah, which is the Muslim religious code of conduct, demands implementation not just as the basis of social norms but of state law and of political institutions. Any nation or state that does not implement their version of Shariah thereby becomes dar al‐harb (an abode of war) and shall remain so until the Shariah is imposed on a constitutional level. Once such a state is created it shall cease to be dar al‐harb and will become dar al‐Islam (land of Islam).
Following on from this Islamists also make the claim that the global Muslim community, or Ummah, represents a political bloc rather than merely a spiritual community, an idea that shares many similarities to the Marxist concept of the proletariat. Loyalty and allegiance is thus owed to this political bloc rather than to any state or nation, hence an Islamist would reject any form of national identity and would identify himself/herself as a Muslim only, rather than a British Muslim or a Pakistani Muslim etc.
The religion of peace
The ultimate objective of Islamism, in contradistinction to historical and scriptural Islam, is the creation of a super expansionist Islamist state, or a Caliphate, that would do away with borders and unite all Muslim majority countries into one unitary state. In its more extreme formulation this aim is expressed in terms of a ‘global Caliphate’ that extends its authority over the world of non‐Muslims as well. Again, until such utopian goals are achieved all countries that are not united under this expansionist state or submit to Islamic authority are regarded as dar al‐harb. Just as the international proletariat, the global political bloc for Communists, required an expansionist state to proactively ‘liberate’ workers from the tyranny of Capitalism, likewise the Caliphate must proactively intervene in the affairs of other states so as to ‘liberate’ Muslim residents from the yoke of kufr, or disbelief.
Despite the fact that since 9/11, 7/7 and the Madrid bombings Islamism has come to dominate the world’s headlines in the West, the vast majority of the world’s Muslims continue to believe Islam is not a political ideology and do not pursue the revolutionary goals that Islamists have projected onto it. In the Quran Islam is described as ‘Deen‐al‐Islam’ which translates as ‘religion of peace’.
26 Comments
Good piece but I would say Islamism is closer to Nazism than Communism.
Quote: The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) fought against oppression, injustice and corruption.
Oh? He did? That is a rather strange interpretation of the ahadeeth. I guess then that Muhammad (pbuh) fought against oppression by leading 26 raids against peaceful neighbors (Tabrai), he fought injustice by killing and enslaving men women and children and he fought corruption by taking 20% of the plunder for him and Allah even if I doubt that Allah ever showed up to claim his share.
Quote: “Islam is not, and has never been described as, a political ideology.” Well, except in about 10,000 Muslims websites that tell us that Islam is a “complete” way of life that includes a government based upon Shaiah.
The article is full of errors, as usual. Oh yes, exactly where in the Quran is the ‘Deen‐al‐Islam’ verse which “translates as ‘religion of peace’”. I don’t seem to remember it.
The word islam is used only 8 times in the Quran. There was probably a wonderful verse given by Allah telling Muslims not to kill infidels or discrimnate against them because Islam is a religion of peace but unfortunately it was lost by Uthman in the final compilation, right?
Islam is just islamism in fancy clothes when explained to stupid non-Muslims.
I’m having trouble deciding whether this article is deeply dishonest or just invincibly stupid. The denialism is patent, only the source isn’t clear.
This post has been cross-posted to Harry’s Place. Plenty of commentary there to mull over.
I think this is the Islam the author wants us to see but by their own historical writings and laws muslims have condemned themselves. There are few non muslims in the modern world who believe Mr. Hussein’s version of how Islam “attracted” a huge following and and how Muslim Empires were “created”.
As for the Prophet ‘creating a just and fair society based on religious tolerance” – are we really expected to believe this given that we are now more aware of the ahadeeth, the Quran and Sira Rasul Allah?
Not to mention Sharia Law.
Islam is just islamism in fancy clothes when explained to stupid non-Muslims.
Words like “Christianity is just European Fascism in fancy clothes when explained to stupid liberals” just trip off the tongue too. But they mean fuck all.
Gosh this article seems to be attracting the haters, what’s up has the EDL given you the day off.
“…….Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is an Abrahamic faith…..”
No, it isn’t.
Islam is actually a travesty of Judaism and Christianity and other faiths of the time.
“……. Muhammad (pbuh) fought against oppression, injustice and corruption. During his lifetime he was able to create a just and fair society based on religious tolerance…….”
Remember the guy was a 7th century war lord, who robbed, pillaged, raped, captured children & women, enslaved them, held them hostages, exchanged them for ransome, allowed his gang members to rape cptured women. He commited genocide.
All this was done on instructions of Allah.
“What is Islamism?”
Islamism is a belief in an Islamic caliphate. All Muslims believe in caliphate and that makes all Muslims Islamists.
The light has gone out of Christianity for the vast majority of its adherents because it contains little or none of the religion that Christ himself preached. What’s left is a death cult which teaches it’s clerics to be sexually-repressed or kiddy fiddlers.
“……Gosh this article seems to be attracting the haters…… ”
It is right to hate genocidal maniacs and their role model
People who recoil at the savagery and slavery and plunder and intolerance and prescribed lying of Islam – things we are all noting independently of each other – are routinely called “haters”.
“Islamophobes”.
“Haters”.
We are called these names, and worse, in particular when we notice Muslims trying to lie to us about the inherently “peaceful” nature of Islam. But we are not children who will swallow anything. Call us what you like, but please, if you like the idea of being peaceful, open your minds. Neither fear nor criticism are “hate”.
“…Christianity is just European Fascism in fancy clothes….”
DaWood, you’re da bomb.
Allah say “Me no eat shit, but taste good”
This site is becoming infested with trolls. Please clean up the act.
“This site is becoming infested with trolls. Please clean up the act.”
So does that mean that only people who agree with the basic premise of an article should be allowed to comment?
It seems that this article has attracted people who are expressing their doubts/criticisms of Islam. I do not see how that makes them “trolls”.
“DaWood, you’re da bomb.”
Gerrit On, bang a drum, Gerrit On!
PG
To be called an Islamophobe is not a bad thing. To me, it is a compliment.
Just like it would be a compliment to be called a Naziphobe, fascistphobe, supremacistphobe, KKKphobe and rest of the evilphobes.
I don’t think that is true; with respect, Adrian.
With the collapse of Ja’far Al Sadiq’s empire in Iran and Ibn Hanbal’s slow demise in Saudi Arabia, the tide is turning and the fictitous sects that emerged during the Abbasid Empire knows as the Sunni and Shia sects and others who follow man made revelations known as hadiths are slowly collapsing. Malik’s Empire in Sudan is collapsing and Abu Hanifa’s Empire in Pakistan is turning upside down. The so called Islamic states have proven to be ideologically obsolete and in the wrong side of history. The sects are on life support and the Koranist will take over. So who are the Koranist?
The Koranist believe only the Koran should speak for Islam.
WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISLAM AND TODAY’S PRACTICES?
In comparing the teachings of Islam as derived from the Book of God to the practices taught and enforced by the popular Sunni and Shia faiths (1.2 Bn followers), we find that the list is quite extensive, with some of the highlights as follows:
In Islam, the requirement to be a Muslim is to simply accept and live according to the �Straight Path� (6:151-153), Vs. the Sunni or Shia 5-pillars which come from unauthorized books�
In Islam, abolishing Slavery is taught to be an act of righteousness (90:12-13), Vs. Sunni and Shia teachings which encourages slavery under war�
In Islam, women are never forbidden from praying or fasting during Menstruation (2:222), nor is there a specific dress code (i.e. the Headscarf) imposed on them beyond modesty, Vs. the Sunni and Shia which teach the undermining of women and forcing them to cover their hair and avoid praying or fasting at certain times…
In Islam, a man or women may leave a Will, after settlement of debt (4:12), Vs. Sunnis who refuse to accept wills if there are any direct descendants…
In Islam, Monogamy is the basis for normal relationships, while polygamy is only allowed in cases involving marrying the mothers of orphans under the man�s guardianship (4:3), Vs. Sunnis where a man may be a polygamist simply if he can afford to, and Shia which allow sex for pleasure (Mut�a)…
In Islam, Divorce is enforceable only after a two-phase period, and it may be made nullified if the couple reconcile before the end of this period (65:1, 65:4), Vs. Sunni teachings that destroy families by allowing a divorce to occur on the spot with no waiting period and no nullification…
In Islam, Thieves do not have their hands cut-off, but are made to work until they return that which is stolen (12:76), Vs. Sunni and Shia teachings which brutally amputate the hands causing disability…
In Islam, no one is allowed to be killed or Stoned for adultery (24:2), Vs. Sunni and Shia laws of stoning married adulterers to death…
In Islam, absolute Freedom of Faith is allowed (2:256, 10:99; 18:29; 88:21-22), Vs. Sunni and Shia requiring apostates to be killed and rejecting the practice of other faiths…
In Islam, people are acknowledged as being diverse and each is to be respected for his/her level of spiritual growth. A Submitter �Muslim� must work to attain the status of Faithful �Mumin� (49:14), Vs. Sunni and Shia teachings that all followers of their religion must think, act, and even look the same (cult syndrome)…
In Islam, War can only be declared in cases of self-defence – no offensives (2:190), Vs. Sunni and Shia teachings allowing raids and attacks on any people who are considered non-Muslim by their standards…
In Islam, Pilgrimage is a centre for gathering of nations and for all to witness the benefits of being together (22:27-28), Vs. Sunni and Shia bringing in polytheistic rituals and superstition (touching of black stone, circling 7 times, etc..)…
In Islam, a Year is a luni-solar count made of 365-days (17:12, 9:36), with all the seasons fitting-in-place Vs. Sunnis teaching it to be a lunar one based on 354 days which creates confusion of seasons and time�
In Islam, males and females are not required to be Circumcised (32:7), Vs. Sunni and Shia teachings requiring all males to be circumcised and females in some cases…
In Islam, music, statues, gold and silk are all Lawful(7:32-33, 16:116), Vs. Sunni beliefs forbidding silk & gold for men, and forbidding music & statues for all…
In Islam, rule of Government is under the constitution of the Qur’an through consultation and free-speech (5:48, 42:38). Vs. Sunni teachings which allow the rise of dictators or monarchs, and Shia teachings which uphold self-appointed religious leaders based on genealogy.
The Quran confirms the Torah and Gospel but attacks the Talmud and Trinity
http://www.conflictingviews.com/religion/all-religions/koran-says-torah-gospel-not-corrupted-3324.html
Real Islam is only Quran. Quran is peace!
http://iran.whyweprotest.net/off-topic/1565-collapse-sunni-shia-koranist-rise.html
Of course not. However, I read precious little commentary (critical or otherwise) on the content of the article, Adrian. I do read, however, a considerable amount of hate directed at an entire faith community. I think that is a shame and speaks volumes for the profundity of such “criticism”.
“……I do read, however, a considerable amount of hate directed at an entire faith community……”
A faith that inspires and encourages its adherents to commit genocide.
That would be White nationalism, yes, Gerrit?
“A faith that inspires and encourages its adherents to commit genocide.”
Last time I looked, Hitler was a White European Christian.
“Last time I looked, Hitler was a White European Christian.”
and the man who wanted to re enact the holocaust in the middle east was Hajj Amin al Housseini – an Islamist and good friend of Heinrich Himmler..
The Great Satan, is this some kind of name association game? Ok, let’s see.. the white European Christian who denied the holocaust: Nick Griffin.
Or are you trying to make some other point?
Oh my….where DO people get their information from? People, if you’re going to make accusations, back it up with a valid and unbiased URL. In other words do your research, consider both sides to the story before hating or imposing your own viewpoint.