4.1 The origins and evolution of political Islam

Political Islam emerged from the decline of the Ottoman Empire and European colonialism. Islamic thinkers like al-Afghani and Abduh shaped its ideology, while movements like the Muslim Brotherhood put ideas into action.

Key tenets include viewing Islam as all-encompassing, rejecting secularism, and establishing an Islamic state. Political Islam opposes Western influence, fights perceived injustices, and promotes Muslim unity across borders.

Historical Roots and Ideological Foundations of Political Islam

Historical roots of political Islam

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• The decline of the Ottoman Empire and the abolition of the caliphate in 1924 created a vacuum of political and religious authority in the Muslim world leading to a search for new forms of Islamic governance
• European colonialism and the imposition of Western political systems challenged traditional Islamic institutions and values sparking a desire for Islamic revival and resistance to foreign domination (British Mandate, French Algeria)
• The writings and influence of Islamic thinkers and activists shaped the ideological foundations of political Islam
  • Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897) advocated for Islamic unity and resistance to Western imperialism emphasizing the need for Muslim solidarity in the face of colonial threats
  • Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905) promoted Islamic modernism and reform arguing for the compatibility of Islam with reason and science while rejecting blind imitation of tradition
  • Rashid Rida (1865-1935) called for the restoration of the caliphate and the application of Islamic law as a means of reviving Muslim societies and countering Western influence
• The establishment of Islamic movements and organizations translated these ideas into political action
  • The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt (1928) founded by Hassan al-Banna sought to Islamize society and establish an Islamic state through grassroots activism, social welfare, and political participation
  • Jamaat-e-Islami in British India (1941) founded by Abul A'la Maududi advocated for an Islamic revolution and the creation of an Islamic state based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law and the rejection of Western secularism

Key tenets of political Islam

• The belief in the comprehensive nature of Islam views it as a complete way of life encompassing political, social, and economic aspects rather than a mere personal faith or ritual practice
• The rejection of secularism and the separation of religion and state calls for the application of Islamic law (Sharia) in all spheres of life from personal matters to governance and legislation
• The establishment of an Islamic state or caliphate governed by Islamic principles and ruled by a Muslim leader is seen as the ultimate goal and the means to implement Islamic law and values in society
• The opposition to Western influence and cultural imperialism seeks to preserve Islamic identity and values by resisting the spread of Western ideas, lifestyles, and political systems seen as corruptive and incompatible with Islam
• The struggle against perceived injustices and oppression both within Muslim societies and in the international arena is a central theme in political Islam which views itself as a force for change and liberation (Palestine, Kashmir)
• The promotion of Islamic unity and solidarity transcending national and ethnic boundaries calls for greater cooperation and support among Muslim nations and communities in the face of common challenges and enemies

Manifestations and Impact of Political Islam

Manifestations across different contexts

• Iran witnessed the Iranian Revolution of 1979 which overthrew the secular Pahlavi monarchy and established an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini implementing Islamic law and the rule of the clergy
• Saudi Arabia has an alliance between the Saudi monarchy and the Wahhabi religious establishment promoting a strict interpretation of Islam and exporting Wahhabi ideology to other Muslim countries through religious education and philanthropy
• Turkey saw the rise of the Welfare Party and its Islamist agenda in the 1990s followed by the emergence of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan which blends Islamic values with democratic principles and economic development
• Egypt has a long history of the Muslim Brotherhood's participation in politics and social welfare culminating in the brief presidency of Mohamed Morsi (2012-2013) which was overthrown by a military coup leading to a crackdown on the organization
• Hamas in Palestine is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood combining Islamic ideology with resistance to Israeli occupation and governing the Gaza Strip since 2007 while providing social services and engaging in armed struggle

Impact of colonialism on political Islam

• The legacy of European colonialism divided the Muslim world into nation-states and imposed Western political and legal systems seen as alien and incompatible with Islamic values fueling resentment and resistance
• The support for authoritarian regimes and the suppression of Islamic movements by Western powers is seen as a sign of hypocrisy and double standards promoting democracy while backing oppressive regimes (Egypt, Saudi Arabia)
• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is viewed as a symbol of Western imperialism and injustice serving as a rallying point for Islamic solidarity and resistance across the Muslim world
• The U.S. military presence in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, is seen as an extension of colonial domination and a threat to Islamic sovereignty and self-determination
• The globalization of Western culture and values through media, education, and consumerism is perceived as a challenge to Islamic identity and morality leading to fears of cultural assimilation and the loss of Islamic heritage and values