The six Islamist extremist categories that we will look at are: Ideological Foundations, Politico-Militant Organizations, Global Jihadist Terrorist Organizations, Regional Jihadist Insurgencies, State-Controlled Islamist Movements, and Extreme Evolution of Jihadist Movements.
18.2 Types of Islamist Extremism Read More »
Extremism refers to beliefs, ideologies, or actions that exist far outside the accepted norms of a society, often characterized by rigid thinking, intolerance of opposing views, and a willingness to use extreme measures—including violence, kidnapping, torture, and terrorism—to achieve ideological, political, or religious goals.
18.1 What is Extremism? Read More »
Module 18 examines extremism carried out in the name of Islam and argues that these movements are not all the same. It begins by defining extremism as rigid, intolerant ideology often tied to coercion and violence, then shows that Islamist extremist groups differ in structure and goals. The module traces several major types, including ideological movements, politico-militant groups, transnational jihadist organizations, regional insurgencies, state-controlling movements, and extreme state-building projects like ISIS.
18.0 Islam Module 18: Extremism in the Name of Islam Read More »
The historical development of jihad is a complex evolution. While the word originally referred broadly to striving in the path of God, its meaning and application have expanded over time to include spiritual, political, and military dimensions.
17.3 Historical Context and Varieties in Jihad Read More »
The distinction between “greater” and “lesser” jihad is commonly associated with a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad speaks to soldiers returning from battle. Some scholars classify this specific Hadith as da‘if (weak), which is why some modern movements prioritize the military definition of jihad.
17.2 Greater and Lesser Jihad Read More »
In the Qur’an, the word jihad from the root j-h-d, meaning “to strive.”
17.1 What is Jihad? Read More »
Islam Module 17 explains that jihad in Islam means “striving” or “struggle” and is broader than warfare alone. It can refer to personal moral effort, spiritual discipline, serving others, enduring hardship, and, in some circumstances, armed defense.
17.0 Islam Module 17: Jihad Read More »
Non-Muslims were subject to restrictions related to public religious expression, such as limits on building new places of worship or displaying religious symbols openly.
16.3 Minority Restrictions and Inequality Under Sharia Read More »
In Sharia (Islamic law), the rights and protections for religious minorities were historically centered on the concept of the dhimma, a “contract of protection” between the state and non-Muslim subjects.
16.2 Minority Rights and Protections Under Sharia Read More »
Non-Muslims are not treated identically in the Qur’an or Islamic tradition. Sharia (Islamic law) contains classifications for how different groups of people are treated.
16.1 Minority Categories Under Islamic Rule and Infidels Read More »
