Definition of Islamism
Today, one of the most common concepts in politics is Islamism. For the definition of Islamism, we have to know it is not only the most important political movement in the Middle East but also one of the most significant ones globally. The Internet Journal of Political Thought gives special attention to this movement, and many of its articles are related. What is the definition of Islamism?
The concept of Islamism is rooted in the naming of political ideologies in the modern era, and it essentially refers to any political action or thought that seeks to combat the humanist values of the modern age, advocating for collective unity, the establishment of a political system, and a legal structure based on Islamic principles. It involves a utopian vision of an ideal city, with governance based on religion: an ideological outlook that believes the implementation of religious commandments will create a perfect society, free from corruption and deviation.
Islamism VS Islam
Islam is a religion similar to Christianity, Judaism, and others, where its followers regulate their lives according to their religious beliefs. Doctrinal beliefs are the foundation for following religious commands, and such beliefs and practices have existed for centuries. In contrast, Islamism is a reactive movement that arose against modernism. This movement, under the guise of fighting colonialism, seeks the establishment of an Islamic government. This government’s ideal model harkens back to early Islam, intending to return to that era through struggle.
Islamism history
The origins of Islamism can be traced back to the 19th century, when Sayyid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani began his intellectual efforts to fight against British colonialism, initially in India and later in Egypt. However, the transition from theoretical debates to the formation of pragmatic movements, armed struggles, and political actions occurred after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. These movements believed that if Muslims returned to the original Islam—the Islam of the Prophet and his companions—and properly implemented Sharia law, the former glory would be restored. This approach manifested in two main forms: Salafi movements and religious intellectualism.
Salafism and Intellectualism in Islamism
Although on the surface, Salafism and religious intellectualism may seem to represent different approaches, they are not fundamentally distinct. Salafism holds that modern thought is the cause of Muslims’ misfortune, and returning to traditional ways of thinking and living is the solution to this miserable state. On the other hand, religious intellectuals argue that there is no significant conflict between Islam and modern thought and that Islam can be adapted to the achievements of the modern world. And, the more one returns to pure and authentic Islam, the more one can observe the compatibility between the two. While these two movements differ in their approach to modern thought, the outcome for both is a return to pure and authentic Islam—the utopia upon which the ideology of Islamism is based.
Islamism in JPOLITIC
We aim to introduce the various branches of Islamism and familiarize readers with the most important thinkers from each of these schools. Additionally, the majority of the analytical articles in this journal are related to the Middle East and the impact of Islamism on the region’s and the world’s developments.
Contrary to the claims of people like Edward Said who consider Western Orientalism to be based on Western otherization, here Islamism is examined from within the political system and society in the Middle East and shows how this political ideology affects the lives of the people of the Middle East.
