Jihadism

ISIS fighters Credit: Sahara Reporters.

Jihadism, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has evolved significantly over the centuries, particularly in recent decades. This essay provides an in-depth analysis of jihadism, covering its history, beliefs, evolution, and connections to specific groups like ISIS and Hamas.

History

Jihadism traces its roots back to early Islamic conquests, like those by the Umayyad and Ottoman empires, which conducted extensive campaigns against non-Muslim nations in the name of jihad. However, contemporary jihadism primarily stems from late 19th- and early 20th-century Islamic revivalism movements, evolving into Qutbism and other Islamist ideologies during the 20th and 21st centuries. This ideology was significantly bolstered by the involvement of Islamist volunteer organizations in the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), which helped propagate jihadism through various armed conflicts in the 1990s and 2000s​​.

Beliefs

Jihadist ideology revolves around the notion that the Muslim world is afflicted by grievances and injustices, many attributed to Western influence and corrupt Muslim regimes. They reject Western concepts like democracy and human rights, viewing them as distractions from jihad. Their ultimate aim is to make God’s Law supreme on earth, holding all Muslims, rulers, and citizens alike, accountable to this law​​. Jihadists distinguish themselves from Islamists by rejecting the political processes of nation-states and opting for a paradigm exclusively defined by religious principles​​.

Evolution of Jihadism

Jihadism’s evolution is characterized by three key features: a commitment to a righteous cause, individualism in interpreting religion, and the belief in engaging in defensive warfare (jihad al-daf), making jihad an individual duty. Jihadists project an unwavering commitment to their cause, with loyalty directed solely to God and not to any state or leader. They also exhibit an individualist approach to religion, empowering the believer to serve God directly and distrust religious scholars tied to political establishments. Jihadists have adapted classical legal doctrines of warfare into a global military program, declaring jihad against both Western states and their own regimes, which they view as apostates for not governing according to Sharia​​​​.

Jihadism and ISIS

Isis flag. Credit: Maariv Online.

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State, exemplifies contemporary jihadism. It emerged from the chaos following the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War, capitalizing on the power vacuum and sectarian strife. ISIS aimed to establish a caliphate governed by a strict interpretation of Shari`a law, using extreme violence and terror tactics. They attracted global attention through their use of social media for propaganda and recruitment, targeting disenfranchised youth through a strategy known as “Jihad Cool”​​.

Jihadism and Hamas

Hamas, primarily known for its activities in the Gaza Strip, represents a different facet of jihadism. Unlike ISIS, Hamas has a more regional focus, primarily targeting Israel in its quest to establish an Islamic state in the Palestinian territories. Their tactics have included suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare. Hamas’s ideology and activities are part of a larger “axis of resistance” supported by Iran, which also includes groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen​​.

Conclusion

Jihadism, while rooted in Islamic teachings, has diverged significantly in its interpretation and application in modern times. It represents a spectrum of beliefs and strategies, from global ambitions of groups like ISIS to more regional objectives like those of Hamas. Understanding the complex nature of jihadism, its historical roots, and its contemporary manifestations is crucial in addressing the challenges it poses to global security and regional stability.