Political Islam

Political Islam, also commonly referred to as Islamism, is a set of political ideologies that hold that Islam should guide social, political, and personal life. It argues that Islamic law (Sharia), derived from the Quran and the Sunnah, should be the primary source of legislation and the basis for political order (Esposito, 1998). Movements and ideologies under this broad umbrella seek to establish, in varying degrees, an "Islamic state" and to resist secular influences perceived as Western.

Definitions and terminology

The terms "Political Islam" and "Islamism" are often used interchangeably to describe ideologies and movements that seek to implement Islamic principles in the public and political sphere. Scholars note a distinction between "Islamism" as a modern political ideology and "Islam" as a faith tradition. Islamists are defined by their active pursuit of a sociopolitical order based on their interpretation of Islam (Roy, 1994).

Historical background and emergence

Pre-modern roots While the concept of a state governed by Islamic principles dates to the early Caliphates, modern Political Islam is largely a 20th-century phenomenon. It emerged as a response to the decline of Muslim empires, the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924, and the subsequent imposition of European colonialism and secular nationalist models in the Muslim world (Ayubi, 1991).

Foundational thinkers and movements The modern Islamist movement was shaped by several key figures and organizations in the mid-20th century:

Hassan al-Banna (1906–1949) founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in 1928, advocating for social reform, moral renewal, and the eventual establishment of an Islamic state through grassroots activism and education.

Abul A'la Maududi (1903–1979) founded the Jamaat-e-Islami in British India in 1941, articulating a comprehensive theory of Islamic sovereignty (Hakimiyya) and statehood.

Sayyid Qutb (1906–1966), an Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, radicalized the discourse in his later works like Milestones, introducing concepts like Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) applied to contemporary societies and justifying revolutionary action (Kepel, 1985).

Ruhollah Khomeini (1902–1989) developed the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), which became the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Ideological spectrum and manifestations Political Islam is not monolithic and encompasses a wide range of movements with differing methods and goals.

Participationist and reformist Movements like the Muslim Brotherhood in many countries, Ennahda in Tunisia, and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) in Morocco generally participate in the political process, seeking to Islamize society and state through electoral politics, education, and legal reform (Wickham, 2013).

Revolutionary and state-based The Iranian Revolution (1979) established the first modern Islamic republic, implementing a theocratic model based on Khomeini's concept of Wilayat al-Faqih.

The Taliban in Afghanistan established an Islamic Emirate enforcing a strict interpretation of Sharia.

Jihadist-Salafist Movements like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) advocate for violent jihad to overthrow existing regimes, eliminate Western influence, and establish a global Caliphate. They represent a radical, transnational strand that often declares other Muslims as apostates (Takfir) (Hegghammer, 2010).

Social and non-violent activism Many movements focus primarily on social services (education, healthcare, charity) and religious propagation to build Islamic consciousness, often operating where political activity is restricted.

Key concepts and objectives Application of Sharia: The primary and unifying objective is the implementation of Islamic law as state law.

Islamic state: The establishment of a political entity whose constitution and governance are derived from Islamic principles. Models vary from theocratic (Iran) to those proposing a "civil state with an Islamic reference."

Anti-imperialism and Cultural Resistance: Opposition to Western political and cultural dominance, framed as a defense of Islamic identity.

Ummah: Emphasis on the unity of the global Muslim community, often transcending nationalism.

Moral and Social Reform: Promoting public morality, modesty, and Islamic social norms.

Political impact and contemporary debates In the Middle East and beyond Political Islam has been a dominant opposition force in many Middle Eastern countries for decades. The Arab Spring uprisings (2010–2011) brought Islamist parties to power through elections in Tunisia and Egypt (briefly), testing their ability to govern and triggering counter-reactions (Brown, 2013).

Relations with the West Relations are often strained, characterized by Western security concerns over radical jihadism and Islamist critiques of Western foreign policy. Debates center on compatibility with democracy, human rights (particularly women's and minority rights), and secularism.

Internal critiques and evolution Political Islam faces significant internal challenges, including:

Governance failures and economic underperformance when in power.

Theoretical debates on democracy, citizenship, and pluralism. Some thinkers, like Rachid Ghannouchi of Ennahda, have articulated a "Muslim Democratic" vision compatible with pluralistic democracy.

Competition from state-led religious establishments and from more radical jihadist groups.

Societal pushback, especially from youth and women's movements, demanding more substantive political and economic solutions.

See also

Arab Spring

Islamic democracy

Islamic extremism

Islamic fundamentalism

Islamic revival

Islam and democracy

Jihadism

List of Islamic political parties

Post-Islamism

Salafi movement

Sharia

External links

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – Sada (Middle East Analysis)

Brookings Institution – Political Islam