Fundamentalism rejects a core belief of modernity - the separation of religion and politics - and so, according to Jansen, always has an antimodern or reactionary basis. To explore the logic of contemporary fundamentalist ideology, Jansen draws on the work of the two dominant Islamic commentators on religion and politics, Al-Afghani from the nineteenth century and Ibn Taymiyya from the fourteenth.

The phenomenon of political Islam continues to dominate the political and social map of the Arab world, with the increasingly open struggle between ruling elites and Islamists becoming the main source of political instability in many states. This volume offers an in-depth analysis of the rise of Islamic and fundamentalist movements in the Middle East and North Africa. Through detailed case studies, the contributors examine the various manifestations of political Islam, highlighting differences across movements and evaluating the varying circumstances in which they arise. They also assess the influence of such movements on the emerging post?Cold War order in the region and consider questions of a general nature, such as Islamic state theories and the impact of Islamicism on international relations.

By viewing Islamic fundamentalism as a reactive challenge to modern civilizations and political structure, Dr. Choueiri presents a striking analysis of how and why Islamic values have become such a potent contemporary political force, and sheds new light on a much-misunderstood situation.This book offers a rigorous definition of Islamic fundamentalism by linking its connotations to the historical background of Muslim traditions.

How has fundamentalism betrayed the true spirit of Islam? This fully revised and expanded edition of the critically acclaimed book provides answers to this question and contains: a new essay on the role of women in Islam; an updated chapter containing insights into the true nature of the jih three fully revised chapters that bring the discussion up-to-date with the current global situation; a revised introduction. Book jacket.

Beginning with an examination of medieval Islamic fundamentalist movements such as Kharjism, Ibadism, Hanbalism, and Wahhabism, Sayed Khatab looks at the similarities and differences between them and present organizations such as al-Qa'ida. It may be surprising that many of the radical narratives embraced by modern groups have not emerged recently. Identifying these roots can lead to a better understanding of al-Qa'ida's theological and intellectual narratives, and how they effectively indoctrinate youths and attract many of them to violent acts of terrorism. The book then focuses on al-Qa'ida's theology, ideology, and tactics; the geographic contours and implications of al-Qa'ida's political strategy in relation to the western and eastern countries which are considered enemy states; the impending clash of cultures; and the ideological war within al-Qa'ida. Innovative in its concept, examining political Islamic thought from a historical to a contemporary perspective, Islamic Fundamentalism generates new understanding of the many complexities of political Islam, and the role of violence and terrorism.

This review of the evolution of Islamic fundamentalism and Western-Muslim relations—from the events of September 11, 2001, to the present day—offers insight into the movement's historical roots and growing contemporary influence. Given the volatile nature of relations between the Middle East and the Western world, many Westerners, particularly Americans, have a skewed view of what comprises Islamic fundamentalism. Many wonder, are these beliefs based in religious doctrine, political motivations, or even irrational rhetoric? This book offers a highly accessible introduction to the topic that covers the movement's origins, goals, and doctrine, and shows how it has developed into the modern force we see on today's global stage. The third edition includes important updates as well as a new chapter on the recent wave of demonstrations and protests known as the Arab Spring. Organized both chronologically and topically, Islamic Fundamentalism: An Introduction, Third Edition reviews the basis for the Islamic and Muslim worldviews, examines the modern phenomenon of Islamic fundamentalism through the development of the Muslim states of Iran and Saudi Arabia, and analyzes the Western view of this ideology. A chronology, glossary, and primary documents accompany the text.