7.3 The spread of political Islam in the Arab world
3 min read•august 9, 2024
spread rapidly across the Arab world, reshaping politics and society. The , , and emerged as influential Islamist organizations, while global jihadist networks like and gained notoriety.
Conservative movements like and promoted strict interpretations of Islam. The uprisings led to political upheaval, with diverse outcomes ranging from democratic transitions to prolonged conflicts and resurgent authoritarianism.
Islamist Movements
Prominent Islamist Organizations
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- Muslim Brotherhood emerged as influential Sunni Islamist organization in Egypt in 1928
- Founded by to promote Islamic values and resist Western influence
- Expanded across Middle East, advocating for implementation of in governance
- Hamas developed as Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization in 1987
- Originated as offshoot of Muslim Brotherhood during
- Combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic fundamentalism, controls Gaza Strip since 2007
- Hezbollah formed as Shia Islamist political party and militant group in Lebanon in 1985
- Emerged in response to Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon
- Receives support from Iran, maintains significant influence in Lebanese politics and society
Global Jihadist Networks
- Al-Qaeda established as militant Sunni Islamist multi-national organization in 1988
- Founded by to wage global against perceived enemies of Islam
- Responsible for numerous high-profile terrorist attacks (September 11, 2001 attacks)
- Islamic State (ISIS) evolved from Al-Qaeda in Iraq, declared in 2014
- Seized large territories in Iraq and Syria at its peak
- Known for extreme interpretation of Islam, brutal tactics, and sophisticated use of social media for recruitment
Islamic Ideologies
Conservative Islamic Movements
- Salafism advocates return to practices of early Muslim generations
- Emphasizes strict interpretation of Quran and Hadith
- Rejects religious innovation and Western influence on Muslim societies
- Wahhabism originated in 18th century Arabia as ultraconservative branch of Sunni Islam
- Founded by , allied with House of Saud
- Promotes puritanical interpretation of Islam, significant influence in Saudi Arabia
Islamic Law and Religious Concepts
- law refers to Islamic legal system derived from religious precepts
- Based on Quran, Hadith, and scholarly interpretations
- Covers various aspects of Muslim life (religious observances, family law, criminal justice)
- Jihad encompasses complex concept in Islamic thought
- Often misunderstood in Western discourse
- Can refer to internal spiritual struggle or external armed conflict in defense of faith
- Interpretations vary among different Islamic schools and movements
Political Upheaval
Arab Spring and Its Aftermath
- Arab Spring sparked series of pro-democracy uprisings across Middle East and North Africa in 2010-2011
- Began with , spread to Egypt, Libya, Syria, and other countries
- Resulted in overthrow of long-standing regimes ( in Tunisia, in Egypt)
- Diverse outcomes across affected countries
- Tunisia achieved relatively successful democratic transition
- Egypt experienced brief period of Muslim Brotherhood rule followed by military coup
- Syria and Libya descended into prolonged civil conflicts
- Resurgence of authoritarianism and ongoing instability in many countries
- Increased sectarian tensions and power struggles
- Rise of extremist groups in power vacuums (ISIS in Syria and Iraq)
- Long-term impacts on regional politics and society
- Renewed debates on role of Islam in governance and public life
- Heightened awareness of social media's potential for political mobilization
- Shifts in regional alliances and power dynamics
Key Terms to Review (21)
Al-qaeda: Al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s, known for its global jihadist ideology and its role in carrying out high-profile terrorist attacks, including the September 11 attacks in 2001. The group seeks to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate and oppose Western influence in Muslim-majority countries, significantly impacting political Islam's evolution and counterterrorism strategies worldwide.
Arab Spring: The Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests and uprisings that swept across the Arab world beginning in late 2010. It aimed to challenge authoritarian regimes, promote democratic reforms, and address social and economic grievances, significantly impacting the political landscape in the region.
Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered the political and spiritual successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The caliphate plays a critical role in uniting Muslims under a single political and religious authority, often invoking the idea of a collective Muslim community or Ummah. Throughout history, various caliphates have emerged, with different degrees of power and influence, particularly in shaping political Islam and regional conflicts.
Egyptian Revolution: The Egyptian Revolution refers to the series of protests and uprisings that took place in Egypt from January 25 to February 11, 2011, culminating in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. This revolution was a significant event in the Arab Spring, driven by widespread discontent over political repression, corruption, and economic hardship, and it played a crucial role in shaping political Islam in the region.
First intifada: The first intifada was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule that lasted from 1987 to 1993. It was characterized by widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violent confrontations, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of Palestinians living under occupation. This movement played a significant role in the rise of political Islam in the Arab world, as various Islamic groups emerged and gained support during this time.
Hamas: Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic organization founded in 1987, known for its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its governance of the Gaza Strip. The group combines political and military strategies, operating as both a social service provider and a militant organization, emphasizing resistance against Israeli occupation while advocating for Palestinian rights and statehood.
Hassan al-Banna: Hassan al-Banna was an Egyptian schoolteacher and political activist who founded the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928. His ideas and teachings significantly shaped the development of political Islam in the Arab world, promoting a vision of Islam that combined religious values with political action aimed at societal reform. Al-Banna's influence is evident in the spread of Islamic movements that seek to integrate Islamic principles into governance and public life across the region.
Hezbollah: Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militant group and political party based in Lebanon, founded in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War. It emerged as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and has since become a significant player in Lebanese politics, gaining support through social services and military resistance against perceived threats, particularly from Israel. Its influence can be seen in various contexts, including political Islam's growth, counterterrorism efforts, and sectarian conflicts.
Hosni Mubarak: Hosni Mubarak was the President of Egypt from 1981 until his resignation in 2011, serving for nearly 30 years. His presidency was marked by a regime characterized by authoritarian rule, economic reforms, and a peace treaty with Israel, as well as significant opposition from various political and religious groups, particularly during the rise of political Islam and the events leading to the Arab Spring.
ISIS: ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant extremist group that emerged from the chaos of the Iraq War and gained notoriety in the early 2010s for its brutal tactics and establishment of a self-declared caliphate. Its rise was closely linked to the spread of political Islam in the region and the ensuing unrest, particularly during events like the Arab Spring, which exacerbated sectarian tensions and contributed to regional conflicts.
Islamic Law: Islamic law, also known as Sharia, refers to the legal framework derived from the Quran and the Hadith, which govern the moral and legal conduct of Muslims. This system encompasses various aspects of life, including rituals, family relations, commerce, and criminal justice. The interpretation and implementation of Islamic law have significantly influenced political Islam, especially in the Arab world, where movements have sought to integrate these legal principles into state governance.
Jihad: Jihad refers to the Islamic concept of struggle or striving in the way of God, which can encompass a range of meanings from personal spiritual growth to physical warfare. It is often understood as a duty for Muslims to defend their faith and community, leading to its interpretation in various contexts, including military engagement and political movements within Islamic societies.
Muhammad ibn abd al-wahhab: Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was an 18th-century Islamic scholar and theologian from the Arabian Peninsula who is best known for founding the Wahhabi movement, which sought to return Islam to its original principles based on the Quran and the Sunnah. His teachings emphasized monotheism and rejected practices that he viewed as innovations or idolatry, thus influencing the spread of political Islam in the Arab world by providing a religious framework that supported various reformist and revivalist movements.
Muslim Brotherhood: The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928, aiming to promote Islamic values and implement Sharia law in governance. It has played a pivotal role in the rise of political Islam in the Arab world, influencing various nationalist movements and shaping responses to authoritarian regimes, particularly during significant social and political upheavals.
Osama bin Laden: Osama bin Laden was the founder of the militant Islamist organization al-Qaeda, known for orchestrating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. His ideology emphasized a radical interpretation of Islam and sought to establish a global jihad against perceived enemies of Islam, particularly Western nations and their influence in Muslim countries.
Political Islam: Political Islam refers to the ideological and political movements that seek to implement Islamic principles in governance and public life, often advocating for the integration of Islamic law (Sharia) into state policies. This term encompasses a variety of groups and movements, from moderate political parties to radical organizations, all aiming to shape political structures according to Islamic values, which can significantly influence the dynamics of governance and authority in various regions.
Salafism: Salafism is a conservative reform movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to return to the practices of the earliest generations of Muslims, known as the Salaf. It emphasizes strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, promoting a puritanical interpretation of Islam that rejects innovations (bid'ah) in religious practices. This movement has gained prominence in political Islam and has been influential in shaping sectarian conflicts across the Arab world.
Sharia: Sharia refers to the Islamic legal system derived from the Quran and Hadith, providing a framework for moral conduct, legal principles, and personal behavior. It encompasses various aspects of life, including criminal law, family law, and social obligations, making it a significant element in the context of political Islam in the Arab world.
Tunisian Revolution: The Tunisian Revolution, also known as the Jasmine Revolution, was a series of protests and uprisings in Tunisia that took place in late 2010 and early 2011, leading to the ousting of long-time president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This event marked a significant moment in the broader Arab Spring, inspiring movements for political reform and greater democracy across the Arab world, particularly related to the rise of political Islam in the region.
Wahhabism: Wahhabism is a conservative and fundamentalist interpretation of Sunni Islam founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century in what is now Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes a strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, rejecting practices considered innovations or polytheistic. This movement has played a significant role in shaping political Islam, sectarian conflicts, and nation-building efforts in the Middle East.
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali: Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was the President of Tunisia from 1987 until his ousting in 2011, known for his authoritarian rule and efforts to modernize the country. His presidency marked a period of political repression and economic challenges, ultimately leading to widespread dissatisfaction that sparked the Arab Spring.