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.
Industry Reviews
"This book is an important contribution to political Islamic thought from a historical to contemporary perspective, and in the English language, there is nothing that compares. This book is a jewel . . . it will be beneficial to all English readers as a reference to understanding the nature and development of Fundamentalist Islamic thought from a religious perspective. This book will give the English reading audience-from academics, students, diplomats, to basically anyone interested in this topic-access to knowledge that is normally reserved for a Muslim audience who have a strong knowledge of Arabic and Islam: in other words, a normally exclusive group."
-Maye Kassem, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, The American University in Cairo
