Islamism

Islamism is a range of religious and political ideologies. These movements believe that Islam should influence political systems. Proponents argue that Islam is innately political in nature. They believe an Islamic political system is superior to other models. These models include communism, liberal democracy, and capitalism. They argue Islam can better achieve a just and successful society.

Advocates are often called "al-Islamiyyun." They are usually linked to Islamic institutions or social movements. They emphasize implementing sharia, which is law prescribed by Islam. They also seek pan-Islamic unity and the creation of Islamic states.

There are several distinct strategies used to achieve these goals. Some followers use a "reformist" strategy. They focus on grassroots social and political activism. This method aims to re-Islamize society from the bottom up. Other followers prefer a "revolutionary" strategy. They seek to Islamize society by exercising state power. Some thinkers, like Sayyid Qutb, suggest combining grassroots work with armed revolution. These movements can take many forms. They include non-state reform movements, political parties, militias, and revolutionary groups.

Many central figures shaped 20th-century Islamist thought. Rashid Rida was a prominent Syrian Sunni cleric. He opposed Westernization, Zionism, and nationalism. He advocated for a pan-Islamic Caliphate to unite the Muslim world. Rida believed in "Islamic vanguardism." This is the idea that clerical elites, or ulema, should guide the community. His ideas influenced many disciples. Hasan al-Banna was an Egyptian schoolteacher. He founded the Muslim Brotherhood movement. Abul A'la Maududi was another central figure in this era.

Other major figures include Ruhollah Khomeini and Hassan Al-Turabi. Khomeini founded the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The history of the term "Islamism" is quite complex. It first appeared in English as "Islamismus" in 1696. Later, it appeared as "Islamism" in 1712. It was used in a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1891. By 1938, the term had almost disappeared from English usage. It remained largely absent from scholarly vocabulary for decades. The term returned to prominence after the Iranian Islamic Revolution of 1978–79. This event brought Ayatollah Khomeini’s concept of "Islamic government" to the world.

This new usage often ignored traditional Arabic theological meanings. In traditional Arabic scholarship, "Islamist" had a different meaning. It referred to anyone who attributed themselves to Islam without affirming or negating it.

Islamism has significant global presence and variety. Many prominent groups and parties exist across the world. The Muslim Brotherhood is a well-known example. Turkey has the Justice and Development Party. Other groups include Hamas and the Algerian Islamic Salvation Front. In Asia, there is the Malaysian National Trust Party. There is also Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Party of Democratic Action exists in Bosnia. Following the Arab Spring, some currents joined democratic politics. Others formed aggressive militias, such as ISIL. However, most Islamists reject ISIL as blasphemous.

It is important to distinguish Islam from Islamism. Islam refers to a religion and culture existing for over a millennium. Islamism is a political and religious phenomenon linked to the 20th century. Some thinkers see Islamism as a modern deviation. Others see it as a way to position Islam at the center of social order. Some argue Islamism is a modern ideology inspired by European "isms." This includes ideas like communism or fascism. Many followers prefer terms like "Islamic movement" or "Islamic activism." They object to the word "Islamism" because it can carry negative connotations.

This subject connects to many broader fields of study. It relates to the study of identity politics and revivalism. It involves questions of regionalism and community revitalization. The movement also touches on the struggle against imperialism and colonialism. Some see it as a form of "religionized politics." It also intersects with the study of fundamentalism. Scholars examine how these ideas impact borders and modern politics. Observer Robin Wright noted that these movements redefined politics in the Middle East. They have arguably altered the region more than any trend since independence.