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Islamic extremism, Islamist extremism or radical Islam refers to a set of extremist beliefs, behaviors and ideologies within Islam. These terms remain contentious, encompassing a spectrum of definitions, ranging from academic interpretations of Islamic supremacy to the notion that all ideologies other than Islam have failed and are inferior.[1]
Political definitions of Islamic extremism, such as that employed by the government of the United Kingdom, characterize it as any form of Islam that opposes "democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs."[2] In 2019, the United States Institute of Peace issued a report on extremism in fragile states, advocating the establishment of a shared understanding, operational framework for prevention, and international cooperation.[3]
Islamic extremism is different from Islamic fundamentalism or Islamism. Islamic fundamentalism refers to a movement among Muslims advocating a return to the fundamental principles of an Islamic state in Muslim-majority countries. Meanwhile, Islamism constitutes a form of political Islam. However, both Islamic fundamentalism and Islamism can also be classified as subsets of Islamic extremism. Acts of violence committed by Islamic terrorists and jihadists are often associated with these extremist beliefs.
- ^ Cook, David (2015). Understanding Jihad. University of California Press. p. 103. ISBN 9780520287327.
- ^ Casciani, Dominic (10 June 2014). "How do you define Islamist extremism?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
- ^ "Preventing Extremism in Fragile States: A New Approach, Final Report of the Task Force on Extremism in Fragile States". United States Institute of Peace. February 2019. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.