NCJ Number
101516
Date Published
1986
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This essay traces the historical and modern roots of political terrorism in the Muslim world.
Abstract
Islamic terrorism has its roots in the political assassination of a Caliph in 661, which was justified as an execution of a usurper of God's will. Better known and longer lasting were the Assassins who were the foremost exponent of the theory and practice of terrorism and whose messianic beliefs provided fuel for extreme political activities. This same messianic radicalism and readiness for self-sacrifice marks adherents of the Islamic state established in Iran. Terrorism in the world of Islam, particularly in more recent times, also has its roots in the prominent strand of messianic activism and violence found in some modern European thought, which became part of the worldwide market of ideas. Thus, modern Islamic terrorism is one manifestation of deep dislocation in Islamic society; widespread beliefs in violent political action derived from European ideologies; bellicosity toward the unbeliever and heretic; and the simultaneous prevalence of Muslim regimes, which issuing from conspiracy and coup d'etat, are devoid of legitimacy.