Islamic fundamentalism

1. Lesson 3 Islamic fundamentalism

2. Identify origins and beliefs of fundamentalist movements. Research major fundamentalist groups. Articulate arguments for and against the issue of Islamic fundamentalism as a threat. Objectives

3. Warm Up • What are the 5 pillars of Islam?

4. Political and social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion • Islamic Fundamentalism • Shar’ia Law – secular law & personal matters • Qu’ran – Holy Book • Sunnah – Practice of the Prophet Fundamentalism

5. Origins • Islamic empire eclipsed, dominated, and exploited by West. • Frustration with rapid social & economic changes. • Contempt for decadence & corruption of Western culture. • Western presence in Holy Lands, ME politics, perceived attack on Islam

6. Beliefs • Forsaken Islam • Favor foreign culture & law • Solution = reject everything foreign, return to roots, purity.

7. Fundamentalism & violence • Most DO NOT ADVOCATE violence! • 439 m of 1.5 billion • Radical Islam/Islamism • Post 1920’s extremism • Terrorism as form of jihad • Downtrodden drawn to promises • Seek to overthrow regimes and rulers they regard as un-Islamic • Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait as well as US

8. Impact on foreign policy • Terror attacks against Western interests • 9/11 • Pro-Israeli states • “Islamaphobia” • Anti-Muslim sentiment • Ground Zero Mosque • Reading

9. Activity: Fundamentalist Groups ~175 Groups…32 are Shiite, others are Sunni-based • Al Qaeda • The Taliban • Hezbollah • Hamas • The Muslim Brotherhood • Islamic Jihad • Wahhabism • Lashkar-e-Taiba • Beliefs of group? • Countries group is active in? • Is the group allowed to participate in govt? Do they hold power? • Typical activities? • Outside opinions of group?

10. Closure • Do you consider Islamic fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?

11. Wiki Post Middle East Discussion Tab “Why is it important to study Islam and fundamentalism and its many meanings?” Homework