Al Muhajiroun: A Case Study in Contemporary Islamic Activism

Description

Grounded in nine years of ethnographic research on the al Muhajiroun/Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah movement (ALM/ASWJ), Douglas Weeks mixes ethnography and traditional research methods to tell the complete story of al Muhajiroun. Beginning with three core events that became a primer for radical Islamic political thought in the UK, Al Muhajiroun, A Case Study in Islamic Activism traces the development of the movement form its incipient beginnings to its current status. Based on his extensive interaction with the group and its leaders, Weeks contextualizes the history, beliefs, methods, and differences between ALM/ASWJ, al Qaeda, and the Islamic State so that the group and the threat it poses is comprehensively understood.  Acknowledgements Contents Al Muhajiroun: A Case Study in Contemporary Islamic Activism Preface Chapter 1: Researching the Activists: Understanding Methods, Data, and Approaches Introduction A Brief Introduction to Al Muhajiroun- Contemporary Activists or Terror Network? A Primer on Radicalization, Extremism, and Terrorism A Case for Primary Data Through Engagement This Book and Its Position in Terrorism Studies The Ethnographic Approach This Book and Its Theoretical Approach Practical Methods, Opportunities, and Brick Walls This Book in Relation to Other Scholarly Works Chapter Outlines Conclusion Disclosures Chapter 2: The Vanguards of Radicalism in the UK Introduction The Antecedents of Radicalism Radical Preachers Omar Bakri Mohammed Omar Bakri Mohammed and the Rise to Prominence From Prominence to Infamy Lessons Learned Relationships and Strange Bedfellows Conclusion Chapter 3: Al Muhajiroun: The Early Days (1996–2004) Introduction Leaving Hizb ut Tahrir Behind Al Muhajiroun UK Established Al Muhajiroun Activities Al Muhajiroun Organizational Structure Recruitment Conclusion Chapter 4: The Ideology of Al Muhajiroun Introduction Differently the Same All Jihadists Are Not Alike Unpacking the Notion of Ideology The Ideology of al Muhajiroun Ash’ariyyah/Maturidiyah Belief Ideological Transition The Aqeedah: Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Covenant of Security Conclusion Chapter 5: The Post Al Muhajiroun Years (2005–2014): Proscription and Other Means of Deterrence Introduction A New Form of Activism Activities The Fallout from the 2005 London Underground Bombing The Danish Cartoons More Legislative Momentum OBM in Lebanon Muslims Against Crusades US Embassy Protest, 2011 Muslim Prisoners Muslim Patrols Lee Rigby Murder 2014, A Year of Great Change Conclusion Chapter 6: The Impacts of the Islamic State and Strategies of Control Introduction The Islamic State Emotive Influences for Mobilization Legitimacy Assessed IS Inspired Attacks and the Action/Reaction Cycle The Foreign Fighter Solution: Better to Kill Them than Allow Them to Return Proscription, Suppression, and Other Means of Deterrence in Britain The Trial of Anjem Choudary and Mizanur Rahman Conclusion Chapter 7: Comparing Ideologies: Al Muhajiroun, Al Qaeda, and Islamic State Introduction Comparing Sources to Define Ideologies and Actions Shared Beliefs and Practices Differences in Purpose, Methodology, and Interpretations Leading to Action Raison d’être Methodologies and Goals Differences of Interpretation Leading to Action and Conflict A Time for Decision Conclusion Chapter 8: Understanding and Managing the Threat Introduction Views from the Surface The Effects of Association A Snapshot of the Online Presence Revolution Muslim Not Radical Enough A View from the Inside A More Realistic Threat Assessment Current Management Strategies Community Reactions The Future of the ALM/ASWJ Movement Penetration by Law Enforcement Decapitation or Imprisonment of the Group Leader Enter a Legitimate Political Process Victory Widespread Community Support Defeated Brute Force Other Forms of Violence Traps and Opportunities Conclusion Chapter 9: Conclusion: Summing up the Activists Summing Up Al Muhajiroun and the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Movement Changes and Different Conclusions Policy Recommendations A Look into the Future Concluding Thoughts Appendix 1: ALM/ASWJ and Related Interviews 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Appendix 2: Protests, Dawah Stalls, and Halaqah Sessions Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Protests English Defense League Protests Dawah Stalls Closed Halaqah Sessions Appendix 3: Radical Preachers Abu Hamza al Masri Abdullah el-Faisal Abu Qatada Appendix 4: Arabic Terms Glossary Selected Bibliography Index