Understanding Islamist terrorism : the Islamic doctrine of war

Description

Why do Muslims hate us so much and why do they want to blow up our cities? Why do they want to kill us? These questions fill the minds of many today as they see a religion that says it is a religion of peace yet is so linked to violence. This popular book sets out the belief systems that shape those involved in Islamic violence and gives an understanding of this ever-present phenomenon. What all can agree is that war has featured overtly in Islamic theology and thought from its earliest days until now. Amidst the multitude of different interpretations which are sincerely held and practised by different individual Muslims, there is a benchmark against which all are compared. This is the well-defined classical interpretation which was followed in the early years of Islam, and to which modern Islamic terrorists look for their justification. This book seeks to trace the development of the classical doctrine in mediaeval times, and how it is used in our own age Content: Introduction: the interpretration of sources -- Sources: Qur'an, hadith, Shari'a -- The theology of war, peace and empire-building -- History: Muhammad and his successors -- Vilent sects and movements within Islam: past and present -- The motivation of terrorists and suicide bombers -- The making of an Islamist terrorist -- Contemporary Muslim debate -- Responses to Islamists terrorism -- Conclusion -- Appendix 1: Traditional divisions of Islam -- Appendix 2: Modern trends in Islam -- Appendix 3: Various networks of radical Islam -- Appendix 4: "Bin Ladin" audiotape -- Appendix 5: Editorial in Al-Masaa (2 February 2004) -- Appendix 6: The Zarqawi document.