NCJ Number
223260
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 31 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 399-411
Date Published
May 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines the impact of small Islamic study groups (usroh and halaqa) that teach and energize fundamentalist/radical Islamic beliefs and promote high-risk activism against defined enemies of Islam.
Abstract
This article considers the role and impact of usroh and halaqa in three radical Islamic groups: the Muslim Brotherhood, Jemaah Islamiyah, and Hizbut Tahrir. These groups have tapped into the Islamic tradition of small-group study circles that have traditionally been used to develop piety. This structure has been used to teach and promote the movement's ideology and recruit a cadre willing to act on radical Islamic tenets in committing violence against perceived enemies of the faith. Operating out of such a structure ensures that the actors are immersed in and motivated by a sense of righteousness and sacrifice unrestrained by guilt or the survival instinct. In developing suggestions for policymakers, this article proposes that the Muslim tradition of usroh and halaqa be used to promote moderate Islamic beliefs and practices in a pluralistic world. Study guides could be developed for use in small groups in Islamic religious schools (Pesantrans) in discussing how democracy could function within Islamic practice. Such materials would be available through Muslim book distributors or be offered free for online download. The materials should be available in multiple languages. Suggestions are also offered for future studies of the role of cells in the creation of radicalism. 68 references