Location
Stewart Center 313
Session Number
Session 02: APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM
Start Date
8-9-2011 1:00 PM
End Date
8-9-2011 2:30 PM
Abstract
Previous studies on the usage of the terms terror, terrorist, and terrorism have taken a Western perspective on how these terms should be defined and then deployed, but the viewpoint of the “terrorist” (in this case jihadis) has yet to be examined. This study analyzes how jihadis understand these terms and critically assesses their interpretation based on classical Islamic doctrine. The basis and “proof” for jihadis’ legitimization of using terror is based upon the Qur’anic verse 8:60, but when taken into context and traditional understanding, jihadis miss the mark. Yet, at the same time, when exploring the linguistic root for the terms in classical Arabic it convolutes the matter since in that context it provides somewhat of a positive cover.
Included in
Intellectual History Commons, Islamic World and Near East History Commons, Near Eastern Languages and Societies Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
Jihadis and the Use of the Terms Terrorism and Terrorist
Stewart Center 313
Previous studies on the usage of the terms terror, terrorist, and terrorism have taken a Western perspective on how these terms should be defined and then deployed, but the viewpoint of the “terrorist” (in this case jihadis) has yet to be examined. This study analyzes how jihadis understand these terms and critically assesses their interpretation based on classical Islamic doctrine. The basis and “proof” for jihadis’ legitimization of using terror is based upon the Qur’anic verse 8:60, but when taken into context and traditional understanding, jihadis miss the mark. Yet, at the same time, when exploring the linguistic root for the terms in classical Arabic it convolutes the matter since in that context it provides somewhat of a positive cover.
Comments
Session II: APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM Organizers: Elena Coda and Ben Lawton