Qutbism
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Qutbism (also Kotebism, Qutbiyya, or Qutbiyyah) is the radical strain of Islamist ideology and activism, based on the thought and writings of Sayyid Qutb, a notorious Islamist and former leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood who was executed in 1966. Qutbee or Qutbi (also Qutbists) are followers of these ideals. These terms originated from, and are mainly used by opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood in general and Qutb in particular, and by Muslims who seek to distance themselves from the activities of militant groups based on or influenced by Qutbism.
Qutbism has gained notoriety from its massive influence on jihadi extremists like Osama bin Laden. According to observers, jihadi extremists “cite Sayyid Qutb repeatedly and consider themselves his intellectual descendants.”[1]
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[edit] Tenets
The main tenet of Qutbist ideology is that the Muslim community (or the Muslim community outside of a vanguard fighting to reestablish it) "has been extinct for a few centuries" [2] having reverted to Godless ignorance (Jahiliyya), and must be re-conquered for Islam.
Qutb outlined his ideas in his book Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq (aka Milestones). Other important principles of Qutbism include:[citation needed]
- adherence to Sharia as sacred law accessible to humans, without which Islam cannot exist
- adherence to Sharia as a complete way of life that will bring not only justice, but complete freedom from servitude, peace, personal serenity, scientific discovery and other benefits;
- avoidance of Western and non-Islamic "evil and corruption," including socialism and nationalism;
- vigilance against Western and Jewish conspiracies against Islam
- a two-pronged attack of 1) preaching to convert and 2) jihad to forcibly eliminate the "structures" of Jahiliyya.
- the importance of offensive Jihad to eliminate Jahiliyya not only from the Islamic homeland but from the face of the earth.
Some, such as Dale C. Eikmeier, a strategic planner at the US Army War College, give a broader definition of Qutbism. Eikmeier calls it "a fusion of puritanical and intolerant Islamic orientations," that includes not only Qutb's ideas but those of Abul Ala Maududi, Hassan al Banna, and even Shia elements,
"to justify armed jihad in the advance of Islam, and other violent methods utilized by twentieth century militants. ... Qutbism advocates violence and justifies terrorism against non-Muslims and apostates in an effort to bring about the reign of God. Others, i.e., Ayman Al-Zawahiri, Abdullah Azzam, and Osama bin Laden built terrorist organizations based on the principles of Qutbism and turned the ideology of Islamic-Fascism into a global action plan."[3]
[edit] History of the word "Qutbee"
Following Qutb's death Qutbist ideas spread throughout Egypt and other parts of the Arab and Muslim world, prompting a backlash by more traditionalist and conservative Muslims, such as the book Du'ah, la Qudah (Preachers not Judges), (1969), written by the MB Supreme Guide Hasan al-Hudaybi. The word Qutbee is said to have first been used by Saudi Arabian Wahhabi Muslims to refer not only to explicit devotees of Qutb's ideas, but to Muslim Brotherhood members and their sympathizers in general[citation needed](despite the fact that there is a range of opinion among Muslim Brethren on Qutb's ideas.) The word Qutbee is used in a similar way as the term Wahhabi, in that it is used not by the Qutbees and Wahhabis themselves but by their opponents.
[edit] Takfir
The most controversial aspect of Qutbism is Qutb's idea that Islam is "extinct," and therefore those who say they are Muslims--with the exception of Qutb's Islamic vanguard--are not. Intended to shock Muslims into religious re-armament it also had the effect, if taken literally, of making non-Qutbists who claimed they were Muslims in serious violation of the traditional Sharia law (law that Qutb very much supported) potentially finding them guilty of Apostasy in Islam and their blood fit to be shed. Because of these serious consequences, Muslims have traditionally been reluctant to practice takfir, that is, to pronounce professed Muslims as unbelievers (even Muslims in violation of Islamic law).[4] This prospect of fitna, or internal strife, between Qutbists and "takfir-ed" mainstream Muslims, was put to Qutb by prosecutors in the trial that led to his execution, [5] and is still made by his Muslim detractors.[6] [7]
Qutb died before he could clear up the issue of whether jahiliyya referred to the whole "Muslim world," to only Muslim governments, or only in an allegorical sense.[8] Other factors, (such as economic dislocation/stagnation and rage over President Sadat's policy of reconciliation with Israel) played a key role in instigating the violence.[9]
[edit] Traditionalist criticism
While Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq (Milestones) was Qutb's manifesto, other elements of Qutbism are found in his works Al-'adala al-Ijtima'iyya fi-l-Islam (Social Justice in Islam), and his Quranic commentary Fi Zilal al-Qur'an (In the shade of the Qur'an). Ideas in (or alleged to be in) those works also have come under attack from traditionalist/conservative/Wahhabi Muslims. They include
- Qutb's assertion that slavery is now illegal under Islam, as its lawfulness was only temporary, existing only "until the world devised a new code of practice, other than enslavement." Traditionalist critics maintain `Islaam has affirmed slavery ... And it will continue so long as Jihaad in the path of Allaah exists."` (Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan) [10]
- Proposals to redistribute income and property to the needy. Opponents claim they are "socialist" and innovations of Islam. [11][12][13]
- Describing Moses as having an "excitable nature" - this allegedly being "mockery," and "mockery of the Prophets is apostasy in its own,'" according to Shaikh ‘Abdul-Azeez Ibn Baz.
- Dismissing fiqh or the schools of Islamic law known as madhhab as separate from "Islamic principles and Islamic understanding."[14]
- Desiring to unite the four schools of Islamic law into one school - allegedly an innovation.[15]
- Favoring the overthrow of tyrants, when Islam teaches that "when you cannot correct a wrong thing be patient! Allah ... will correct it."[16]
Accusations against Qutbism include some that may be very questionable, such as one alleging that Qutb believed "Christians should be left as Christians--Jews as Jews," since he believed in hurriyatul-i'tiqaad (freedom of belief) [17]
"Neofundamentalist refuse to express their views in modern terms borrowed from the West. They consider that indulging in politics, even for a good cause, will by definition lead to bid'a and shirk (the giving of priority to worldly considerations over religious values.)" [18]
There are, however, some commentators who display an ambivalence towards him, noting that "his books are found everywhere and mentioned on most neo-fundamentalist websites, and arguing his "mystical approach" and "pessimistic views on the modern world" have resonated with some Muslims.[19]
[edit] Science and learning
On the importance of science and learning, the key to the power of his bete noire, western civilization, Qutb was ambivalent. He wrote that
Muslims have drifted away from their religion and their way of life, and have forgotten that Islam appointed them as representatives of God and made them responsible for learning all the sciences and developing various capabilities to fulfill this high position which God has granted them.
... and encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge.
A Muslim can go to a Muslim or to a non-Muslim to learn abstract sciences such as chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, medicine, industry, agriculture, administration (limited to its technical aspects), technology, military arts and similar sciences and arts; although the fundamental principle is that when the Muslim community comes into existence it should provide experts in all these fields in abundance, as all these sciences and arts are a sufficient obligation (Fard al-Kifayah) on Muslims (that is to say, there ought to be a sufficient number of people who specialize in these various sciences and arts to satisfy the needs of the community). (Qutb, Milestones p.109)
On the other hand, Qutb believed some learning was forbidden to Muslims and should not be studied, including:
principles of economics and political affairs and interpretation of historical processes ... origin of the universe, the origin of the life of man ... philosophy, comparative religion ... sociology (excluding statistics and observations) ... Darwinist biology ([which] goes beyond the scope of its observations, without any rhyme or reason and only for the sake of expressing an opinion ...). (Qutb, Milestones p.108-110)
and that the era of scientific discovery (that non-Muslim Westerners were so famous for) was now over:
The period of resurgence of science has also come to an end. This period, which began with the Renaissance in the sixteenth century after Christ and reached its zenith in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, does not possess a reviving spirit. [Qutb, Milestones p.8]
However important scientific discovery was or is, an important tool to achieve it (and to do everything else) is to follow Sharia law under which
blessings fall on all mankind, [and] leads in an easy manner to the knowledge of the secrets of nature, its hidden forces and the treasures concealed in the expanses of the universe. [Qutb, Milestones p.90]
[edit] Qutbism and non-Muslims
Other elements of Qutbism deal with non-Muslims, particularly Westerners, and have drawn attention and controversy from their subjects, particularly following 9/11. Though their terminology, issues and arguments are different from those of the Islamic traditionalists, Westerners also have criticism to make.
[edit] Islamic law and freedom
Qutbism postulates that sharia-based society will have an almost supernatural perfection, providing justice, prosperity, peace and harmony both individually and societally. [20] Its wonders are such that the use of offensive jihad to spread of sharia-Islam throughout the non-Muslim world will not be aggression but "a movement ... to introduce true freedom to mankind." It frees humanity from servitude to man because its divine nature requires no human authorities to judge or enforce its law. [21]
[edit] Vigilance against conspiracies
Qutbism emphasizes the "evil designs" of Westerners and Jews against Islam, and urges Muslims not to trust or imitate them.
[edit] The West
In Qutb's view, for example, "Western imperialism" is not, as Marxist analysts would suggest, only an economic exploitation of weak peoples by the strong and greedy[22]. Nor were in his view the medieval Crusades merely an attempt by Christians to reconquer the formerly Christian-ruled, Christian holy land.[23] Both were different expressions of the West's "pronounced ... enmity" towards Islam, including plans to "demolish the structure of Muslim society." [24] On the contrary, Qutb considers Imperialism "a mask for the crusading spirit."[25]
[edit] Jews
The other anti-Islamic conspirator group, according to Qutb, is "World Jewry," which he believes is engaged in tricks to eliminate "faith and religion", and trying to divert "the wealth of mankind" into "Jewish financial institutions" by charging interest on loans.[26]
"Jewish designs" are so pernicious, according to Qutb's logic, that "anyone who leads this [Islamic] community away from its religion and its Quran can only be [a] Jewish agent"[citation needed], causing one critic to claim that the statement apparently means that "any source of division, anyone who undermines the relationship between Muslims and their faith is by definition a Jew".[27]
[edit] Western corruption
Qutbism emphasizes the importance of Islamic superiority over the West. One example of "the filth" and "rubbish heap of the West." (Qutb, Milestones, p.139) was the "animal-like" "mixing of the sexes." Qutb quotes a young American woman as allegedly informing him
- The issue of sexual relations is purely a biological matter. You ... complicate this matter by imposing the ethical element on it. The horse and mare, the bull and the cow ... do not think about this ethical matter ... and, therefore live a comfortable, simple, and easy life. [28]
[edit] Muslim Brotherhood
Controversy over Qutbism is in part an expression of the disagreement of two of the main tendencies of the Islamic revival: the more traditional salafi/wahhabi Muslims, and the more radically active Muslim groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood,[29] the group Qutb was a member of for about the last decade and a half of his life.
Although Sayyid Qutb was never head (or "Supreme Guide") of the Muslim Brotherhood,[30] he was the Brotherhood's "leading intellectual," [31] editor of its weekly periodical, and a member of the highest branch in the Brotherhood, the Working Committee and of the Guidance Council.[32]
After the publication of Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq (Milestones), opinion in the Brotherhood split over his ideas, though many in Egypt (including radicals outside the Brotherhood) and most Brethren in other countries are said to have shared his analysis "to one degree or another." [33] In recent years his ideas have been embraced by radical Islamist groups[34] while the Muslim Brotherhood has tended to serve as the official voice of Islamist moderation.
[edit] See also
- Islam and antisemitism
- Note on Salafi vs. Wahabi vs. Qutubi
- Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, winner of the King Faisal Award
[edit] References
- ^ William McCants of the US Military Academy’s Combating Terrorism Center, quoted in Qutbism: An Ideology of I slamic-Fascism by DALE C. EIKMEIER From Parameters, Spring 2007, pp. 85-98.
- ^ Qutb, Sayyid, Milestones, The Mother Mosque Foundation, 1981, p.9
- ^ Qutbism: An Ideology of Islamic-Fascism DALE C. EIKMEIER From Parameters, Spring 2007, pp. 85-98.
- ^ Kepel, Jihad, p.31
- ^ Sivan, Radical Islam, (1985), p.93
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB INVITES PEOPLE TO STAND UP AND SHOUT AGAINST THE DICTATORS
- ^ The Wahhabi Myth - Salafism, Wahhabism, Qutbism. Who was Sayyid Qutb? (part 2)
- ^ Kepel, Jihad, 2002, p.31
- ^ Kepel, The Prophet and Pharaoh, p.65, 74-5, Understanding Jihad by David Cook, University of California Press, 2005, p.139
- ^ see also: Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan "affirmation of slavery" was found on page 24 of "Taming a Neo-Qutubite Fanatic Part 1" when accessed on February 17, 2007
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB EXPOSES HIS SOCIALISTIC IDEAS
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB ADVISES THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONFISCATE INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB INTERPRETS THE ZAKAT OF ISLAM ERRENOUSLY
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB IN HIS BOOK WORLD PEACE AND ISLAM TRIES TO REPRESENT WESTERN IDEAS AS ISLAMIC VALUES
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB IN HIS BOOK SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ISLAM WANTS TO UNITE ISLAM (ANTI-MADHHAB IDEAS)
- ^ HizmetBooks, REFORMER SAYYID QUTB INVITES PEOPLE TO STAND UP AND SHOUT AGAINST THE DICTATORS
- ^ Qutb argued that under true Islam non-Muslims could "accept [Islam] or not" (Milestones, p.61), but never said they should be "left" as non-Muslims.
- ^ Roy, Globalized Islam, (2004), p.247
- ^ Roy, Globalized Islam, (2004), p.250
- ^ Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq#Sharia 2
- ^ Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq#Freedom
- ^ Qutb, Milestones, Chapter 12
- ^ Qutb, Milestones, Chapter 12
- ^ Qutb, Milestones, p.116
- ^ Qutb, Milestones, p.159-160
- ^ Ma'alim fi-l-Tariq#Western and Jewish Conspiracies
- ^ quote from David Zeidan, "The Islamic Fundamentalist View of Life as Perennial Battle," Middle East Review of International Affairs, v.5, n.4 (Dec. 2001), criticism from The Age of Sacred Terror by Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, Random House, c2002, p.68
- ^ from Amrika allati Ra'aytu, (America that I Saw), quoted in Radical Islamic Fundamentalism: the Ideological and Political Discourse of Sayyid Qutb by Ahmad S. Moussalli, American University of Beirut, 1992, p.29
- ^ Kepel, Gilles, The War for Muslim Minds, 2004, p.253-266
- ^ Hasan al-Hudaybi was Supreme Guide during this period.
- ^ Ruthvan, Malise, Islam in the World, Penguin, 1984
- ^ Moussalli, Radical Islamic Fundamentalism, 1992, p.31-2
- ^ Hamid Algar from his introduction to Social Justice in Islam by Sayyid Qutb, translated by John Hardie, translation revised and introduction by Hamid Algar, Islamic Publications International, 2000, p.1, 9, 11
- ^ William McCants of the US Military Academy’s Combating Terrorism Center, quoted in Qutbism: An Ideology of Islamic-Fascism by DALE C. EIKMEIER From Parameters, Spring 2007, pp. 85-98.
[edit] Bibliography
- Kepel, Gilles (1985). The Prophet and Pharaoh: Muslim Extremism in Egypt. Al Saqi. ISBN 0-86356-118-7.
- Kepel, Gilles (2002). Jihad, The Trail of Political Islam. Belknap Press of Harvard University. ISBN 0-674-00877-4.
- Moussalli, Ahmad S. (1992). Radical Islamic Fundamentalism: the Ideological and Political Discourse of Sayyid Qutb. American University of Beirut.
- Qutb, Sayyid (2003). Milestones. Kazi Publications. ISBN 1-56744-494-6.
- Roy, Olivier (2004). Globalized Islam : the Search for a New Ummah. Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-13498-3.
- Sivan, Emmanuel (1985). Radical Islam : Medieval Theology and Modern Politics. Yale University Press.
[edit] Further reading
- Berman, Paul. Terror and Liberalism. W. W. Norton & Company, April 2003.
- Berman devotes several chapters of this work to discussing Qutb as the foundation of a unique strain of Islamist thought.
[edit] External links
- Stanley, Trevor Sayyid Qutb, The Pole Star of Egyptian Salafism.
- El-Kadi, Ahmed Great Muslims of the 20th Century ... Sayyid Qutb.
- Swenson, Elmer Sayyid Qutb's Milestones.
- Who was Sayyid Qutb?
- Reformer Qutb Thinks Himself Superior to Madhhab Imams.
- Reformer Qutb Invites People to Stand Up and Shout Against the Dictators.
- Mawdudi, Qutb and the Prophets of Allah.
- The Ideology of Terrorism and Violence in Saudi Arabia: Origins, Reasons and Solution
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