Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj

Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj

Etymology and Translations

The name “Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj” (محمد عبد السلام فرج in Arabic) consists of several components: Muhammad (محمد) is a common name in the Muslim world named after the Prophet Muhammad. Abd al-Salam (عبد السلام) translates to “servant of the Peace” or “servant of the Peace-Giver,” one of the names of God. Faraj (فرج) commonly translates to “relief” or “deliverance.”

Overview

Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj (d. 1976) was a prominent Egyptian ideologue and the head of the small yet influential militant group known as Islamic Jihad (الجهاد الإسلامي). Born at a time of socio-political turbulence in Egypt, Faraj fervently believed that the existing government was inherently un-Islamic because it had abandoned Sharia (Islamic law) in favor of Western-inspired legal systems. He argued that only through armed revolt could such a regime be replaced with a true Islamic governance system.

Ideology

Faraj’s fundamental assertion was that for a government to be legitimate within an Islamic framework, it has to adhere strictly to Islamic law. The Egyptian government’s adoption of Western legal principles prompted him to label it as non-Islamic, positioning it as a legitimate target for a revolutionary campaign. Faraj’s ideology influenced many later Islamic radical movements, which employed similar arguments to justify violent actions against perceived non-Islamic authorities.

Principal Works

• “Al-Faridah al-Gha’ibah” (The Absent Duty): In this work, Faraj insists that jihad, understood as armed struggle, is a personal obligation for every capable Muslim in the face of a government that disregards Sharia.
• Faraj’s other writings and thoughts were circulated among other Islamist activists, particularly those within the Egyptian military and adjunct militant organizations.

Historical Impact

Faraj’s call for armed jihad against the Egyptian state catalyzed a chain reaction of extremist activities. His influence extended beyond Islamic Jihad, impacting broader radical Islamist movements across the Middle East. His ideology also played a notable role in the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981 due to Sadat’s policies, which they viewed as non-Islamic.

Relation to Broader Concepts

Jihad

Faraj’s interpretation of Jihad (جهد) heavily leans towards the militant aspect of the term, although traditionally, jihad encompasses both the greater internal, spiritual struggle and the lesser external struggle, which can include armed conflict but is not limited to it.

Islamic Extremism

Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj’s work and involvement within Islamic Jihad underscore an early incarnation of contemporary Islamic extremism, contributing foundational thoughts that continue to resonate within jihadist groups.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Jihad: The Trail of Political Islam” by Gilles Kepel
2. “The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global” by Fawaz A. Gerges
3. “Inside the Brotherhood” by Hazem Kandil

Key Takeaways

• Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj significantly influenced radical Islamic thought by advocating for armed rebellion to establish a government based on Sharia.
• His work focused sharply on the concept of jihad as an urgent, militant obligation rather than as purely a spiritual endeavor.
• Faraj’s ideology had direct implications for political events in Egypt and provided a framework for subsequent extremist movements in the region.

Conclusion

Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj remains an essential figure in the study of Islamic extremism due to his potent blend of religious fervor and political ideology. Understanding his contributions helps reveal the intricacies of radical movements that seek to define piety through governance and law.

This format provides a detailed and organized expansion of the dictionary entry, incorporating historical context, ideological influence, key concepts, and related literature for those seeking an in-depth study.