Fundamentalism
Description and Etymology
Fundamentalism refers to a religious movement characterized by a strict adherence to what its adherents perceive as the fundamental principles of their faith. The term originated in the early twentieth century within American Protestantism, describing a reactionary push for a return to essential Christian doctrines that reject modernist interpretations.
In Arabic, fundamentalism can be translated as أصولية (Usūlīyah), stemming from the root word أصل (aṣl), meaning “foundation” or “base.” In Turkish, it is often referred to as kökten dincilik. The term captures the essence of clinging to foundational beliefs and practices, often in opposition to perceived external, notably Western, influences and interpretations.
Fundamentalism in Islam
In the context of Islam, fundamentalism is typically associated with revivalist movements, which reject the assimilation of Western methodologies and assert the sufficiency and comprehensiveness of Islamic teachings. These movements seek to purify Islamic practices and doctrines, guiding followers to a perceived original version of Islam.
Modern Islamic fundamentalist movements (often coined as “Islamic revivalist” or “neo-fundamentalist” movements) challenge corrupt leaderships, Western cultural encroachments, and advocate for a reestablishment of what they regard as true Islamic governance and society based on Sharīʿa (Islamic law). Some historians and scholars argue that fundamentalist currents are deeply embedded in Islamic history, surfacing whenever adherents perceive a profound departure from essential Islamic teachings. Examples include the early Kharijite movements and later figures like Ibn Taymiyyah.
Scholarly Perspectives
Scholars hold divergent views on whether Islamic fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon.
- Modern Perspective: Some scholars hold that Islamic fundamentalism is a reaction to Western colonialism, modernization, and contemporaneous socio-political challenges. They view it as a novel outcome of modernity’s existential crises.
- Historical Perspective: Other scholars identify continuous threads of fundamentalist thought throughout Islamic history. Activism aimed at reforming or returning to pure, foundational Islamic teachings has periodically emerged as a counter-movement during times of perceived ethical or doctrinal decline.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Foundations of Muslim Extremism” by Talal Asad - Exploring the roots of fundamentalism within historical and anthropological contexts.
- “Islamic Fundamentalism: A Debate on the Orthodox Leaders of Islam” by Ernest Gellner - Analyzing the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and its socio-political implications.
- “Milestones” by Sayyid Qutb - Considered a manifesto for modern Islamic fundamentalist movements.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Fundamentalism, while initially coined in a Protestant Christian context, has broader applications across various religious traditions, including Islam. It reflects a yearning for an unadulterated practice and devotion to formative ideals, often in defiance of contemporary influences and compromises. Within Islam, fundamentalist movements both historic and modern seek to return to a pristine form of faith and governance, at times catalyzed by sociopolitical disturbances. The complexity of these movements calls for nuanced understanding and careful consideration of socio-historical contexts.
Understanding fundamentalism offers critical insights into the dynamics of religious revivalism, cultural identity, and political significance in our interconnected world.
