Islamic Salvation Front
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جبهة الإنقاذ الإسلامي - “Jabhah al-Inqādh al-Islāmī”
- Turkish: İslamî Kurtuluş Cephesi
Overview
The Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), known in Arabic as “Jabhah al-Inqādh al-Islāmī”, is an Algerian Islamist political party established in 1989 by notable figures like Abbasi Madani, Ali Bel Hadj, and al-Hashimi Sahnuni. The party’s foundation was a direct response to the liberalization policies instituted by then-president Chadli Bendjedid, which included reforming the economy and political pluralism. However, the high unemployment rates and governmental corruption had already caused significant discontent, setting the stage for the emergent Islamist movement.
Ideology and Principles
FIS’s ideology is rooted in political Islam, asserting that only religious scholars possess the true authority to interpret religious texts and enforce Islamic law. The party has been particularly critical of Western democratic institutions, coeducation, gender mixing in professional settings, and equal national citizenship rights. These aspects are viewed as detrimental to Islamic values and means used by the West to dominate the Muslim world both intellectually and culturally.
Political and Social Stance
- Religious Authority: FIS promotes a theocratic model where Islamic scholars (‘ulama) are entrusted with both religious and political leadership.
- Anti-Democracy Stance: Key figures within FIS, particularly Ali Bel Hadj and al-Hashimi Sahnuni, openly opposed democratic governance, arguing it is incompatible with Islam.
- Gender Roles: The party advocates for traditional gender roles and criticizes gender mixing in educational and professional environments.
- National Integrity: FIS sees external influences, particularly from the West, as threats to Islamic and national integrity.
Historical Impact
The FIS quickly gained substantial popular support, positioning itself to win the legislative elections in 1992. This prompted a severe military response. The National Liberation Army (ALN) intervened by staging a coup d’état and banning FIS in April 1992. Subsequently, thousands of FIS members were detained in camps throughout the Sahara.
Disbandment of Armed Wing
In 1999, a critical turn of events occurred when President Abdelaziz Bouteflika extended an amnesty to those involved in extremist activities. This included the Islamic Salvation Army (AIS), the militant faction associated with FIS. Following the amnesty, AIS agreed to disband, thereby reducing armed resistance and extremism within Algeria.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islamism and Secularism in North Africa” by John Ruedy
- “The Algerian Civil War, 1990-1998” by Luis Martinez
- “Islamic Politics and Society in Middle East North Africa” by Sami Zemni
- “Contours of Algeria: Texts” by David Prochaska and Judith Scheele
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Islamic Salvation Front has played a significant role in shaping modern Algerian politics by challenging existing political structures and advocating for an Islamic state. While its initial rise demonstrated the powerful appeal of its religious and political ideology, its opposition to democratic principles and subsequent militant activities contributed to its eventual suppression. The FIS’s history serves as a compelling case study in the intersection of Islamism and state power.
Understanding the dynamics of the Islamic Salvation Front is vital for comprehending broader trends within the region, particularly concerning the relationship between Islamic movements and national governance. Despite its controversial actions and policies, the legacy of FIS continues to influence Algerian politics and the discourse on political Islam to this day.
