Jihad, al-
Definition
Jihad, al- (al-Jihad - الجهاد) refers to the Egyptian Islamic group, often termed Jamaat al-Jihad or Islamic Jihad Community, primarily known for the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981. The organization was established in the late 1970s by former members of the group Shabab Muhammad, who had endeavored a failed coup in 1974.
Etymology
The term Jihad (جهاد) originates from the root j-h-d in Arabic, which means “to strive” or “to struggle.” In an Islamic context, it embodies both spiritual and physical struggles in the path of God.
Origins and Development
- Formation: Al-Jihad was formed in the late 1970s, emerging from splinter groups like Shabab Muhammad.
- Ideological Foundations: The group’s pivotal ideologue, Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj, deemed President Sadat’s government illegitimate for not implementing sharia (Islamic law) fully and obligatory Jihad, which he emphasized as essential for establishing an Islamic state.
- Rise to Prominence: Al-Jihad attracted followers primarily in urban centers and Upper Egypt.
- Alliance: In 1980, an alliance was forged with the Islamic Community (al-Jamaah al-Islamiyyah), strengthening its influence.
Key Events
- Assassination of Anwar Sadat: In 1981, operatives from al-Jihad successfully assassinated President Anwar Sadat, citing his betrayal of Islamic principles.
- Decline: By the mid-1980s, al-Jihad experienced significant operational setbacks, leading to a waning influence.
- Renouncement of Violence: In the late 1990s, the group publicly renounced violence and sought political legitimacy by applying for recognition as a political party.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الجهاد
- Turkish: Cihat
Recommended Reading
- “Jihad: The Trail of Political Islam” by Gilles Kepel – Investigates the modern history of political Islam, including al-Jihad’s role.
- “Inside Egyptian Jihad: Living Radical Islam” by Muhammad Hamid – Provides an in-depth eyewitness account of individuals influenced by al-Jihad’s ideology.
- “The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11” by Lawrence Wright – Contextualizes the broader ramifications of groups like al-Jihad in the trajectory towards more global Jihadist movements.
Key Takeaways
- Al-Jihad stands out in modern Egyptian history for its radical shift from armed struggle to attempts at political legitimization.
- The assassination of President Anwar Sadat marked a significant turning point and highlighted the potent intersection of political dissatisfaction and radical ideology.
- Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj’s writings underscore the importance of ideological conviction in driving political actions.
- The group’s renouncement of violence in the late 1990s is indicative of evolving strategies within militant movements to achieve their goals through political channels.
Conclusion
Jihad, al- encapsulates a significant period in Egyptian history where extremist philosophies and political actions converged dramatically. Understanding its origins, ideological foundations, and evolution from violent acts to political ambition provides crucial insights into contemporary Islamist movements and their trajectories.
