Journal Of Islamic Denominations

Journal Of Islamic Denominations

Critiques by Islamic Thinkers of Muhammad ʿAbd al-Salam Faraj's Theory of Offensive Jihad (Jihād al-Ibtidā'ī)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Professor, Department of Islamic Theological Sects, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of History and Shiite Sects, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
3 PhD Student in Wahhabism Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
10.22034/jid.2025.459989.2502
Abstract
Today, the theoretical and practical pretext for many extremist jihadist Salafi groups regarding offensive jihad (jihād al-ibtidā'ī), which has created numerous problems for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, is the ideas of individuals such as Muhammad ʿAbd al-Salām Faraj. The present research, using a descriptive-analytical method and library-based data collection, aims to explain and compare the views of Muhammad ʿAbd al-Salam Faraj with those of other Islamic thinkers on this subject, with the goal of discovering and elucidating the extent of conformity or contradiction between his views and theirs. Ultimately, it was concluded that ʿAbd al-Salam Faraj's perspective aligns with that of other Islamic thinkers only on the principle of the legislation of offensive jihad and the statement of its conditions and the nature of its obligation (wujūb). However, he errs in applying the conditions, describing the type of obligation, and identifying the target community for offensive jihad in the contemporary era. His evidence does not substantiate his claims, and his opinions on these matters are contrary to the views of most Islamic thinkers, being flawed and lacking scientific and practical value.
Keywords
Subjects

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