Author

Anisin A.L.

Title of article

Islamic state: spiritual and ideological directions of counteraction

Section

Section 1. Methodology of law enforcement activities

Issue, year

1 (35) 2016

Abstract

The problem of spiritual bases of terrorist distortion of Islam, expressed in Islamic State slogan is analyzed.  Four topics are considered: relationship of the spiritual and state power in Islam; understanding the nature, content and meaning of religious life by Islam; attitude of Islam to other religious traditions; relations between different versions of Islam concerning the issue of “true Islam”. The state is understood by Islam as an integral continuation of the religion. The norms of religious life stated in Quran and Sunnah suggest that Muslims make up a large part of society and all spheres of life of both Muslims and non-Muslim part of society are regulated by Islam rules. Spiritual life is understood by Islam as observance of the law given above, the sincerity of faith is measured by the thoroughness of execution of what is prescribed. Islam draws a clear line between paganism and non-Islamic forms of monotheism (Christianity and Judaism), which may have legal status in Islamic State. The interpretation of texts and rules plays the important part in Islam. Along with the traditional legal schools the extremist interpretations of faith emerge and develop for a long time. They lead to the creation of terrorist organizations claiming to have state status. It’s impossible to condemn such interpretations from the religious position, as there’s no concept of “heresy” in Islam. Theological and legal definitions condemning terrorism and establishing religious sanctions against terrorists and their ideologists are proposed. Their adoption in Islam could be an effective means of countering the terrorist threat.

Keywords

Islamic State; terrorism; extremism; Islamism; Islamic theology.