Class Discussion Question

Class Discussion Question Define or give examples of Islamic Fundamentalism. Can you think of any other fundamentalist groups ?

Students will be able to… • Define Islamic Fundamentalism. • Understand why Islamic Fundamentalism may be problematic for USA interests. • Distinguish the difference between an Islamic Fundamentalist and a Terrorist.

Islamic Fundamentalism • Islamic Fundamentalism Overview • Islamic Fundamentalism is a broad term that refers to the philosophical or theological approach of certain groups within the Islamic tradition who hold that the Qur'an is the inerrant and literal word of God, and that Muslims are required to strictly adhere to the religious practices and moral codes found there. Most forms of Islamic Fundamentalism maintain that a true Muslim state and society is essential for following Islamic religious law, and hold that there should be no distinction between religious and political life, a position that puts them in tension with the modern democratic principle of the separation of church and state. However, Fundamentalist Islamic movements vary greatly regarding doctrine and social and political positions. Some fundamentalist movements are markedly conservative and propound a narrow understanding of the Islamic tradition, whereas others employ Marxist and other socialist strategies and principles. Many fundamentalist Muslim groups also employ a sharply dualist ideology in which everyone is either part of the group or against it. This affects how they interact with other groups, including other Muslim traditions, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, and the secular West. For some Islamic Fundamentalists, this position is linked to the concept of jihad (struggle, or more typically regarded as holy war) that is common among some Islamic fundamentalist groups. Islamic fundamentalism is also the primary source of much of the resistance to the West and secular modernism within Muslim countries. Although Islamic Fundamentalism receives a tremendous amount of attention in the western media, it represents a minority position within the Islamic tradition and is openly rejected and resisted by many Muslims

Moderate Islam • King Abdullah II of Jordan is a good example of a moderate Islamic leader. • He often dresses in a Western style, speaks English, has an accomplished wife and was educated at Georgetown University.

Islamic Fundamentalist • Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is an Islamic fundamentalist. He was a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood before becoming president of the country. Recently arrested and thrown out of office by the military. • In what direction would he have taken Egypt????

Radical Islamic Fundamentalist • The Taliban is an example of a radical Islamic fundamentalist group that is willing to resort to violence in order to achieve its goals. • The Taliban totally rejects Western culture and values.

Say What…? • Islamic Fundamentalism is in part a reaction against Westernization and/or Modernization.

Imagine… • That there was NO separation of church and state in the USA. An extremely orthodox group (Jews or Christians) has taken control of our government. How do you think our society would change?

Define Terrorism Can you name any terrorist groups?

Question? Is Fundamentalism the same as Terrorism?

My Terrorist or Your Hero?

UPFRONT • Read GROWING UP SAUDI from page #20 in the September 1st 2008 edition of Upfront magazine. • Read GROWING UP SAUDI from page #8 in the September 22nd 2008 edition of Upfront magazine.

Islamic Fundamentalism • Islamic Fundamentalists want traditional roles for women within their society. • Women can not go out alone in public. • NO driving for women in Saudi Arabia. • Is this FAIR????

Only HOPE? • The best hope for America and Western interests is that moderate Islam is able to overcome the more radical elements for control of these Arab countries in the Middle East. • Turkey??? Maybe

Students will be able to… • Define Islamic Fundamentalism. • Distinguish the difference between an Islamic Fundamentalist and a Terrorist.

Class Discussion Question