Is Quietist Salafism Non-Violent and Apolitical? The Ideological Danger Less Appreciated and Scrutinized

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 25 September 2024 On The Surface, Quietist Salafism Appears Non-Violent and Apolitical, But Its Potential to Contribute to Radicalization Has Been Scrutinized in Recent Years Main Points: 1. Quietist Salafism, also referred to as "purist Salafism," is an interpretation of Islam that emphasizes strict adherence to the Quran and Sunna while discouraging political activism and engagement with secular or non-Islamic governments. 2. While quietist Salafism advocates for political disengagement, the other two branches of Salafism—political and jihadi—take more active stances toward politics and statecraft. 3. Quietist Salafism’s potential to promote radicalization lies in its combination of ideological rigidity, doctrinal exclusivism, and passive acceptance of authoritarianism. ----- Introduction Salafism is a movement within Sunni Islam that seeks to emulate the practices of the "Salaf" (the first three generations of Muslims who lived during and immediately after the time of Prophet Muhammad). This ideology places a high value on religious purity, strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, and the rejection of innovations (Bida’) in religious practices. Salafism is often divided into three major strands: quietist, political, and jihadi. Quietist Salafism is distinct because it emphasizes apolitical religious devotion and a non-confrontational approach to the state. However, while quietist Salafism is often portrayed as the least violent form of Salafism, its potential role in radicalizing individuals and paving the way for extremism has become a subject of debate. This article explores the quietist Salafi ideology, contrasts it with other forms of Salafism, and evaluates how its seemingly peaceful doctrine may indirectly contribute to the spread of radicalism and terror. The Ideology of Quietist Salafism Quietist Salafism, also referred to as "purist Salafism," is an interpretation of Islam that emphasizes strict adherence to the Quran and Sunna while discouraging political activism and engagement with secular or non-Islamic governments. Quietist Salafis advocate for individual piety, moral and spiritual purification, and education rooted in Islamic scholarship. For quietists, the focus is on personal religious practice, with the belief that societal change will only come through the gradual transformation of individuals' hearts and minds rather than through political upheaval. The roots of quietist Salafism can be traced back to early Salafi scholars like Ibn Taimiyya and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. However, modern quietist Salafism, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has been heavily influenced by scholars like Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani and Ibn Baz. These scholars rejected political activism and viewed obedience to rulers—even unjust ones—as a religious obligation, so long as those rulers did not openly renounce Islam or prevent the practice of religion. This position stems from a particular interpretation of the Quran and Hadith that places emphasis on avoiding Fitna (civil strife) and chaos in society. Quietist Salafis believe that political engagement or rebellion against Muslim rulers, even if they are corrupt, leads to greater instability and divisions within the Muslim community (Ummah). As such, they advocate for patience and non-violence, encouraging believers to focus on religious education and calling others to Islam through peaceful means. Quietist vs. Political and Jihadi Salafism While quietist Salafism advocates for political disengagement, the other two branches of Salafism—political and jihadi—take more active stances toward politics and statecraft. Political Salafism: Political Salafis engage with state institutions and advocate for the implementation of Islamic law (sharia) through political processes. They believe that Islam should not just be a personal faith but should govern public life, law, and governance. Political Salafis participate in elections, form political parties, and often cooperate with governments to push for a greater role of Islam in state affairs. The rise of political Salafism has been particularly notable in countries like Egypt and Tunisia after the Arab Spring, where Salafi parties competed in elections to influence the legal and social structure of their nations. Jihadi Salafism: Jihadi Salafis represent the most radical form of Salafism, advocating for the violent overthrow of regimes they view as un-Islamic. Groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS fall under the jihadi Salafi banner. They believe that jihad, understood as armed struggle, is necessary to restore Islam's purity by toppling secular or corrupt governments and establishing Islamic states governed by sharia. Jihadi Salafis take an uncompromising approach to the global political order and view Western influence, secularism, and any collaboration with non-Muslim states as inherently evil. Despite their differences, all three strands share a commitment to the foundational principles of Salafism—strict monotheism, adherence to the practices of the early Muslims, and a rejection of Bida’ (innovations in religious practice). The core distinction lies in how they apply these beliefs to contemporary political and social realities. How Quietist Salafism Promotes Radicalization and Terror On the surface, quietist Salafism appears non-violent and apolitical, but its potential to contribute to radicalization has been scrutinized in recent years. There are several ways in which quietist Salafism can foster an environment conducive to extremism, even though it does not advocate for violence directly. Strict Ideological Purity: Quietist Salafism promotes a highly rigid interpretation of Islam that views itself as the only true form of the religion. This exclusive attitude can create an "us vs. them" mentality, where those who do not adhere to quietist Salafi beliefs are considered misguided or deviant. Although quietists do not advocate violence against these groups, this rigid doctrinal purity can make individuals more susceptible to extremist narratives. The ideological groundwork of Takfīr (declaring other Muslims as apostates) is shared between quietist and jihadi Salafism, making it easier for quietists to move toward more radical ideologies. Obedience to Authority: Quietist Salafism emphasizes obedience to Muslim rulers, even if they are corrupt or unjust. While this stance might prevent open rebellion, it can also legitimize authoritarian regimes that suppress political dissent, freedom of expression, and democratic values. This creates environments where citizens feel politically alienated, repressed, and powerless, leading some to seek out more radical solutions. Jihadi Salafis often exploit this dissatisfaction, recruiting disillusioned quietists by presenting jihad as the only viable option for change. Passive Endorsement of Jihad: Although quietist Salafis officially reject violent jihad against Muslim rulers, some scholars have implicitly endorsed or justified jihad against non-Muslim occupiers or aggressors. This passive endorsement can act as a gateway for quietist adherents to eventually embrace more radical forms of jihad. For example, while quietist Salafis did not directly support the 9/11 attacks, many remained silent or did not condemn the act outright, providing ideological cover for more radical interpretations of jihad. Reinforcement of Social Divisions: Quietist Salafism’s focus on doctrinal purity and its rejection of cooperation with non-Salafis can reinforce social divisions within Muslim communities. This ideological insularity can result in the marginalization of other interpretations of Islam, fostering sectarianism and creating fertile ground for radical narratives. Individuals who adopt this worldview are more likely to become isolated from mainstream Muslim society and may be drawn to violent extremism when presented with the opportunity. Influence of Quietist Scholars: Some quietist scholars have, at times, provided religious justifications for actions that Jihadis can exploit. By endorsing the idea that rulers who fail to govern by sharia are illegitimate, quietist scholars lay the groundwork for Jihadis to argue that these rulers should be overthrown. Though quietist Salafis advocate patience and gradual reform, the ideological overlap between them and Jihadis on the issue of Takfīr creates a blurred line that can be crossed by individuals seeking quicker, more radical solutions. The Potential Dangers of Quietist Salafism Despite its ostensibly peaceful stance, quietist Salafism poses dangers to both Muslim and non-Muslim societies. The movement's ideological commitment to religious purity and its refusal to engage with modern political realities can create a breeding ground for radicalization. Individuals who start as quietists may grow frustrated with the slow pace of change or the perceived hypocrisy of rulers and turn to more radical forms of activism, including violence. Moreover, quietist Salafism’s rejection of democracy, secularism, and pluralism can have destabilizing effects in societies where these values are foundational. In countries with significant Muslim populations, quietist Salafis can contribute to a climate of intolerance and exclusion by promoting a strict religious agenda that marginalizes other faiths and Muslim sects. This atmosphere can indirectly support radical movements that seek to violently impose their vision of Islamic governance. Quietist Salafism’s potential to promote radicalization lies in its combination of ideological rigidity, doctrinal exclusivism, and passive acceptance of authoritarianism. While it does not actively call for violent jihad, its teachings can act as a stepping stone for those who eventually embrace jihadi Salafism or other forms of violent extremism. The ideological overlaps between quietist and jihadi Salafism make it crucial to examine the former’s role in the broader ecosystem of radicalisation. Conclusion Quietist Salafism presents itself as a non-violent and apolitical interpretation of Islam that prioritizes individual piety and spiritual growth over political engagement. However, the ideological purity it advocates, combined with its rejection of modern political systems, can create fertile ground for radicalization. Although quietist Salafism does not directly promote violence, it can indirectly support the development of more extreme ideologies, including jihadi Salafism. As the world continues to grapple with the threat of violent extremism, understanding the nuances of quietist Salafism and its potential role in fostering radicalization is more important than ever. By examining its doctrines, influence, and relationship to other forms of Salafism, policymakers, scholars, and religious leaders can better address the complexities of radicalization and prevent its spread. ----- Grace Mubashir is a independent researcher analysing Islam in contemporary South Asia URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/quietist-salafism-non-violent-apolitical-ideological-/d/133282 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism