By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
4 January 2025
The Tragic New Year's Day Attack In New Orleans Highlights The Influence Of Extremist Ideology, Personal Grievances, And The Misuse Of Religious Texts In The Radicalization Of Individuals
Main Points:
1. Radicalization and Extremist Ideology: Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s attack was influenced by extremist ideology, especially his allegiance to ISIS, which manipulates vulnerable individuals to commit violent acts in the name of faith.
2. Misuse of Religious Texts: The Quran's Surah At-Tawbah 9:111, which emphasizes martyrdom, was misinterpreted by extremists to justify violence, distorting its true message.
3. Role of Social Media: Shamsud-Din’s online posts demonstrate the growing role of social media in radicalizing individuals, as extremist groups use digital platforms to recruit and incite violence.
4. Psychological Factors and Personal Grievances: Shamsud-Din’s personal grievances and possible psychological issues contributed to his radicalization, suggesting that personal vulnerabilities and ideological influences often combine in such cases.
5. Understanding Jihad and Religious Teachings: The article clarifies that jihad is not a call for violent holy war, but refers to spiritual struggle and defence of the faith in legitimate conflict, opposing extremist views.
6. Implications for Public Safety and Prevention: The rise of lone-wolf attacks stresses the need for better law enforcement and intelligence strategies to prevent radicalization, particularly through online content.
7. Shared Themes across Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share themes of struggle and sacrifice for a divine purpose. Extremists misinterpret these themes, using them to justify violence, despite their original context as symbolic or spiritual.
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On New Year's Day 2025, a horrific terror attack took place in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old driver from the city, deliberately rammed his vehicle into pedestrians in the iconic French Quarter. Initially reported to have claimed 10 lives, the death toll later rose to 15 after confirmation by the New Orleans Coroner. Authorities Swiftly Identified The Attack As A Targeted Act Of Violence, With Clear Ties To A Radical Group.
In the aftermath, President Joe Biden publicly confirmed that Shamsud-Din had posted a video online in which he expressed allegiance to ISIS (Islamic State), further emphasizing his intent to kill. This declaration led authorities to suspect that the attack was premeditated and driven by ideological motives. The attack, which left a profound scar on the community and ignited discussions about radicalization, raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of individuals influenced by extremist ideologies.
A particularly chilling development was the discovery of bomb-making materials in Shamsud-Din’s trailer home in North Houston, where investigators also found a Quran opened to a specific verse—Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 9:111. This revelation has caused a great deal of scrutiny and raised questions about how extremist interpretations of religious texts, such as those promoted by ISIS, can lead to violence and terror.
Surah At-Tawbah 9:111 and the Shared Abrahamic Concept of Sacrifice: Understanding the True Message behind Fighting for a Divine Cause
Surah At-Tawbah 9:111
اِنَّ اللّٰهَ اشۡتَرٰى مِنَ الۡمُؤۡمِنِيۡنَ اَنۡفُسَهُمۡ وَاَمۡوَالَهُمۡ بِاَنَّ لَهُمُ الۡجَـنَّةَ ؕ يُقَاتِلُوۡنَ فِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ فَيَقۡتُلُوۡنَ وَ يُقۡتَلُوۡنَوَعۡدًا عَلَيۡهِ حَقًّا فِى التَّوۡرٰٮةِ وَالۡاِنۡجِيۡلِ وَالۡقُرۡاٰنِ ؕ وَمَنۡ اَوۡفٰى بِعَهۡدِهٖ مِنَ اللّٰهِ فَاسۡتَـبۡشِرُوۡا بِبَيۡعِكُمُ الَّذِىۡ بَايَعۡتُمۡ بِهٖ ؕ وَذٰ لِكَ هُوَ الۡفَوۡزُ الۡعَظِيۡمُ
[9:111] "Surely Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their belongings and in return has promised that they shall have Paradise. They fight in the Way of Allah, and slay and are slain. Such is the promise He has made incumbent upon Himself in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur'an. Who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? Rejoice, then, in the bargain you have made with Him. That indeed is the mighty triumph."
The concept of fighting in the cause of God and the reward of Paradise or eternal life is indeed found across the Abrahamic scriptures: the Torah (Old Testament), the Gospel (New Testament), and the Quran. This theme, while nuanced, emphasizes the notion of struggle or sacrifice for a higher divine purpose, and in some contexts, the reward of divine approval or eternal life.
However, it is important to note that these scriptures should not be interpreted as blanket endorsements of violence. Instead, they often describe divine battles or metaphorical struggles in defence of righteousness and faith. Misinterpretations and distortions of these verses, especially by radical groups, have led to harmful and misguided applications, which diverge from the intended messages.
In the Torah (Old Testament):
Exodus 15:3 – “The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.”
This verse emphasizes God’s role as a warrior, particularly in the context of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt. It portrays God as leading battles for a righteous cause, defending His people against oppression. However, this battle imagery is symbolic of divine justice and protection, not a general call for violence.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This verse speaks to courage in the face of battle. It is not a promise of Paradise for those who fight, but rather an encouragement to trust in God's presence during conflict. The context is one of defending the land promised by God, with divine assistance.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2 – “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you...you shall devote them to complete destruction.”
This command, given during the conquest of Canaan, was for the Israelites to fight and destroy certain nations as part of fulfilling God’s promise. It is a historical and context-specific command rather than a universal call to violence. The passage underscores God’s sovereignty in military struggles but is not linked to an eternal reward.
Numbers 31:3 – “So Moses spoke to the people, saying, ‘Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord's vengeance on Midian.’”
This verse reflects a specific historical command given by God in the context of warfare for the preservation of the Israelites. The concept of vengeance here is tied to divine justice rather than personal gain or eternal life.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 – “When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you...The Lord your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
This passage speaks about God’s involvement in battles, emphasizing that victory comes with God's support in battles that are righteous. It encourages the people not to fear and assures them of God's help, but it does not promise martyrdom or eternal Paradise.
In the Gospel (New Testament):
Matthew 16:24-25 – “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’”
While not directly about physical fighting or warfare, this passage speaks of the concept of sacrifice and devotion to Christ’s mission. It highlights the willingness to lose one's life for the sake of a higher purpose, akin to the Quranic concept of martyrdom and the self-sacrifice central to spiritual warfare.
Luke 14:26 – “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
This passage underscores the call to personal sacrifice and commitment to God’s cause. While not about physical violence, it calls for total devotion to Christ, even to the point of giving up one’s life, aligning with the theme of self-sacrifice found in other scriptures.
Matthew 5:10-12 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This passage does not advocate for physical battle, but it rewards those who endure suffering or death for the sake of righteousness with the promise of the kingdom of heaven. It reflects spiritual warfare and the persecution of the faithful, which is often linked to the idea of martyrdom.
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
This verse speaks to the ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing the act of laying down one’s life for others in devotion to God’s mission. It echoes the Quranic message of self-sacrifice and devotion to God’s cause, though in a different context.
Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
This verse uses the metaphor of a fight to represent spiritual struggle and perseverance in faith. It highlights the ultimate reward (eternal life) for those who “fight” in God's cause, though the reward here is not physical victory but the crown of righteousness promised to those who remain faithful.
Revelation 19:11-16 – “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war...From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.”
This passage speaks to Christ as a warrior who defeats the enemies of God in the final battle. While it is symbolic and eschatological, it highlights the theme of divine justice and warfare in the cause of God, culminating in eternal rule. This aligns with the themes of divine conflict seen in both the Torah and the Quran.
Revelation 7:14-17 – “I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God...and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
This passage speaks of the reward for those who endure tribulation (often associated with persecution or martyrdom), offering comfort and the promise of eternal peace and Paradise. It aligns with the Quranic idea of a reward in the afterlife for those who sacrifice for God’s cause.
While the Torah and the Gospel do not explicitly describe fighting in the same way as Surah At-Tawbah 9:111, they do contain numerous references to self-sacrifice, divine warfare, and eternal reward for those who fight or endure hardship in God’s name. The common theme across these texts is the notion of struggle for a higher divine purpose, whether in the form of physical battle, spiritual warfare, or personal sacrifice. The promise of Paradise or eternal life is a central concept in all three Abrahamic faiths for those who are committed to their faith and willing to endure suffering or sacrifice in God's cause.
As with the Quranic verse, these scriptures must be interpreted within their historical and theological context, which often relates to specific instances of conflict or spiritual perseverance rather than a general call to violence. Misuse of these texts by radical groups distorts their original intent, turning them into tools of manipulation rather than sources of guidance for righteous living. Each of these texts calls for a struggle, but it is framed within a larger theological and moral context of righteousness, defence, and divine justice.
Contextualizing the Verse 9:111
To better understand the broader significance of Surah At-Tawbah 9:111, it's essential to consider several key factors:
1. Historical Context: Surah 9, known as At-Tawbah (The Repentance), was revealed during a time when early Muslims were engaged in conflict, primarily defending their faith and community against aggressors. The verse speaks to the rewards for those who die in a just cause, not as an invitation to instigate violence without justification. The context was one of warfare for self-preservation, not a directive to carry out acts of terrorism.
2. Interpretation: Mainstream Islamic scholarship consistently emphasizes that the verse should not be interpreted as a call for indiscriminate violence. Instead, it should be understood as referring to those who defend their faith or community in times of conflict. Extremist groups, however, often exploit such verses by taking them out of context to justify violence, which mainstream scholars and religious leaders strongly condemn.
3. The Promise of Paradise: The reference to Paradise in the verse is symbolic of the eternal reward promised to those who die in the defence of their faith. It does not, however, endorse random acts of violence. The promise is understood to refer to those who sacrifice their lives in a righteous struggle, not those who engage in unjustified killings.
Considerations and Questions
The events surrounding the New Orleans attack and the subsequent discovery of Shamsud-Din’s radical beliefs raise several important questions for further consideration.
1. Misinterpretation or Distortion?
Could Shamsud-Din have misinterpreted or distorted the teachings of Islam to justify his actions? This question is at the core of many instances of radicalization. While mainstream Islamic teachings emphasize peace and self-defence, extremists often misrepresent the faith to recruit individuals. Shamsud-Din’s personal background, as well as his potential psychological vulnerabilities, could have played a role in his decision to carry out this attack. Understanding how such radicalization occurs is crucial to preventing similar events in the future.
2. The Role of Radical Ideology and psychological factors
The extremist ideology of ISIS likely played a significant role in influencing Shamsud-Din’s actions, given that he openly pledged allegiance to the group and posted a video expressing his intent to kill. ISIS's propaganda is specifically designed to target individuals who feel isolated, disenfranchised, or alienated from society. This can provide them with a sense of purpose, identity, and belonging, which may have been a powerful motivating factor for Shamsud-Din.
However, it is also crucial to consider other potential factors that may have contributed to his actions. Personal grievances or feelings of marginalization, whether social, economic, or psychological, can often make individuals more susceptible to radicalization. Individuals like Shamsud-Din may also struggle with personal issues, such as a lack of community support or mental health concerns, which can make extremist ideologies seem like a solution to their problems.
ISIS's ability to exploit these vulnerabilities, offering a sense of mission and martyrdom in exchange for violence, makes their propaganda especially effective. For many individuals, the ideology of ISIS may not be the sole driver of violence but rather one component that resonates with pre-existing personal frustrations or a desire for recognition.
In Shamsud-Din’s case, while his allegiance to ISIS was clear, his actions may have also been shaped by these personal vulnerabilities, indicating that the motivations behind such attacks are often multifaceted, combining both ideological influences and individual psychological factors.
3. The Influence of Online Content
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by this attack is the role of social media in spreading extremist ideologies. Shamsud-Din’s online activity, including his posts expressing a desire to kill and his allegiance to ISIS, illustrates the growing influence of digital platforms in radicalizing individuals. The anonymity and reach provided by social media allow terrorist groups to recruit and incite violence without direct contact. This highlights the need for authorities to develop better strategies for monitoring and preventing online radicalization.
4. Ethical and Religious Considerations
What is the role of religious leaders and scholars in countering the misuse of religious texts by extremist groups? The vast majority of Muslims condemn terrorism and the misinterpretation of religious texts by groups like ISIS. It is essential for Islamic leaders to continue to speak out against violence in the name of faith and to clarify the true meaning of jihad and martyrdom. The broader Muslim community must also be involved in addressing these issues to prevent further distortion of their faith.
5. The Nature of Jihad
What does jihad truly mean in Islam? Often mischaracterized as violent holy war, jihad actually has a broader definition, including the struggle for personal spiritual growth and the defence of the faith in times of legitimate conflict. Violent interpretations of jihad, as promoted by extremists, do not align with mainstream Islamic teachings, which emphasize peace and respect for all human life.
6. Implications for Public Safety
The New Orleans attack underscores the need for improved public safety measures and strategies to combat lone-wolf attacks. Radicalized individuals acting alone are often the most difficult to track and prevent, making it imperative for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to enhance their capabilities in monitoring online activity and identifying potential threats. Cooperation with tech companies to regulate harmful content is essential in this regard.
Conclusion
The tragic attack in New Orleans has highlighted the dangers of radicalization and the misuse of religious texts to justify violence. While extremist groups like ISIS distort verses such as Surah 9:111 to serve their agenda, mainstream Islam unequivocally condemns such actions. Understanding the true meaning of these teachings and addressing the underlying causes of radicalization, including the role of social media and online propaganda, is crucial in preventing future tragedies.
The failure of intelligence agencies to prevent such attacks is partly due to the evolving nature of terrorism, the rise of lone-wolf actors, and the challenges in monitoring the vast amount of online content. By better understanding the motivations behind radicalization and improving methods of detection, authorities can work towards mitigating the threat posed by extremists.
Finally, the broader geopolitical context, including issues such as the unconditional U.S. support for Israel, despite the continuing genocide of Palestinians, adds layers of complexity to the discussions about terrorism and radicalization. However, it is critical to separate these issues from the root causes of terrorism, which lie in the distortion of religious teachings and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Moving forward, a more nuanced understanding of both faith and extremism is necessary to foster global peace and security.
The attack in New Orleans, as tragic as it was, serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance, both online and offline, in combating the spread of radical ideologies and protecting public safety.
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A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/misuse-quran-verse-9:111new-orleans-terror-jabbar-motivations/d/134242
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9:01 AM
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