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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: KLP who wrote (87453)	11/20/2004 3:28:40 PM
From: KLP	Respond to of 793682

Look at the Seminal Concept of an Islamic Ideology Fueling Extremists By Associated Press The Associated Press Published: Nov 20, 2004 Al-Takfir wa al-Hijra's seminal concept was as a survivalist-style band in the 1960s that withdrew to the Egyptian desert to try to recreate conditions during the time of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. It later took on a political character under the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that opposed the nationalist government of Gamal Abdul Nasser. Takfir's followers drew strength from the writings of Sayyid Qutb, a passionately anti-Western reactionary. Qutb's 1964 book "Milestones" became a rallying cry for militants and redefined the word "jihad" - a broad concept for work or striving - into a holy struggle required of all Muslims. One overriding element was his belief that the world was repeating the "ignorance" and barbarism present before Muhammad's birth and pious Muslims should avoid - or even eliminate - infidels and other foes. The Takfir ideas veered in different directions after Qutb was hanged in 1966, scholars say. One extreme branch grew more militant under the influence of texts using Quranic language to condone violence. Osama Bin Laden's chief lieutenant, the Egyptian-born Ayman al-Zawahri, reportedly led a discussion group about Qutb's writings in the 1970s. Takfir's conservatism also worked its way into the Wahhabi sect, which dominates bin Laden's native Saudi Arabia. Qutb's influence also is seen on the Pakistani militant intellectual Abu al-A'la al-Mawdudi, who died in 1979. AP-ES-11-20-04 1418EST ap.tbo.com 88888888888888888888888 Summary Box: Shadowy World of Takfir Movement The Associated Press Published: Nov 20, 2004 WHAT'S THE OBJECTIVE?: The overall goal of the Takfir ideology is open to many interpretations, but some researchers view it as a vision of restoring "pure" Islam that's free of governments and outside influences. WHO ARE THE FOLLOWERS?: There's no clear breakdown of core adherents. There has always been a certain attraction among intellectual circles, but its reach appears to stretch to armed guerrillas and hard-line mosques. CURRENT PROBE: Authorities are seeking any connection between the suspected Takfir-influenced slaying of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh and threats against Belgian politicians. AP-ES-11-20-04 1419EST ap.tbo.com