Beginning with an examination of early Islamic fundamentalist movements such as Kharjism, Ibadism, Hanbalism, and Wahhabism, Sayed Khatab looks at the similarities and differences between them and present organizations such as al-Qa'ida. Identifying the roots of modern radical narratives can lead to a better understanding of al-Qa'ida's theological and intellectual narratives, and how they effectively indoctrinate youths and attract many of them to violent acts of terrorism. Innovative in its concept, examining political Islamic thought from a historical to a contemporary perspective Islamic Fundamentalism generates new understanding of the many complexities of political Islam, and the role of violence and terrorism.

Beginning with an examination of medieval Islamic fundamentalist movements such as Kharjism, Ibadism, Hanbalism, and Wahhabism, Sayed Khatab looks at the similarities and differences between them and present organizations such as al-Qa'ida. It may be surprising that many of the radical narratives embraced by modern groups have not emerged recently. Identifying these roots can lead to a better understanding of al-Qa'ida's theological and intellectual narratives, and how they effectively indoctrinate youths and attract many of them to violent acts of terrorism. The book then focuses on al-Qa'ida's theology, ideology, and tactics; the geographic contours and implications of al-Qa'ida's political strategy in relation to the western and eastern countries which are considered enemy states; the impending clash of cultures; and the ideological war within al-Qa'ida. Innovative in its concept, examining political Islamic thought from a historical to a contemporary perspectiveIslamic Fundamentalism generates new understanding of the many complexities of political Islam, and the role of violence and terrorism.

AcknowledgementsIntroduction1: Islamic FundamentalismThe Nature of the Challenge2: The Origins of FundamentalismKharijismIbadismHanbalismWahhabism3: From Fundamentalism to Neo-Jihadism4: Al-Qa'idaBin LadenFrom Jihad to TerrorismTowards the Formation of al-Qa'idaThe Mullah and the Hidden Imam5: Al-Qa'ida's IdeologyJihad: Muslim ConsensusAl-Qa'ida: Neo-JihadThe Offensive JihadThe Defensive Neo-JihadNeo-Jihad against the RejectionistsWho Declares Jihad?The Neo-Jihad is Outdated6: Al-Qa'ida's TacticsTactical Goals of 9/11Tactics after 9/11The Plan of ActionPrinciples of Military ActionsPolitical GamesAl-Tatarrus and the Killing of Civilians7: Inside al-Qa'ida: The Ideological WarDr FadlCriticism of al-Qa'ida's Theology and IdeologyStages in al-Qa'ida's EstablishmentEgyptian Jihad in al-Qa'idaMullah Umar, Bin Laden, and 9/11Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri should be TriedAmerican Foreign AidAl-Qa'ida's Response to Dr FadlConclusionSovereignty (Hakimiyyah)Bibliography