Salafi-Jihadism: The History Of An Idea by Shiraz Maher. Penguin Books 2017.
Maher’s book is a good introduction into the historical development of "Salafi-Jihadism", and offers a valuable overview of the current ideas focused around this subject.
The book is a careful and scholarly discussion of Salafi-Jihadism, well written and informative. Addressing the topic from a historical, theological, and legal viewpoint it is not meant for a casual read, although written with the general reader in mind, and, because of this, some might find it heavy going. For those of us, who are not specialist Arabic linguists, considerable application is required in understanding the many Arabic words which, though similarly spelt, have different meanings.
All in all I found it an extremely enlightening book, and a very worthwhile read (I am on my third reading and am still finding something new). With his excellent understanding of Salafi-Jihadism Maher’s indepth discussion, explanation, and erudite analysis, provide an admirable insight into a complex belief. Unlike many others, Maher tells us what Jihadists actually think. I particularly liked his arguments against the perceptions, held by many in the West, politicians, military, and the general public alike, that Salafi-Jihadists are irrational. He is emphatic that this is not so, and that Salafi actions are quite clearly based on a specific interpretation of the Qur’an.
Bookmarks