Fundamentalism and Extremism

• Fundamentalism is a movement within a religion that focuses on the fundamental (basic) beliefs and writings of that religion– Generally reads religious scripture literally, and

believes that any interpretation is false– A fundamentalist movement began in Islam in the

1800’s• In part a response to changes occurring in the Muslim

world because of European influence

• Extremism and violence– Jihad is Arabic for “struggle”• The “greater jihad” is the internal struggle within a

person to become a better Muslim• The “lesser jihad” is also known as Holy War

– Traditionally declared to defend Muslims from oppression

– Some groups (Al Qaeda) have declared holy war with various countries, including the US• Claim that Muslims are being oppressed by the US and its

allies• These groups use terrorism: the targeting of civilians by a non-governmental group in order to achieve a political goal• These groups, and those that support them, make up a

very small percentage of Muslims

Questions from the Sources

1. According to the Quran, when is it acceptable to go to war?

2. What rules of war did the Prophet Muhammad give to his army?

3. What rules of war did Abu Bakr give to his army?

4. How do radical clerics try to get around the rules of war in Islam?

SCR Practice

Guiding Question: What are the rules of war in Islam?

• Come up with a thesis that answers the guiding question

SCR Practice

Guiding Question: What are the rules of war in Islam?

• Come up with a thesis that answers the guiding question

• Turn your thesis into a topic sentence by adding a hook

SCR Practice

Guiding Question: What are the rules of war in Islam?

• Come up with a thesis that answers the guiding question

• Turn your thesis into a topic sentence by adding a hook

• Turn your thesis into a conclusion by expanding on the topic