The growth of Islam fundamentalism traces its roots to the social and economic problems that have plagued most Arab and Muslim nations in the last few decades. Such problems include; unemployment, stagnant economies, social instability and socio-economic problems among others. This in turn resulted to some Arab and Muslim nations embracing radical Islam. Iran is considered as harbouring some of the extreme Islamic organisations in the world. Islamic extremists view Islamic Fundamentalism as a way of getting social justice, an escape from difficulties of everyday life, and as answers to their inspirations. However, this has led to Islamist extremist in Iran engaging in violence, terrorism and misogyny among other means in the banner of religion to achieve their political goals. For more information, click here.
What Islamic Fundamentalism aims to achieve?
According to its proponents, Islamic fundamentalism aims at instilling values of religion as a way of life. When Ayatollah Khomeini led the Iranian Revolution, he claimed that it was the start of the revolution in the Islam world. He envisioned it as an Islamic revival and inspiration to the rest of the Muslim world.
How was Fundamentalism achieved?
Islamic fundamentalism got its grip in Iran politics after the 1979 revolution. To achieve their aims, Islamic extremists employ a variety of means such as using violence and engaging in terrorism. In addition, they have spread their wings by trying to influence other governments by inciting popular unrest, exploiting democratic processes, and funding anti-government groups among others.
Why it still has its support?
One of the reasons why Islamic Fundamentalism still has its support is because fundamentalists justify their actions from Islamic principles. One such is the foundation of an Islamic Empire upon Islamic Law (Sharia). They perceive this as both a commandment and an obligation, which they consider a Holy War (Jihad). To fulfil this commandment, Iranian extremists have carried out or sponsored acts of violence and terrorism in the world, especially against Israel and the West. By hiding under the cloak of religion, the extremists keep up a firm grip on Iran politics by exploiting the weaknesses of the public who still believe in the concept of Islamic Fundamentalism.
What Islamic Fundamentalism has achieved in the country?
While Islamic fundamentalism was seen as a way to ‘return to religion’, it turned out to be a way for the extremists to achieve their political goals under the guise of religion. By calling for Holy Wars (Jihad) against other nations and religions they claim are infidels, Islamic fundamentalism has resulted in acts of terrorism. As the main supporter of Islamic fundamentalism, Iranian extremists supports other Islamic extremists with aid such as training, financing, equipment and ideologies. As a way to maintain their extremist views, Islamic fundamentalists have resulted in acts such as dictatorship, violence and misogyny among other negative tactics. By denying women their equal rights, Islamist extremist intimidate and supress the society to avert calls for change. There have been cases where the extremists have sanctioned stoning, mass killings, and amputations among other atrocities to silence and intimidate dissidents.