Mervyn F Bendle

Global and Jihad and the Battle for the Soul of Islam

Introduction

Global and jihad and the battle for the soul of islam. Explore the internal battle for the soul of Islam, where Global Jihadists challenge traditional forms like Sufism. Understand its profound global implications for Islam's future.

Abstract

The violence of the present global crisis tends to obscure another battle that is presently underway within Islam, one "for the soul of the world's Muslims" (Schwartz, 2002:163). While the primary focus of much current research concerns the threat of the Islamist call to 'Global Jihad', these movements are also seeking to impose a purified Islam universally across the Muslim world. They are targeting popular forms of Islam, Sufi mysticism, and the many diverse forms of traditional Islam that have existed for centuries across the globe. Given the significance of these religious phenomena, and especially Sufism, this is a battle with major implications for the future of Islam and the religious history of the world. This paper describes and assesses this situation and identifies some implications for the contemporary study of Islam.

Review

This paper, titled "Global and Jihad and the Battle for the Soul of Islam," addresses a profoundly important and often overlooked dimension of contemporary Islamic studies. The abstract effectively frames the core issue as an internal struggle for the identity of Islam, distinct from, yet intertwined with, the threat of 'Global Jihad.' By highlighting the targeting of diverse traditional Islamic practices, popular forms of Islam, and especially Sufi mysticism by movements seeking to impose a "purified Islam universally," the paper promises to explore a critical dynamic. This internal ideological battle holds significant implications for the future direction of Islam and, consequently, for the broader landscape of world religious history, making the proposed analysis highly pertinent. While the topic is undoubtedly timely and crucial, the abstract could benefit from greater specificity regarding its methodological approach and scope. The paper states its aim is to "describe and assess this situation," but it does not elaborate on the analytical framework or primary sources it will employ. Given the vastness of "traditional Islam" and "Sufi mysticism" across centuries and continents, a clearer indication of the paper's geographical or temporal focus would help manage expectations and demonstrate a focused inquiry. Additionally, while identifying "implications for the contemporary study of Islam" is a valuable objective, a brief outline of the *nature* of these implications (e.g., challenges to existing paradigms, new areas of research, conceptual tools) would further strengthen the abstract's promise of scholarly contribution. In conclusion, the paper addresses a vital aspect of intra-Muslim dynamics that warrants serious academic attention, moving beyond a purely security-focused perspective to examine the theological and ideological contestation within Islam. The emphasis on the 'battle for the soul' and the threat to religious diversity within Muslim communities is compelling. Should the paper deliver a nuanced and well-supported analysis of this internal conflict, it has the potential to make a substantial contribution to our understanding of modern Islam and the forces shaping its future. Refining the abstract to include a clearer articulation of the paper's methodology and specific research questions would further strengthen its position.

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