The Roots of Islamic Fundamentalism

2005 Vol. 5: Sept/Oct

Islamic fundamentalism is not of recent origin. Its roots go back further than the current attacks on the West or attempts at a Middle East peace settlement. In this article, we want to look at three categories of factors that caused the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the terrorism it has produced. These factors are historical, dealing with the history from Muhammad’s time until today; anthropological, such as social, religious and political factors; and ideological, the ideas of specific, influential Muslims.