Journey of the Jihadist: Inside Muslim Militancy

by Fawaz A. Gerges

A civil war is being waged among jihadists for the soul of Islam. While all Islamist radicals may share a vision of a purified and unified ummah, or Muslim community, few agree over how to bring it about. Ultra-militant wings, such as Al Qaeda, dominate our thoughts and headlines, for they exported their brand of terrorism to America’s shores and now have carried it into the heart of Iraq. Yet they are in the minority. Most jihadists are struggling, often against great odds and under enormous pressures, to accommodate themselves to gradual social and political change in the Arab world.

As Middle Eastern scholar and media commentator Fawaz A. Gerges reveals in this unstinting, deeply personal, and brilliantly illuminating book, we need to know now more than ever who the jihadists are and to listen to what they are saying to each other and the world. Gerges went to Cairo, birthplace of modern Islamist radical thought, and began a dialogue with one of the movement’s founders. Using these conversations as a starting point, Gerges spoke with hundreds of other jihadists throughout the Arab world, tracing the evolution of extremist thought from the 1970s to the present—from the civil war in Lebanon, which Gerges and his family endured, to the war in Iraq that is giving Al Qaeda a new lease on life.

The jihadist journey has led through bloodshed and turmoil. It did not begin on September 11th and it will not end in Baghdad. This crucially important and timely book maps the direction jihadism will take in the months and years ahead by showing where—and with whom—it all started.

Genres: Islam, Nonfiction, Middle East, Terrorism, History, Politics, Religion

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kári Þorkelsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nokkuð áhugaverð bók sem reynir að útskýra hugmyndafræði Jihadista og upptök hennar. Bókinn er þó nokkuð óskipulögð þar sem nokkur viðtöl við fyrrum og núverandi vígamenn eru sett upp í bland við sögu og þróun hreyfinganna sem þeir skipa. Eitt virðast þó flestir vera sammála um og það er að Bandaríkin þarf að svara fyrir syndir sínar og maður getur nú varla verið annað en sammála því.

[Dan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this while going through my dad's library before his move. Interesting to read a now-old book about events well within my lifetime. And yet it was a timely read too, since the 20th anniversary of 9/11 had just happened and the final withdrawal from Afghanistan. Do I file it under current events or history?

Anyway, it kind of confirmed what I've learned about Islam and the "War on Terror" since 9/11. The US government was way too involved in Muslim countries and did not understand what it was doing. For me 9/11 was a shock: why would someone hate us that much? I could see it in what my dad chose to underline: facts - just trying to understand a highly complex situation. Not that I understand it so much better, but 20 years on, I've had time to draw conclusions. My underlining tended to focus on broader concepts and motivations as opposed to raw facts.

The point is, violence breeds violence. It's too easy for people to blame their problems on the US when we take high-profile positions. I say let the ummah alone. I've learned that the hard way. I supported the invasion of Iraq. Then a few years ago I wasn't so sure, especially since the Obama administration's involvement in Libya and Syria appears to have been unmitigated disaster. It's just not clear that armed invasions solve anything, and it sure does open us up to attack.

One ongoing challenge I don't see a solution to is how Muslims view America and Christianity as decadent. I see why they think that, but I'm still waiting for a young, sensuous women to invite herself into my room as one supposedly did for a young Muslim student decades ago. His critique of American culture apparently still reverberates around the Muslim world. My point is that there is a difference between what American movies portray America to be, and how average Christians like me experience it.

Further, Western secularism and Christianity do not walk hand-in-hand. It appears to me the average Muslim struggles to differentiate the two.

Back to Afghanistan and Iraq. The decision to support the "freedom fighters" in Afghanistan came back to bite us in a big way, it appears to me. The invasion of Iraq sure seemed like a mistake. What is scary is the average American just can't know the undercurrents or what the US government might be up to right now. Certainly the press can't be bothered to report on questionable decisions in remote places, unless it includes people clinging to the outside of airplanes as they take off.

So if Iraq settles down, maybe it was a good decision? Not sure I'll ever know. But my trust in American foreign policy is certainly shaken. It's like we built a big bureaucracy to defeat the USSR, and when it fell they had to find something else to justify their existence.

[Armour Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book about the history of Islam and the journey to religious enlightenment that Muslims undertake.

This book provides a lot of detail about the differences between Sunni and Shi'ia Islam, when and how the division began, and why it is still a problem today.

Finally, it examines what exactly a Jihadist is, and how they can become ultra-radical and violent out of a peaceful religion.

Extremely interesting and informative book.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Just reinforced my opinion that (militant) Islam is the greatest threat the civilized world faces today. Yes, Gerges comes across as ambivalent about his subject, that is, he doesn't render an opinion good or bad about his particular jihadists.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book wandered too much for me and Gerges, while claiming no particular viewpoint, fails to make a lasting impression. There are far better books to learn about the "journey of the jihadist."

[George Mochengo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using his first-hand knowledge of the "Arab street", Fawaz illustrates how Muslims and Christians used to stay side by side in most parts of the Middle East, and Lebanon in particular. This people shared culture and tradition and were engaged in common activities. Unfortunately, It takes one person or a group of people to cause divisions, hate, and conflicts by planting the seed religious intolerance and sectarianism.

[Shay K · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old book that has remained remarkably relevant. In fact, the age of this book likely contributes to its more objective, Egypt-centered focus on the roots of Islamic fundamentalism and helps it avoid getting bogged down in contemporary matters. The author’s unique perspective and scientific approach also contributes to this incredibly well-researched and enduring analysis of the roots of modern Jihadism.

[Shabba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with good insight on why a human being could not only take his/her own life but take the lives of so many innocent people. This is not a religious book but does try to give you a little understanding of Islam which is unavoidable. (I'm personally am not religious at all)

[Kathie Mae Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read!

[1.1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, informative, well written... the holy trinity of non-fiction, plus it's well-researched, essentially unbiased, and won't put you to sleep. It is more a broad overview than an exhausting resource, which is fine with me, but it touches on all the important facets of the modern jihad, mentioning many of the most influential events, thinkers and doers as well as their reception by mainstream Islam. If you feel you may be ignorant about this rather touchy subject and want to learn more without getting overwhelmed, then this book will prove worthwhile for you. I learned at least several things, for which I am thankful.

[Eleanore · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is very little in this book that isn't almost entirely undermined by the total moral relativism of its author. It is clear that the author isn't certain what he considers right and wrong, even at a very basic level, making him a particularly dangerous guide to this subject, which is as morally and spiritually complex as it is politically and historically. There is some value, however, in his interviews with the Egyptian jihadists and his analysis of primary sources that aren't currently translated into english.

[Nuzhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the same names come up in the creation of al Qaeda that I read in Looming Towers, this author gives a broader middle east perspective in how messed up the US's relationship is with the Muslim world. It is a few old now, but the problems continue and are exacerbated by the continuation of Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp and drone strikes. He sums it up nicely in the afterword that even the future of Islam is being fought over by the various regions of where Muslims live- Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia, etc. Which one's version will reign supreme?

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author gained the trust of some very, very dangerous and key people in mujahedeen movements from North Africa to Afghanistan, and relates their beliefs and behavior, using a combination of their own words and documents among other things. It's very well done and I think it would be important for Westerners to read to understand the motivations for their desperate acts. Note that understanding is not to be confused with condoning. This combined with "After the Prophet" was a good pair of books.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good primer on all things modern jihadism, covers the breadth of late 20th c. to current events and the development of jihad across the various Muslim ethnicities and cultures. Certainly reminds the reader that there are a lot of complexities, internal dynamics and even significant disagreements throughout the various groups and movements.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Islamic militancy has a long history and lots of flavors. Complicated power struggles. Hatred of the US re Israel/Palestine. Idealistic holy warriors. I need to read it again to fully understand it all.

[Mary Gail O'Dea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about the development of jihadism in the Middle East. I adds history and background to the "why" of jihadists -- what do they want, what do they need, how can we reach them? Very well written.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written, very nuanced. A great deal of this book was a surprise to me--I hadn't realized the range of opinion that existed within the jihadist world. I wish the Bush administration had had this level of understanding.

[Karen]

I just couldn't get into this book. This topic is something I wish to learn more about but this was just not the right book. Maybe I'll pick it up another time and try again.

[Rocky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just re-read this one in light of the Boston Bombing...even better this time, and oddly illuminating.

[Kim]

Everyone needs to read this book. It helps open conversation and all things begin when we talk. This will go nicely with our Muslim Journeys bookshelf!

[Robert Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insight full and eye opening. A very good read

[Brian Christopher]

It was for a class I took. I'm not Social Science Junkie.

[Shaban · Rating 4 out of 5]

had some good insights nto the jihadst world