Islamism as a Revitalization Movement

Abstract

Chapter seven investigates three of Qutb’s most key concepts – the condition of Islamic ignorance, jahiliyya, the vision of God’s dominion, hakimiyya, and the process of going from one to the other, jihad – viewing them as vital parts of the revitalization approach to social movements introduced in chapter one. Jahiliyya means ignorance of Islam, either from before the Prophet Muhammad or, more recently, caused by secularism. It constitutes a critique of economic, political, social, and cultural modernity. Hakimiyya represents the goals the Islamic movement wishes to achieve. It is also elaborated in the remaining chapters, as the book examines the Islamic system, economy, and state. Jihad, or struggle, moves the umma community from jahiliyya to hakimiyya. There are three standard types, jihad of the heart, tongue, and hand. Qutb added a fourth, a jihad of the sword. Two other abstractions are discussed: the Islamic spirit – the determination of Muslims to achieve perfection – and the Islamic method – a more comprehensive strategic approach in contrast to the quotidian tactics of jihad.