Islamic State Research Articles

Security Officials’ Perspectives on Reintegration Challenges for Former Al-Shabaab Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Kenya

ABSTRACT This paper situates the perspectives of selected Kenyan security officials on the reintegration challenges for former foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) (returnees) affiliated with the AlShabaab. The study reflects on the amnesty intervention program that was launched by the government in 2015 to rehabilitate AlShabaab returnees. This is a situation not unique to Kenya. Since the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (post-2015), the dilemma became what states and, more principally, how western nations that had the bulk of foreign fighters would react upon their return from conflict theatres. In the Kenyan context, the rationale at the time was an unconditional surrender and consequently rehabilitation interventions to reintegrate these individuals into society. The Al-Shabaab is an insurgent group based in Somalia that has contributed to insecurity in the Horn of Africa region. This study, relying on a securitization theory lens, reflects on qualitative fieldwork insights with select government security officials in Kenya’s Mombasa and Nairobi Counties. The study probes how these officials frame the security threat that FTFs pose to Kenya, and indeed the region, and consequently their perspectives of reintegration challenges. The study findings present three major frames. The first is their framing of returnees as security threats. The second is their framing of returnees as hampered by legal/policy gaps. The third is their framing around gaps in community acceptance. The findings contribute to the literature on reintegration and offer lucid insights into how such programmatic interventions can be adapted for peacebuilding practice. The findings may be applied in the realm of contextual best practices on what works and does not in reintegration initiatives.

Supporting and Inhibiting Factors for Islamic Higher Education in Strengthening Religious Moderation

Indonesia is facing a serious problem related to religious radicalism. Universities, which should be responsible for the education of the younger generation, are actually places that are influenced by radicalism. So that Islamic Universities, especially the State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung and the Islamic University of Nusantara, have a responsibility to promote religious moderation. However, on the other hand, this university faces obstacles in implementing religious moderation. This research aims to explain and answer factors supporting and inhibiting the strengthening of religious moderation. Researchers used descriptive analytical-qualitative methods with observations and interviews. As a result, these two institutions received support from university leaders. The House of Moderation Various UIN Bandung faces obstacles related to policies that conflict with university regulations, such as statutes and regulations. The Nusantara Islamic University's Religious Moderation and State Defense Group faces problems with many students from non-Islamic boarding school backgrounds. So, language that is easy to understand is needed to convey the concept of moderation, and there are also limited funds for implementing the religious moderation program at Nusantara Islamic University.

Pemanfaatan Media Digital Salam TV Dalam Kegiatan Dakwah Bagi Mahasiswa di Sumatera Utara

Digital da'wah is one solution to increasing understanding of religion. This has certainly provided a new perspective in the development of the world of da'wah. The ease of accessing and obtaining information is one of the reasons for the existence of digital da'wah. However, despite the conveniences offered, it turns out there are several problems that must be faced. Not being wise in using technology often has serious consequences for its users. This research wants to find out how effective the use of digital media Salam TV is in da'wah activities to increase understanding of religion among students in North Sumatra, especially at the North Sumatra State Islamic University (UINSU). This research data comes from digital literature, such as journals, websites and online documents. The research approach uses a qualitative approach by applying the phenomenological method as a methodological basis. Data collected from various sources is then reduced and constructed into a new, more complete concept. The data analysis carried out adapted qualitative data analysis techniques. The research results show that the use of Salam TV digital media in da'wah activities must be supported by good collaboration between preachers, media and students in order to increase understanding of religion. Apart from that, it is important to have ongoing da'wah activities so that they can continue to motivate students to understand religious learning as a whole.

The Approach of Al- Qur'an and Hadith Teachers in Teaching Illiterate Students Al-Qur'an at the Islamic State Junior High School in Sigi Regency

This research discusses the analysis of the Qur'an Hadith Teacher's Approach to Illiterate Students of the Qur'an at Islamic Junior High School Alkhairaat Pandere, Gumbasa District, Sigi Regency. This research uses qualitative research methods. The author used observation, interview, and documentation techniques to collect data in the field. Next, the collected data is analyzed using data reduction, presentation, and verification. The results of the research show that the analysis of the Qur'an Hadith Teacher's Approach to Illiterate Students of the Qur'an at Islamic Junior High School Alkhairaat Pandere, Gumbasa District, Sigi Regency includes three points: 1). The learning approach used is a Collaborative Team Games Tournament (TGT) approach and a Two Stay Two Stray collaborative approach. 2). In practice, the teacher uses group learning techniques and writing using Latin letters. 3). Policies taken in cases related to students are always taken by deliberation by the committee and student guardians, and their implementation uses complete supervision from all parties. The implications of this research are expressed in the form of suggestions, namely for the Islamic Junior High School Alkhairaat Pandere to provide more opportunities for Islamic education teachers, especially Qur'an Hadith, to develop their quality in the form of training regarding classroom management, mastery of material and most importantly, deepening and mastering the curriculum and learning approaches which are diverse and continue to develop. Other Islamic junior high schools could adopt the techniques used by the Islamic Junior High School Alkhairaat Pandere in handling students who are illiterate in the Qur'an.

Bridging Gender Differences : Exploring the Effect of Social Support and Campus Culture on Self-Regulated Learning in Higher Education

This study aims to examine self-regulated learning based on gender using two factors, namely social support and campus culture, and analyze the moderation effects presented by these two factors. This study was a quantitative approach with an expost facto method. The population was all students in the Social Sciences Education Study Program of the Parepare State Islamic Institute for the 2019-2023 batch of 116 students. There were 34 men and 82 women. The research sample took a saturated sample, namely the entire population. The data collection techniques were questionnaires, documentation, and interviews. Testing the research hypothesis was carried out using SmartPLS. The study found that social support significantly increased SRL, with a stronger effect on male students than female students. A positive campus culture also increases SRL, but its effect is weaker on female students. Campus culture moderates the effect of social support on SRL, amplifying its effectiveness, especially in male students. Social support also moderated the effect of campus culture on SRL, strengthening the motivation and confidence of male students, although the impact was slightly weaker on female students but still relevant. These results suggest that social support and campus culture enhance SRL, particularly among male students. It is crucial to design interventions that consider gender differences to achieve the best possible results.

Monasteries in the City of Samarra

The city of Samarra is one of the major cities of Iraq that Yaqout al-Hamwi described in the dictionary of countries by saying (it became the greatest country of God) and Al-Qazwini told about it in the monuments of the country (a great city located on the outskirts of the east of the Tigris between Baghdad and Tikrit) built by the Abbasid Caliph Al -Mu'tasim in God in 221 AH/ 835 M, and it is originally a monastery for the Christians, who bought it for 5,000 dinars, and took it as a capital for its succession, and reached its prosperity and its glory is the days of the caliph Al -Mutawakkil, 247 AH / 861 AD / 892. However, after 58 years, it was left as the capital of the Abbasids when the Abbasid Caliph, Al-Mutamid Allah, abandoned it in the year 279 AH / 892 AD, and took Baghdad, the old capital, as his headquarters, which maintained its position as the capital of the Arab Islamic state until the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate at the hands of the Mongols in the year 656 AH / 1258 AD.Al-Mu'tasim and the caliphs and princes who came after him built palaces, houses, mosques, and other things in Samarra. Samarra was famous for its Great Mosque, distinguished by its high, twisted minaret. It also contained the shrine of the two imams, Ali al-Hadi 254 AH/868 AD and Hasan al-Askari 260 AH/873 AD.

Revitalising Effective Community Life Empowerment Through a Real Work Study Programme

KKN MIT-18 Posko 27 Walisongo State Islamic University Semarang in Payung Village, Weleri District, Kendal Regency is a programme of student service activities to the community. This real work study activity was carried out on 04 July 2024 to 17 August 2024. Service activities carried out in Payung Village include village activities and community activities. This article was created specifically to discuss the activities and roles of students during the implementation of the Community Service Programme. In KKN activities, students involve a lot of the community and village youth. KKN activities also involve elementary, kindergarten, and pre-school children because students also have socialisation programs at schools, as well as opening bimble activities and teaching the Koran. KKN activities are designed to provide practical experience and serve as a learning process for students. The implementation of KKN MIT-18 begins with designing a work programme, conducting a location survey, and socialising with the community. After that, the KKN group adjusted the work programme to the conditions of the village and the needs of the local community. In running the programme, the KKN UIN MIT-18 Walisongo team used various methods, such as counselling, training, and participating in social, cultural, and religious activities in the village. These programmes are tailored to the survey results and community conditions. To ensure that all plans can be carried out well within the 45-day period at the service location, students divide themselves into several groups that have their respective roles. This division aims to optimise the implementation of all planned activities.

Comparative Study of Bioactive Compounds of Several Varieties of Sembalun Garlic, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia is known as a rich country in herbs, which are utilized as a source of natural herbal medicine, including garlic. This research aims to achieve a comparative study of the bioactive compounds retained in several varieties of Sembalun garlic. The research was conducted at the Integrated Laboratory of Mataram State Islamic University and Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Nahdlatul Wathan Mataram. Three varieties of Sembalun Garlic were used in this research, namely the Nunggal, Jamak and Sanggah varieties, which were extracted using 96% ethanol. The research results show bioactive compounds in flavonoids, saponins, steroids and phenolics in the three varieties of Sembalun garlic (Nunggal, Jamak, and Sanggah).

When Transnationalism is not Global: Dynamics of Armed Transnational Shi‘a Islamist Groups

Studies of armed Islamism have had a strong interest in “transnational jihadism”, “global jihad”, al-Qaeda and—more recently—Islamic State. In discussions, these three features—transnationalism, global jihad, and al-Qaeda/Islamic State—are highly entangled. This article challenges the (implicit) assumption that armed transnational Islamism is necessarily global, Sunni and mainly concerns al-Qaeda or Islamic State. First, it shows how scholarship on armed transnational Islamism, although sophisticated and multifaceted, is narrow in the sense of typically conflating “transnational” with “global” and ignoring armed transnational Shi‘a Islamists operating regionally. Second, the article demonstrates how bringing the “other Islamists” (back) in changes the broader debate about armed transnational Islamism in three important ways. It fundamentally changes the narrative of the origins, evolutions and spread of armed transnational Islamism, and which key warscapes and events shaped it (when and where). It adds important, hitherto largely overlooked causal mechanisms (how and why). And it introduces a number of conceptual innovations and nuances, which challenge existing typologies (what). Drawing on the warscapes literature, the article shows the importance of going beyond methodological nationalism to trace transnational flows and networks, extending the focus temporally to before and after conflicts formally end, and considering how different warscapes spill over into each other. It contributes to the warscapes literature by emphasizing the importance of regional “-scapes” and transnational organizations in shaping warscapes.

“The Smallest Act You Do in Their Lands is More Beloved to Us than the Biggest Act Done Here”: When Do an Armed Movement’s Transnational Supporters Turn to Terrorism at Home?

What explains whether someone who supports an armed movement in a foreign war turns to plotting a terrorist attack at home? Using data on 129 Australian supporters of Islamic State, this paper examines the impact of contextual and dynamic factors relating to strategic logic, mobilising structures and security measures. It finds that the strategic priority Islamic State publicly placed on transnational terrorism at a given time was most important, followed by whether the supporter was subjected to travel restrictions and law enforcement interactions, only then followed by micro-level factors traditionally focused on in quantitative studies of individual involvement in terrorism.

Reflecting on the Implementation of Online English Learning in Islamic Higher Education

The penetration of technology into education has rebounded since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic era, especially in bridging the practice of online learning in schools and universities. Reflecting on the practice of online learning, teachers and students give various perceptions. Some benefits and obstacles are mentioned. This descriptive study focused on investigating the perception of lecturers and students toward online language learning in Islamic higher education. The data were collected from teachers and students in three Islamic Higher Education, namely the State Islamic Institute of Palopo, the State Islamic Institute of Bone, and the State Islamic University of Makassar. The questionnaire was used to collect data from 12 lecturers and 86 students participating. In contrast, the interview was used to gain more profound information about the lecturers’ experience and opinions about implementing online learning. From both the questionnaire and the interview, the writers concluded that Lecturers and students in Islamic higher education in South Sulawesi have a positive view of online EFL learning. They value the flexibility, access to resources, and networking opportunities it provides. Students appreciate the ability to manage their learning independently, connect with diverse learners, and engage with various language aspects. However, there's a need for improvements in technology familiarity, stable internet access, access to online learning equipment, and pedagogical training for lecturers to enhance the online learning experience further.

Islamic Welfare State: K.H Abdurrahman Wahid Perspective

Indonesia is a country rich in abundant natural resources. There are various natural products, biological and non-biological, from various fields and livelihoods. However, the existing resources have not fully made Indonesian people prosperous. The data shows that unemployment and crime in Indonesia are very high. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the real concept of prosperity in Indonesia. This type of research is a literature study sourced from books, journals, and scientific articles. The results of the study show that the Islamic welfare state from Gus Dur's perspective is a state that creates prosperity for the Indonesian state both for Islam and as a whole. To overcome existing social problems, it is necessary to apply the values of the characteristics of a prosperous state as Gus Dur has conveyed, namely a law-based prosperous state, a democratic prosperous state, a prosperous country for civil society movements, and a socio-cultural prosperous state by applying these values and characteristics, the Indonesian state can become a Baldatun Thoyibatun Warobbun Ghofur state.

Following in the Trail of Islamic State: The Rise of Media Platforms in the Jihadist Ecosystem

This article examines the role of media platforms in the jihadist propaganda ecosystem. It presents a case study of the Muntasir Media platform which achieved extensive media impact in Spain during the period 2018–19. A descriptive analysis is provided of the emergence, evolution and demise of the platform, which can be viewed as an archetypal illustration of the effect sought by Islamic State propaganda in extolling the work of media jihadists. The article argues that platforms have not only been essential for maintaining the visibility of the jihadist narrative but have also offered an attractive form of surrogate activism for radicalised individuals cut off from formal organisations.

Pendidikan Islam pada Masa Pembaharuan

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the concept of education was not fully formed as we understand it today. However, through the Prophet's actions and efforts in spreading the teachings of Islam, he served not only as a teacher but also as a character builder. The Prophet's preaching successfully transformed the Arabs in Mecca, who were previously engaged in idol worship, into worshipers of the One God, Allah. Islamic education emphasizes the formation of mental attitudes reflected in tangible actions, both for the benefit of individuals and society. It not only focuses on theoretical aspects but also on the practical implementation of the teachings imparted. Islamic education encompasses the formation of faith and the practice of good deeds simultaneously, as well as aspects of individual and social education. The history of Islamic education has undergone various phases of development alongside the development of Islam itself, from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the leadership of the Caliphs in different Islamic states. However, along with the decline of the Muslim community, Islamic education has also experienced a similar decline. This study adopts a Literature Review approach, involving the collection of literature data through digital libraries and the internet, as well as the use of document studies on previous research findings. Journal searches were conducted through Google Scholar and academic literature related to Islamic education during the reform period.

Taslima Nasrin’s Lajja: A Failure of Communist Ideology

An in-depth analytical study of Taslima Nasrin’s Lajja (Shame) reveals that religious fanaticism plays a very derogatory role in dividing human beings on the basis of religion and inciting them to destroy their lives. She depicts a Hindu family which believed in communist ideology and cherished a number of hopes for security, liberty and equality in East Pakistan. Suranjan, the mouthpiece of Nasrin and the incarnation of Jimmy Porter, is a leftist intellectual; dreaming of humanity for Hindu Minority in Bangladesh. But he found that Hindus’ lives were badly impacted by the events between 1947 to 1992 during which social taboos and religion became the basis of politics and the country became an Islamic state marginalizing the minorities mostly Hindus. He gathered a number of persecutions in his heart and mind; and never retaliated till the abduction of his real sister. This incident brought out his hidden anger and hatred for Muslim Majority and he retaliated against them. He joined the Hindu organization to demolish the mosques and raped a Muslim whore very brutally to take revenge of his sister’s abduction. His family suffered such irreparable losses that it was forced to leave Bangladesh for India. Nasrin dares to condemn the Muslim fanatics and makes a universal appeal to human beings to live with love, peace and harmony thwarting political manipulations in the name of religion.

A Multicultural Islamic Religious Education Curriculum Development

Curriculum development is often based on inappropriate strategies, due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of objectives, starting points, methods and functions. This study examines the development of multicultural Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum in Da’wa Management Study Program (Prodi MD), Faculty of Da’wah and communication of Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta. Type of qualitative research, with the method of Case Studies (case study). The approach used is Curriculum Development. The theory used as a framework for analysis is The Theory of Grass-Roots Initiative. Research findings show that the Da’wa Management Program the faculty of Da’wa Management and communication UIN (State Islamic University) Sunan Kalijaga developed a multicultural PAI curriculum in response to the development and needs of the community. Therefore, curriculum development is centered on the field experience of the academic community, both educators and learners. The paradigm used during the development process is naturalist-inclusive, where the material, learning process, and output are directed towards one goal, namely students who are tolerant, moderate, and able to bridge social gaps, both in the classroom and in society and industry. This article contributes to providing guidance for integrating multicultural values ​​into the Islamic Religious Education curriculum, in order to create inclusive and responsive learning towards diversity.

The impact of coronavirus pandemic shutdowns on immunization completion in Hadeetha, Anbar, Iraq: A case-study of vaccine completion in a recovering healthcare system

The SARS-COV2 pandemic caused significant disruptions in immunization delivery. Baseline deficit gaps in immunization completion exacerbated ongoing disparities in immunization coverage in low- and middle-income. Emerging reports focused on global strategies for return to routine immunization schedules. Currently, there are no studies that examined the dual challenge of returning to normal immunization in a conflict-recovery setting, such as the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) occupation of Iraq post-COVID-19 pandemic.The objective of this study was to estimate the number of children in Hadeetha, Iraq from 12 to 24 months of age who continued to be lost to the routine immunization schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Random sampling occurred from a compiled district health facility registrar of all children in the target birth cohort who had a 12-month immunization scheduled during the 2020 lockdown and were lost to the immunization schedule. A total of 171 households from the sampling frame were included in the final sample. In this cross-sectional study, survey data was collected on the head of the household, the caregiver and the child. Additional questions assessed vaccine hesitancy, vaccine information trusted sources and COVID-19 impact on healthcare access. A risk factor analysis was applied to assess using Chi-square (Χ2) for predictors of lack of DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) third dose completion. Of children in the study, 67.3 % did not complete the 6-antigen series at 12-months of age and 46.2 % were missing DTP3 for vaccines to be completed during the pandemic shutdown. Specific risk factors for lack of immunization for the DTP3 vaccine included area of residence, age and caregiver knowledge of vaccines. Respondents indicated a dependence on mass vaccination campaigns but also indicated a willingness to receive phone reminders and television campaigns about vaccination schedules.

تأثير برنامج ترقية اللغة الأجنبية في ترقية مهارة الكلام لطلاب الجامعة في كلية التربية بجامعة الإسلامية الحكومية

This research is based on the existence of a language development program which we often know as FLDP (Foreign Language Development Program), which is one of the programs offered and presented by the Madura State Islamic Religious Institute campus to prepare students for the future. This research aims to measure the influence of IAIN Madura's FLDP (Foreign Language Development Program). This type of research is quantitative. Data collection techniques use questionnaires, observation and documentation. In the aspect of developing speaking skills, it is very necessary, especially for foreign speakers, so IAIN Madura presents FLD (Foreign Language Development Program) so that IAIN Madura students are not only able to think but are also able to speak Arabic.

Optimalisasi Mahasiswa KKN Berbasis Masjid Di Desa Lubuk Gilang Kecamatan Air Periukan Kabupaten Seluma

Real Work Lecture (KKN) activities for Fatmawati Soekarno Bengkulu State Islamic University (UIFAS) students are a forum for students to carry out community service activities. The aim of this service activity is to serve the community through real and beneficial activities for the community. This activity was carried out in Lubuk Gilang Village, Air Periukan sub-district, Seluma Regency. The community service carried out by the 148 UINFAS Bengkulu group is mosque-based. Mosque-based community service is one form of effort to strengthen the role of mosques as centers of religious activities as well as centers of social empowerment. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various community service programs implemented in mosques, such as teaching the Koran, Blessing Friday, Clean Friday, cleaning graves, commemorating 1 Muharram, banana resilience programs and activities to become teaching staff in schools. The methodology used in this research is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. The research results show that these programs have a positive impact on the surrounding community, both in increasing religious knowledge, building social awareness, and maintaining a clean environment.

Long-lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in Yazidi women living in Northern Iraqi camps

The severity of post-traumatic stress disorder and its long-lasting effects among the Yazidi population has not yet been investigated. ObjectivesThis study evaluated the impact of PTSD severity and chronicity on physiological and anthropometric parameters in women survivors of the genocide-related events after the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) attack in 2014. MethodsThe diagnosis PTSD was assessed using PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Participants were divided into: External control (healthy individuals living outside the camps), Internal control (healthy individuals living in the camps), and PTSD group (individuals diagnosed with PTSD). The PTSD group was subdivided according to chronicity <2 years, 2–5 years, and >5 years and subdivided according to PTSD severity into “Moderate”, “Severe” and “Extreme”. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood oxygen saturation (SPO2) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. ResultsThe PTSD group showed significant increases in SBP, DBP, heart rate, BMI, WC, weight, and WHtR compared to the control groups. SPO2 values decreased in the PTSD group. As the disease progressed, there were further increases in SBP, DBP, heart rate, BMI, WC, WHtR, and weight. Similar increases were observed with the severity of the disease. ConclusionOur data indicates that a long-term impact on physiological and anthropometric parameters is present in women diagnosed with PTSD which might be aggravated by the severity and chronicity of the disease.