In Search of Philosopher‐Jihadis: Abu Muhammad al‐Maqdisi’s Jihadi Philosophy

Abstract

Abstract This article examines Abu Muhammad al‐Maqdisi’s imprint on the intellectual capital of jihadism. It explores al‐Maqdisi’s religious teachings, his emphasis on the ‘Religion/Community of Abraham’ as a model for believers and focuses on the meanings he ascribes to tawhid and the blurry unresolved boundaries between tawhid and takfir. In light of claims that al‐Maqdisi has reneged on the jihadi principles he once espoused, this article examines earlier and more recent writings by al‐Maqdisi and argues that such claims are not well‐founded. It contends that underlying al‐Maqdisi’s teachings is a vision of establishing an idealistic community of learned believers, who are as proficient in Islamic law as they are adept on the battlefield. Accordingly, al‐Maqdisi, like other idealist thinkers, has been entrapped by his idealism especially as jihadis seek to translate his vision into reality.