Muhammad Haniff Hassan

Key Considerations in Counterideological Work against Terrorist Ideology

This study attempts to highlight the importance of counterideological work in combating terrorism and the key considerations in implementing it effectively. The study proposes one important approach for counterideology, suggests partners, and highlights pitfalls. It also addresses the link between grievances and counterideology, and the role of non-Muslims in counterideology. The study does not provide a comprehensive perspective on counterideological work but provides the framework within which counterideological work against Muslim terrorist groups may be flushed out.

An Ideological Response to Combating Terrorism – The Singapore Perspective

The article examines alternative strategies to combating the scourge of terrorism beyond military approaches. There is now more realization, especially after the difficulties experienced in Iraq today, that an innovative multi-pronged mix of methods is needed to combat international terrorism. The paper looks at an ideological response towards combating terrorism by looking at the Singapore experience. The Singapore government recognizes the importance of an ideological response as an integral part of counterterrorism measures. Terrorism occurs when opportunity, motivation and capability meet. The prevention of terrorism requires the elimination of at least one of these three factors- motivation- often driven by ideology. The paper will look at direct and indirect initiatives undertaken in Singapore to combat terrorism and will also look at the Muslim community in Singapores response to the threat to Singapore society. Lastly, the article will examine some lessons learnt from the Singapore experience in applying an ideological approach in combating terrorism as well as some recommendations of what more can be done to move forward.

Imam Samudra's Justification for Bali Bombing 1

The primary objective of this article is to provide a map of Imam Samudras thinking behind Bali bombing I as written in his book Aku Melawan Teroris to those who are not able to read the book in its original Indonesian language with an assumption that counterideological effort cannot be executed effectively without understanding the ideas held by terrorism perpetrators. To add value, the article also offers a comparative study between Samudras thinking and Al Qaedas ideology. It then points out and provides brief alternative viewpoints to Samudras thinking. The article ends with some policy recommendations pertaining to counterideological work.

Analysis and Conclusion

This final chapter analyses and comments upon the debates presented earlier. It is organised as follows: Analysis of scriptural evidences and claim of ‘ijmā` Civil disobedience as khilāfiyah matter Maṣlaḥah–mafsadah considerations and the final ruling Influence of context on ruling Miscellaneous issues.

Debating Various Forms of Civil Disobedience in Islam

This chapter will discuss the theological debate about specific forms of civil disobedience. Forms of civil disobedience are as contentious as the concept of civil disobedience itself. Thus, the debate in this chapter covers the pros and cons of each of these facets of civil disobedience. The view which permits and prohibits a certain form may not necessarily coincide with the view that permits and prohibits civil disobedience. Among those who permit civil disobedience, there may be disagreements on certain forms of it and this will be indicated accordingly, where possible. Forms of civil disobedience that will be covered in this chapter are; public demonstration; labour strike; hunger strike; and boycott.

Other Issues Related to Civil Disobedience in Islam

This chapter seeks to highlight the conditions for executing an act of civil disobedience and to critically analyse them in order to complete the study. These conditions are formulated based on principles found in Islamic law. The chapter will also touch upon miscellaneous issues related to the topic of this book that could not be covered in the previous chapter.

Theological Arguments for Civil Disobedience in Islam

This chapter reviews the opinions of those who argue for the permissibility of civil disobedience in Islam, albeit with conditions that may vary in strictness. The conditions may have resulted in the impermissibility of civil disobedience in certain contexts, but the difference between this position and the position mentioned in the previous chapter is that the former holds, in principle, to the permissibility of civil disobedience. Its impermissibility is due to other factors, not because civil disobedience itself is forbidden.

Theological Arguments Against Civil Disobedience in Islam

This chapter lays out views deeming civil disobedience to be fundamentally unlawful in Islam. While these views share a common denominator, i.e. the impermissibility of civil disobedience, their underlying justifications vary. The views are categorised into two main strands: theological and rational.