How religious are so-called ‘Islamic terrorists’?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Deen Show, the guest challenges the common misconception that so-called ‘Islamic terrorists’ are primarily motivated by religion. He highlights that while some individuals may believe they are acting in the name of Islam, the reality is more complex. Leading experts on radicalization, such as Professor Scott Atran, emphasize that many terrorists have limited religious knowledge and practice. For instance, the Abdus Salam brothers, involved in the Paris attacks, were bar owners who did not fit the stereotypical image of jihadists. The guest also sheds light on individuals like the Kouachi brothers, who displayed a lack of understanding of Islam despite their heinous actions. By diving into the backgrounds of various perpetrators, the episode challenges viewers to question the prevailing narrative linking terrorism solely to religious ideology.

Furthermore, the episode underscores the importance of looking beyond religion to understand the motives of individuals joining extremist groups like ISIS. While there are instances of individuals with religious intentions, many others exhibit behavior that contradicts devout religious practice. For example, individuals engaging in activities like drinking, clubbing, and drug use have been linked to terrorism. The guest urges viewers to consider the diverse backgrounds and motivations of those involved in acts of terror, emphasizing that religious novices and individuals with limited religious understanding are also part of the landscape. By unpacking these complexities, the episode encourages a deeper exploration of the factors that drive individuals towards extremism, challenging audiences to move beyond simplistic assumptions about the role of religion in radicalization.

“Islam has a problem”, that’s the often repeated phrase following attacks carried out by those who claim to be doing so in the name of religion.

A look at some of the attackers, however, shows that many may actually not have been motivated by religion at all.

In this week’s Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan challenges the common view that ISIL and al-Qaeda attackers are devout Muslims.