Islamophobia and the Spoils of Violent Fatwas

Abstract

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The current research aimed to examine the key manifestations of violent fatwas, particularly those that incite bloodshed, within the context of Arab-Islamic culture. These fatwas are categorized into two types. The first type comprises institutional fatwas, issued by official religious institutions or individuals who represent states in their capacity as political leaders or as figures combining political and religious authority. These two types of fatwas take two directions: they target individuals abroad or at home, including their own countries and leaders, or foreign countries. The research highlighted how fatwas advocating bloodshed in both categories are often co-opted by those who fear Islam to fuel Islamophobia, portraying all Muslims as violent and terrorists without acknowledging that Muslims are not a monolithic group. Among Muslims are those who condemn such fatwas, as well as those who fall victim to them. The study demonstrated that these generalizations obscure the diversity within Islamic culture and serve as tools for anti-Muslim propaganda. Furthermore, the study aimed to establish that fatwas contributing to the stigmatization of Islam and Muslims as violent both serve as spoils and create a predicament. They provoke angry and accusatory reactions towards Muslims, causing their concerns to be consistently framed by rulings that diminish their significance. Fatwas sanctioning the taking of life are presented as evidence of hatred and violence, fuelling mobilization against these matters—even when they are merely issues.