Salafism in Lebanon by Robert Rabil

Salafism is a strict form of Islam, begun in the 1300’s when the Middle East was attacked from both sides; the Crusaders in the West and the Mongols from the East. It stems from the same Muslim philosophies that would, in the 1700’s, become the Wahabi doctrine, now prevalent in Saudi Arabia. The author, Robert Rabil, places Salafism in the context of modern Middle East, where the clash between radical Islam has been much in the news this decade.

Rabil introduces the reader to how “modernity” clashed with Islam from the beginning. Growing French influence in the Levant angered the Muslims, not only because it gave more power to Lebanon’s Maronite Christians, but that it made Islam look weak. In Turkey, Mustapha Kemal’s laws against the religious authority angered the Muslims, and though there was no mass communication to spread the news, it did reverberate.

Another issue discussed here is the Muslims’ distrust of government. Firstly, they felt betrayed by Ataturk, but since Turkey was not Arabic-speaking, there wasn’t much that Arab Muslim radicals could do. Secondly, the idea of Saudi Arabia having a monarch angered a lot of Muslims, leading to the famous Siege of Mecca in the 80’s. In a religious ideology that promotes combat as a means to an end, and has strict rules against idolatry, the idea of everyone following one man will easily anger the people.

Robert Rabil gives excellent historical background for Salafism, and does a great job in explaining why so many are attracted to it in this day and age. Persons unfamiliar with Muslim philosophy may have a hard time however, as many of the names and terms are alien to most. However, he does well in reporting on the histories, so that makes it easier to understand. Though he doesn’t say it expressly, a lot of Salafism’s present day power has to do with mass media. In Ataturk’s time, most Arabic-speakers were illiterate, and few in the Middle East would’ve owned a radio. News didn’t spread as it does today, with Arab radio, television, internet, and the famous Al-Jazera network.