Religion and Politics in Islamist Discourse: The Role, Meaning and Purpose of Spiritual References in the Political Thought of Ruhollah Khomeini and Sayyid Qutb

Author: Mercedes R. White

"Such notions [that Islam is the motivating force and the rationale behind violent actions carried out by Muslims] are rooted in orientalist discourse which suggests that Islam, defined as it is by classical texts and traditions is not merely a phenomenon pervading most aspects of life for Muslims, but in fact the explanatory factor behind their actions... Although such ahistorial constructions are permited in Islamic contexts, they appear absurd when applied to Judeo-Christian societies... Given the multilayered meaning of Islam, however, it is important to take a closer look into what references to religion actually mean in terms of the politics of the Middle East."