Political Islam | Definition of Political Islam

“Islamist” is a term used to define Muslims who use their religious affiliation as a basis for getting involved in the public domain. In the west, the term “Islamist” is however used interchangeably with jihadist movements that employ violence as a way of achieving their means. The different understanding in the term between the Muslim and the western world has resulted in Muslim exploitations that are directed at suppressing Islamist parties through democratic programs. Most non-Muslims in Algeria have failed to accept or understand the existence of reform-based Islamist parties that participate in the region’s political process. Most parties have re-directed their efforts from employing violent means as a way of achieving their means, a change that is attributed to the price that these groups have had to pay following their defeat in the armed Syria confrontation. 

Living in Algeria, I have experienced the perceptions of most people concerning Islamist parties. Islamists are seen as inexperienced political newcomers who are inspired by radical principles, thus landing them in opposition most of the time. Nevertheless, Islamist parties have taken part in parliamentary elections, and successfully secured alliances with socialist and secular groups, in addition to taking part in the Algerian government. As such, I would be more sympathetic to Islamist parties, especially considering the suppression that these movements have experienced. For example, 1991 denied victory of the Algerian Islamic Salvation among others. The main reason for my support is the tolerant and reform-based dialogues that these parties have undertaken, with some of them successfully establishing democratic relationships with non-Muslim parties. The denial of Islamist parties’ democratic participation in the public domain and governance structures has resulted in many adverse impacts, including strained relations with Islamic ranks, and both national and international forces. However, Islamist movements should not demonstrate overconfidence with their ideologies but remain willing to make hard choices.