Extremists’ authoritarian ideology clashes with Islamic traditions, experts say

Over the past two decades, extremist groups have attempted presenting themselves as defenders and representatives of authentic Islamic traditions and values.

However, historical, political, and religious analysis shows their ideology reflects a modern authoritarian political project shaped by twentieth-century crises.

Rather than emphasizing spirituality, ethics, and social welfare, the movement focuses heavily upon consolidating power, enforcing obedience, and eliminating political opponents.

For instance, al-Qaeda reproduces structures commonly associated with authoritarian regional ideologies that historically promised order while producing repression and concentrated power.

"This group is less a religious movement than a political project for controlling society," said Shoaib Rahmani, a counter-terrorism expert based in the Netherlands.

"In al-Qaeda’s thinking, power and obedience take priority over public welfare or Islam’s ethical values."

The group’s methods resemble 20th-century authoritarian models because both rely heavily on eliminating opponents and enforcing strict social control, he said.

Conflict with Islamic coexistence traditions

Analysts believe al-Qaeda seeks imposing a centralized social structure where political obedience consistently outweighs intellectual freedom, diversity, and social coexistence within communities.

They argue religion becomes primarily a political instrument used for control, legitimacy, and maintaining ideological conformity throughout society.

Muhammad Taher Qayoumi, a Berlin-based human rights researcher, told Salaam Times that al-Qaeda fundamentally contradicts Islam’s historical traditions of coexistence and cultural interaction.

"While Islamic history contains many examples of religious coexistence, cultural diversity, and acceptance of differences, al-Qaeda emphasizes the violent homogenization of society," he said.

"During different historical periods, major cities of the Islamic world such as Baghdad, Cordoba, and Damascus were centers of cultural, scientific, and religious interaction, where followers of different sects and religions lived side by side."

The organization has targeted not only non-Muslims, but also large segments of Muslim societies through accusations of apostasy and violence.

"Al-Qaeda seeks to shape society solely according to its narrow interpretation. Yet Islamic history shows that Muslim societies succeeded when they managed intellectual and cultural diversity, rather than destroying it," Qayoumi said.

Conflict with regional development

Many Islamic countries recently pursued development models combining religious identity alongside investment, technological innovation, education, and broader international economic engagement and cooperation.

Analysts say these trends demonstrate many Muslim societies increasingly favor opportunity, stability, diversity, and participation within modern global economic structures.

In contrast, al-Qaeda continues promoting isolation, hostility toward modern institutions, and opposition toward expanding social freedoms within Muslim-majority societies across the region.

Analysts believe the organization’s rigid authoritarian worldview prevents adaptation to rapidly changing political, economic, and social realities throughout Muslim communities.

"Today, a large portion of the younger generation in the region seeks education, employment, technology, and stability, while al-Qaeda continues promoting narratives of war, elimination, and hostility," Qayoumi said.