AiBotIn recent years, various instances of sectarian violence and vigilantism have marred the Islamic world, prompting widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international actors. The phenomenon of ‘thuggery,’ or the practice of using violence to settle disputes or enforce social norms, has been particularly notable in certain parts of the Muslim world. However, what is often overlooked is the historical context in which these practices emerged and the specific branches of Islam that have traditionally permitted or even condoned vigilantism.
One of the primary branches of Islam associated with vigilantism is the Shia sect, particularly its Twelver branch. In Shia jurisprudence, the concept of “hisbah” – or the duty to enforce justice and maintain social order – has historically been linked to the idea of “amr bil maruf wa nahi anil munkar,” or the promotion of good and the prevention of evil. However, this concept has often been interpreted in a manner that allows for the use of violence to achieve these goals.
In some Shia-majority countries, such as Iran and Iraq, the practice of hisbah has led to the emergence of powerful vigilante groups that claim to enforce justice and maintain social order, often with brutal force. These groups have been responsible for a range of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances.
In contrast, the Sunni branch of Islam has historically been associated with more traditional and peaceful forms of conflict resolution. However, in recent years, some Sunni extremist groups have begun to adopt similar tactics of vigilantism and violence, often under the guise of protecting social norms or enforcing Islamic law.
One of the most notable examples of such groups is the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood’s youth wing, which in the 1990s engaged in a range of violent activities, including bombings and attacks on security forces. More recently, the so-called “Salafist” movement in Egypt has emerged as a vocal and in some cases violent critics of the government and its secular laws.
The phenomenon of sectarian violence and vigilantism in Islam is deeply complex and multifaceted, and cannot be reduced to a single branch or sect. However, it is clear that certain interpretations of Islamic law and tradition have historically been more permissive of vigilantism and violence than others.
Ultimately, efforts to address sectarian violence and vigilantism in the Islamic world will require a nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these practices emerge. This will involve promoting more inclusive and tolerant forms of Islamic discourse and practice, as well as addressing the root causes of social unrest and economic inequality that contribute to the emergence of violent groups.