A historical analysis of violence in Islam

Thesis (M.S., Criminal Justice) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2010.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of violence in the religion of Islam from historical and theological perspectives. Today there is a general assumption that the religion of Islam has been ???hijacked??? by minority groups of militant radicals. In contrast, Islamic religious leaders, scholars, and experts claim that the inclusion of jihad is the most accurate, complete, and orthodox adherence to the religion of Islam. This study utilized two key bodies of evidence to assess historical and theological evidence of violence dating back to the birth of Islam. The history and practices of Islam???s first four religious/political leaders and the Koran, the religion???s most authoritative religious document, were used to examine the role of violence within Islam. As a result of this examination, the study found that the practice of violence as a religious element of Islam can be traced back to Islam???s first leader, the prophet Muhammad. Additionally, the study found scriptural support contained in the Koran for the practice and religious significance of violence. According to this evidence, the radical Islamic movement is not a collective of militant groups twisting the nature or purpose of Islam. These groups are instead, fundamentalist adherents to the Islam practiced by the religion???s own founder, existing for over 1,400 years. The examination of this evidence leads to the conclusion that violence is an inherent component within the Islamic religion and stems from its historical and theological nucleus. The United States and non-Islamic civilization in general needs to develop a greater understanding of the inherent relationship between violence and Islam. Islamic terrorism will continue to fulfill its role in religious obligation. Violence will continue as a fundamental element within the foundation of the Islamic religion. It is important to understand that violence is an inherent component to ensuring the dominance of the Islamic religion. This conclusion must be considered in order to accurately assess the threat which Islamic terrorism poses today.Criminal Justic