In a new study, researchers Matthew L. N. Wilkinson and Muzammil Quraishi shed light on the elusive concept of “extremism”, particularly within the context of Islam in prisons. The comprehensive investigation, considered the largest of its kind, delves into the distinctions between mainstream Islam and Islamist extremism, offering crucial insights into the ideological underpinnings of radicalisation and de-radicalisation within the incarcerated Muslim population.
The study, conducted across prisons in England, Switzerland, and France, involved 279 Muslim inmates and utilised a mixed-methods approach. This included attitudinal surveys, interviews, and observations of religious practices. The researchers aimed to explore the range of Islamic worldviews among prisoners, focusing specifically on understanding the nature and prevalence of extremist ideologies.
One of the central findings of the research is the clear delineation between mainstream Islam and Islamist extremism. Mainstream Islam, as defined in the study, encompasses both traditional Islam and activist Islam. The fundamental equality of all people before God and a commitment to a peaceful, law-abiding lifestyle define traditional Islam. Activist Islam shares this core belief but also advocates for societal change based on Islamic principles of justice and fairness, always within legal and non-violent boundaries.
In stark contrast, the study defines Islamist extremism as a radical worldview that fosters an absolute division between “true” Muslims and all others, including non-Muslims and those deemed “wrong” Muslims. This extremist ideology calls for the establishment of an “Islamic State” under a literal interpretation of Sharia law. It rejects democratic governance and often portrays secular laws and non-Muslim societies as fundamentally opposed to Islamic values.
The research highlights the nuanced nature of radicalisation, showing that it is not a monolithic process. Inmates may hold a range of beliefs, from mainstream to extremist, with only a small minority (about 4%) classified as holding Islamist extremist views. This minority is further divided into non-violent and violent extremists, with the latter being exceedingly rare. The study suggests that these extremists often possess a Manichean worldview, viewing the world in black-and-white terms and justifying violence against those outside their ideological group.
An intriguing aspect of the study is its focus on the conditions within prisons that may contribute to radicalisation. The researchers found that prisons can act as incubators for extremist ideologies, particularly among new converts or those whose faith has intensified during incarceration. This finding aligns with broader concerns about the role of prisons in the radicalisation process, especially in light of high-profile cases involving radicalised individuals who embraced extreme views while behind bars.
But the study also provides a hopeful counter-narrative by highlighting the potential for de-radicalisation within the prison environment. Through interactions with prison chaplains and engagement in religious education, some inmates experience a significant shift away from extremist views. The researchers note that this de-radicalisation often involves a deepening understanding of Islamic teachings, leading to a rejection of violence and a return to mainstream Islamic beliefs.
