Brian Wright

Abstract

This study derives the legal methodology of the modern Salafi movement in Egypt. The first two sections develop context, pondering global Salafism as well as the effects of the Egyptian political, economic, and cultural spheres on the movement's development, while the third section discusses the legal opinions of Salafi preachers in the fields of democracy, law, economics, women's rights, non-Muslims, Al Azhar, the Shi'a, as well as the arts and leisure. Section four synthesizes these opinions to create the general approach of the movement to Islamic Law. This study suggests that each manifestation of Salafism is the result of local circumstances, and not part of a global movement. In Egypt, the failures of Nasserism and capitalism in the 20th Century resulted in calls for a return to Islam, particularly following the 1967 war. Influenced by political Islam as well as Saudi Wahhabism, this group of young preachers would grow over the next thirty years to re-define the country's religious landscape. The legal methodology of the Salafi movement is one of selective literalism of the Qur'Ä n and Sunna, without a defined framework such as that of UsÅ«l al Fiqh. There is an emphasis on issues of theology and a lack of understanding of modern politics and economics. This creates a disconnection with issues on the ground and causes instability in the movement as they increase their political participation. However, a sense of malleability in legal rulings allows the movement to adapt to changing political conditions and provides a method to remain relevant.

Department

Arab & Islamic Civilizations Department

Degree Name

MA in Arabic Studies

Graduation Date

6-1-2012

Submission Date

May 2012

First Advisor

Serag, Mohamed

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Salafīyah -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Islam and politics -- Egypt.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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