Deconstructing the discourse of religious extremism: the UAE experience / Khalifa Mubarak AlDhaheri ; translated by Hamada Ahmed Ali Mohamed

University Theses

Part I: The Concept of Deconstructing Extremist Religious Discourse: Key Causes and Contemporary Movements. This part includes three chapters: -- Chapter One: Defining Concepts -- Deconstruction and Its Foundations -- Discourse and Its Types -- Extremism and Related Terms -- Deconstructing Extremist Religious Discourse and Its Islamic Manifestations -- Chapter Two: Key Causes of Religious Extremism – Psychological – Religious – Social – Economic -- Chapter Three: Extremist Islamic Movements -- The Muslim Brotherhood -- The Sururians -- al-Qaeda – ISIS -- Part II: Methodological Parameters for Deconstructing the Discourse of Religious Extremism and Mechanisms for Correcting Misconceptions. This part includes three chapters: -- Chapter One: Methodological Parameters for Deconstructing the Discourse of Religious Extremism -- Common Human Ancestry -- Tolerance and Pluralism in Islam -- Moral Philosophy in Islam -- An Approach to Islamic Holy Texts -- Chapter Two: Controversial Doctrinal Misconceptions -- The Binary of Disbelief and Faith – Sovereignty -- Ignorant Societies -- The Saved Sect -- The Abodes of Islam and Disbelief -- Loyalty and Disavowal -- Chapter Three: Controversial Misconceptions of Practice -- Fatwas, Sectarianism, and Tradition -- Jihad, Invasion, and Migration -- The Caliphate, Nation-State, and Jizya (Tribute) -- Obedience of the Ruler -- Promoting Virtue and Preventing Vice -- * Part III: The UAE's Approach to Deconstructing the Discourse of Religious Extremism and Promoting the Principles of Human Fraternity. This part includes two chapters: -- Chapter One: Coexistence from Possibility to Commitment -- The Significance of Commitment to the Values of Coexistence and Moderation -- Federal Laws for Countering Religious Extremism and Terrorism, and Promoting Tolerance and Coexistence -- UAE-Based Centers Specialized in Countering the Discourse of Religious Extremism -- Chapter Two: Crucial Religious Documents for Enhancing Tolerance and Human Fraternity -- Abu Dhabi Declaration the Document on Human Fraternity. -- The Marrakesh Declaration on the Rights of Religious Minorities in the Muslim World -- The Charter of the New League of the Virtuous (Hilf al-Fudul)

This study seeks to dismantle the false claims of terrorist groups that falsely attribute their actions to Islam. It exposes the distortion of Islamic teachings these groups rely on to justify acts explicitly condemned in the Qur'an and Prophetic Sunna-acts considered grave sins with clear rulings that admit no alternative interpretation. The study traces the historical emergence and development of prominent terrorist organizations, highlighting their ideological deviations and notorious crimes. It then offers a rigorous academic and rational refutation, grounded in authentic Islamic texts, demonstrating that Islam fundamentally promotes tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for others. Far from advocating violence, Islam urges the avoidance of war and harm. The study concludes by showcasing national initiatives that have effectively countered extremism through educational, cultural, and security efforts, achieving significant support at both the popular and governmental levels. These initiatives represent practical responses to the threat of terrorism while reaffirming Islam's message of peace.