Salafism in Lebanon : From Apoliticism to Transnational Jihadism

Examines the emergence and development of Salafism into a prominent religious movement in Lebanon, including the ideological and sociopolitical foundation that led to the three different schools of Salafism in Lebanon: quietist Salafists, Haraki (active) Salafists; and Salafi Jihadists.

Rabil examines the emergence and development of Salafism--a confederation of fundamentalist Islamic movements whose adherents consider themselves the only "saved" sect of Islam--in Lebanon. While Salafism has been little studied, and remains shrouded in misconceptions, recent rebellions in the Arab world have sparked interest in these movements as Salafists have staked a claim to power in some Arab states and spearheaded battles against "impure" Arab regimes. Rabil examines the ideological and socio-political foundation out of which the three schools of Salafism in Lebanon emerged: quietist Salafists, Haraki (Active) Salafists; and Salafi Jihadists. He surveys the ways in which Salafists navigated the stormy waters of the country''s civil war, occupation by and then liberation from Syria, showing the ideological transformation of Salafists from opponents of to supportive of political engagement. Rabil also demonstrates how activists and jihadi Salafists have gotten the better of Sunni leadership in Lebanon, endorsing violence and jihad in response to Sunni political weakness--thus threatening regional and international security.