Author: AP
Publication: The Times of India
Date: October 21, 2008
Introduction: Critics Fear Salafists Will
Overthrow More Tolerant Version Of Islam
The Muslim call to prayer fills the halls
of a Cairo computer shopping centre, followed immediately by the click of
locking doors as the young, bearded tech salesmen close up shop and line up
in rows to pray together.
Business grinding to a halt for daily prayers
is not unusual in conservative Saudi Arabia, but until recently it was rare
in the Egyptian capital, especially in affluent commercial districts like
Mohandiseen, where the mall is located.
But nearly the entire threestory mall is made
up of computer stores run by Salafis, an ultraconservative Islamic movement
that has grown dramatically across the Middle East in recent years.
The rise of Salafists has critics worried
that their beliefs will crowd out the more liberal and tolerant version of
Islam long practiced in some Middle East countries, particularly Egypt, Jordan
and Lebanon. They also warn that its doctrine is only a few shades away from
that of violent groups like Al Qaida-that it effectively preaches, "Yes
to jihad, just not now."
In the broad spectrum of Islamic thought,
Salafism is on the extreme conservative end. Saudi Arabia's puritanical Wahhabi
interpretation is considered the forerunner of modern Salafism, and Saudi
preachers on satellite TV-and more recently the internet-have been key to
the spread of Salafism.
Salafist groups are gaining in numbers and
influence across the Middle East. In Jordan, a Salafist was chosen as head
of the old-line opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood. In Kuwait, Salafists
were elected to parliament and are leading the resistance to any change that
would threaten traditional Islamic values.
The growth of Salafism is visible in many
parts of Cairo since its adherents set themselves apart with their dress.
Women wear the "niqab," a veil which shows only the eyes-if even
that-rather than the "hijab" scarf that merely covers the hair.
The men grow their beards long and often shave off moustaches, a style said
to imitate the Prophet Muhammad.
The word "salafi" in Arabic means
"ancestor," hearkening back to a supposedly purer form of Islam
said to have been practiced by Muhammad and his companions in the 7th century.
Salafism preaches strict segregation of the sexes and resists any innovation
in religion or adoption of Western ways seen as immoral.
But critics warn that Salafis could easily
slide into more violent, jihadist forms. In North Africa, some already have
- the Algerian Salafi Group for Call and Combat has allied itself with al-Qaida
and has been blamed for bombings and other attacks. Small pockets of Salafis
in northern Lebanon and Gaza have also taken up weapons and formed jihadi-style
groups.
