The cultural and religious factors driving jihadist ideology from "summary" of The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
The roots of jihadist ideology run deep in the cultural and religious history of the Muslim world. Many scholars trace the origins of this ideology to the writings of Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian intellectual who was deeply disturbed by the moral decay he witnessed in the West. Qutb believed that Western values were corrupting Muslim societies, and he called for a return to the pure teachings of Islam. Qutb's ideas gained traction among disaffected Muslims who felt marginalized by the modern world. These individuals were drawn to the idea of a utopian Islamic state governed by Sharia law. They saw themselves as warriors in a cosmic battle between good and evil, with the West representing the forces of darkness. The concept of jihad, or holy war, plays a central role in jihadist ideology. For many jihadists, the struggle against the West is not just a physical battle, but a spi...
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