Full Description
The Internet is an increasingly important source of information for many people in the Muslim world. Many Muslims in majority and minority contexts rely on the Internet as a primary source of news, information and communication about Islam. As a result, a new media culture is emerging which is having a significant impact on areas of global Muslim consciousness. Post-September 11th, this phenomenon has grown more rapidly than ever.
Gary R. Bunt provides a fascinating account of the issues at stake, identifying two radical new concepts:
Firstly, the emergence of e-jihad ('Electronic Jihad') originating from diverse Muslim perspectives - this is described in its many forms relating to the different definitions of 'jihad', including on-line activism (ranging from promoting militaristic activities to hacking, to co-ordinating peaceful protests) and Muslim expression post 9/11.
Secondly, he discusses religious authority on the Internet - including the concept of on-line fatwas and their influence in diverse settings, and the complexities of conflicting notions of religious authority.
Contents
Glossary
1. Introduction
2. 'The Digital Sword'? and Defining 'E-Jihad'
3. Hacktivism, Hacking and Cracking in the Name of Islam
4. Cyber Islamic Reactions to 9-11: Mujahideen in Cyberspace
5. Cyber Islamic Reactions to 9-11: The 'Inter-fada' and Global E-jihad
6. Cyber-Islamic reactions to 9-11: Jihad for Peace
7. Islamic Decision Making and Advice Online
8. Sunni Religious Authority on the Internet I: Muslim Majority Contexts
9. Sunni Religious Authority on the Internet II: Muslim Minority Contexts
10. The Online Mujtahid: Islamic Diversity And Authority Online
11. Islam in the Digital Age
12. Bibliography
Index
