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How the Desert Prophet Brought You ISIS, Al Qaeda, and Boko Haram

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The Muhammad Code: How a Desert Prophet Brought You ISIS, al Qaeda, and Boko Haram

by Howard Bloom

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Abdullah Azzam was a Palestinian cleric who is widely considered to be the godfather of modern jihadism. Born in the West Bank in 1941, Azzam studied Islamic law and theology in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In the late 1970s, he traveled to Afghanistan to join the fight against the Soviet invasion. There, he met Osama bin Laden and other young jihadists who would later go on to found al-Qaeda.

Azzam's writings and speeches helped to inspire a generation of young Muslims to take up arms and fight for jihad. He argued that jihad was the only way to liberate Muslim lands from Western imperialism and that it was the duty of every Muslim to participate in it. Azzam also provided practical guidance on how to carry out jihad, including how to raise funds, recruit fighters, and conduct guerrilla warfare.

Azzam's influence can be seen in the rise of all of the major jihadist groups today, including ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram. ISIS, in particular, has adopted many of Azzam's ideas and tactics. The group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has even been likened to Azzam himself. Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram, too, have been influenced by Azzam's writings and teachings.

Azzam was killed in a car bombing in Pakistan in 1989. However, his legacy continues to live on. He is still revered by jihadists around the world, and his writings continue to inspire new generations of fighters.

Azzam's Ideology

Azzam's ideology was based on a radical interpretation of Islam. He believed that jihad was the only way to liberate Muslim lands from Western imperialism and that it was the duty of every Muslim to participate in it. Azzam also believed that the United States was the "Great Satan" and that it was the enemy of all Muslims.

Azzam's ideology was highly influential in the development of modern jihadism. His writings and speeches helped to inspire a generation of young Muslims to take up arms and fight for jihad. Azzam also provided practical guidance on how to carry out jihad, including how to raise funds, recruit fighters, and conduct guerrilla warfare.

Azzam's Legacy

Azzam's legacy is complex and controversial. He is considered by many to be the father of modern jihadism, and his writings and speeches have inspired a generation of young Muslims to take up arms and fight for jihad. However, Azzam's ideology has also been used to justify violence and terrorism.

It is important to remember that Azzam was a product of his time. He was born and raised in a world that was deeply affected by Western imperialism and colonialism. He saw the suffering of his people and the oppression of Muslims around the world. It is understandable why he would turn to violence as a way to fight back.

However, it is also important to remember that violence is never the answer. There are other ways to fight for justice and freedom. We must find ways to resolve our differences peacefully and to build a better world for all.

The Muhammad Code: How a Desert Prophet Brought You ISIS, al Qaeda, and Boko Haram

by Howard Bloom

4.6 out of 5