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40No. 293 | May 2025ers or ideologies over monotheistic principles). The emphasis is on challenging systems of power rather than demonizing individuals.%u2022 Protection of Religious Minorities: Within this framework, People of the Book (Jews and Christians, specifically), followers of other recognized religions, and even non-Muslims have the right to live in safety and security. This implies a commitment to peaceful coexistence and the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals, despite their faith.%u2022 Unity and Defining Boundaries: The idea promotes Islamic unity, but it also recognizes the existence of %u201cenemies of Islam.%u201d This demarcation is not meant to incite hatred or violence against individuals but to identify and resist forces perceived as threats to the Islamic Ummah (community) and its values. The focus is on defining ideological boundaries and promoting solidarity within the Islamic world while addressing external challenges.B. ISIS:%u2022 Broad Excommunication (Takfir): ISIS adopts a radical and expansive interpretation of takfir, the act of declaring someone an apostate. It considers virtually all its opponents, including Shiite Muslims, moderate Sunnis, Sufis, and followers of other religions, to be infidels deserving of death. This leads to a climate of extreme intolerance and violence.%u2022 Systematic Violence and Brutality: ISIS engages in widespread acts of murder, torture, explosions (often targeting civilian areas), rape, and other forms of violence against civilians. These actions are not isolated incidents but a systematic and deliberate strategy designed to instill fear, control populations, and eliminate perceived enemies.%u2022 Rejection of Unity and Self-Righteousness: ISIS rejects any notion of Islamic unity, viewing itself as the only true and legitimate representation of Islam. This self-righteousness leads to the rejection of dialogue, compromise, and cooperation with other Muslim groups and fuels further division and conflict within the Islamic world.4. The Ultimate Goals: Divergent VisionsThis section contrasts the underlying goals of each ideology, highlighting the main differences in their intended outcomes.A. Disavowal of Polytheists:%u2022 Empowerment of the Islamic Ummah: The primary goal is to awaken the Islamic Ummah to what it perceives as the injustices, oppression, arrogance, and humiliation inflicted upon Muslims by external powers and internal corruption. It tries to foster a sense of collective identity, strength, and resistance against perceived enemies.%u2022 Independence and Self-Determination: It tries to achieve the political, cultural, economic, and spiritual independence of Islamic nations. This involves challenging Western dominance, promoting self-reliance, and reclaiming cultural identity and heritage. It%u2019s a call for nations to control their own destinies, free from foreign interference.B. ISIS:%u2022 Political Goals in the Name of Religion: The true goals are often political, masked by religious rhetoric. A key goal is to destabilize the region, create power vacuums, and establish a totalitarian regime under its control.%u2022 Damaging the Image of Islam: ISIS%u2019s actions deliberately or inadvertently destroy the image of Islam in the eyes of the world, associating it with violence, extremism, and intolerance. This reinforces negative stereotypes and undermines efforts to promote understanding and dialogue.%u2022 Creating Fear and Discord: ISIS tries to create fear and discord within the Islamic world, exacerbating existing sectarian tensions and provoking conflict between different Muslim groups. This weakens the overall strength and unity of the Ummah, making it more vulnerable to external manipulation.%u2022 Foreign Influence and Support: Evidence suggests that ISIS has benefited from the support and manipulation of foreign powers. Documents and analyses indicate the role of the United States and certain countries in the region in the creation and/or support of ISIS, using it as a tool to advance their own geopolitical interests.