Islamists vs. Terrorists

Attribute	Islamists	Terrorists
Beliefs	Follow Islamic teachings and principles	May use religion as a justification for violence
Goals	Seek to establish Islamic governance based on Sharia law	Use violence to achieve political or ideological goals
Methods	Engage in political activism, social work, and education	Use of violence, including bombings and attacks
Support	May have support from some segments of the population	Often operate in small, secretive cells
Legitimacy	Seek legitimacy through participation in political processes	Often viewed as illegitimate and criminal

Definition

Islamists are individuals who believe in the political interpretation of Islam and seek to establish Islamic law in society. They may participate in political processes to achieve their goals and often advocate for the implementation of Sharia law. On the other hand, terrorists are individuals or groups who use violence and fear to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. They often target civilians and non-combatants in their attacks.

Beliefs

Islamists believe in the principles of Islam and seek to apply them to all aspects of society, including politics, economics, and social issues. They may view the Quran and Hadith as guiding principles for governance and believe in the importance of upholding Islamic values. Terrorists, on the other hand, may use religion as a justification for their violent actions but often distort religious teachings to suit their own agendas. They may not adhere to the true principles of Islam and may use violence for personal gain or to instill fear.

Methods

Islamists typically use non-violent means to achieve their goals, such as participating in elections, forming political parties, and advocating for policy changes. They may work within existing political systems to promote their agenda and gain support from the public. In contrast, terrorists use violence as their primary method of achieving their objectives. They may engage in bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and other acts of violence to create fear and chaos in society.

Targets

Islamists often target government institutions, political opponents, and other groups that they believe are obstacles to the implementation of Islamic law. They may seek to change laws, policies, and social norms through legal and political means. Terrorists, on the other hand, often target civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, in their attacks. They may aim to create fear and instability in society by causing mass casualties and destruction.

Support

Islamists may have support from a significant portion of the population who share their religious beliefs and political goals. They may have followers who believe in their vision for society and are willing to work within the system to achieve change. Terrorists, on the other hand, are often isolated from mainstream society and may rely on a small group of dedicated individuals to carry out their attacks. They may use fear and intimidation to recruit new members and maintain control over their followers.

Legitimacy

Islamists may seek legitimacy through democratic processes, such as elections and political participation. They may work within legal frameworks to promote their agenda and gain support from the public. However, terrorists operate outside of the law and seek to undermine legitimate governments and institutions through violence and fear. They may use propaganda and misinformation to justify their actions and recruit new members to their cause.

Impact

Islamists may have a significant impact on society through their political activism and advocacy for Islamic values. They may influence government policies, social norms, and cultural practices through legal and peaceful means. However, terrorists have a destructive impact on society through their violent actions and disregard for human life. They may cause widespread fear, trauma, and instability in communities affected by their attacks.