Islamic Activism in South Asia

Reading: "Talking jihad and piety: Reformist exertions among Islamist women in Bengladesh" by Maimuna Huq

When the word "jihad" is mentioned, images of violent suicide bombers and flag burning protesters in the Middle East come to mind, because I am an American who has been shown these images which are correlated by the media. Of course, violence is part of jihad, but this article also brings to light the other side of activism occurring in South Asia by groups of women. Jihad literally means "struggle, exertion, or striving". The women practicing this non-violent jihad are part of a highly organized "religio-socio-political" movement known as the BICS [Bangladesh Islami Chatri Sangstha] made up of young students. Their movement is in response to the perception that local and global communities are increasingly wracked by violence, injustice and oppression. These women believe that by deploying scripturally referenced emphasis on social justice offering a systematic path to peace and success in both this world and the hereafter. This movement is not large, but their goals and ways of reaching those goals are to be admired and encouraged. The main concern for their movement is a religious revival. Not all Muslims who want this are violent. Many believe that violence only gives way to more violence. There are peaceful tactics, and these women are doing their best to practice those, and encourage others to do so.