Islam and Islamism: not synonymous, but linked

«No amalgam», we've been hearing in our ears since the attacks. Of course, we mustn't confuse the two: there are many Muslims who are not Islamists. But all Islamists are Muslims, if only by definition.

The widespread belief in the media that «Islamism has nothing to do with Islam» could not be further from the truth. Islamism was born in the soil of Islam. There are, of course, other factors fuelling the success of jihad, such as the cultural and spiritual crisis Europe is currently going through, and the loss of bearings.

The fact remains, however, that radical Islam is a literal Islam. In particular, it is based on the Koran's inherent desire to propagate the religion of Mohammed, at all costs. Islam itself therefore needs a major theological overhaul. The mere idea that the Koran was written by Allah «in person» is problematic: it is impossible to deviate from his divine word or to interpret the text.

Let's not forget that the first victims of Islam's inconsistencies are Muslims. Let us extend to them all our support and benevolence. Many believers in Allah are perfectly integrated into our civilization. Let us encourage them to heal the disease that is growing, from darkness to darkness, in their own religion.

Write to the author: jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com