Violence and the Deobandi Movement

In “Violence and the Deobandi Movement”, Liyakat Takim examines the genesis and development of the movement, the key figures who shaped its ideology, and its religious basis and affiliation. He then discusses Deobandi militancy and violence in a transnational context, and documents and highlights the role of Deobandi ideology in the global spread of intolerance and extremism as an affiliate of or ally to the Salafi-Wahabi ideology. Takim also explains why certain ideological differences exist and the role of the Deobandis in promoting violence and extremism. He also presents some examples of Deobandi violence, such as the group’s participation in the 7/7 bombings in London and similar incidents of terror in the West, its contribution to Al-Qaeda terrorism and, more recently, its role as transnational warriors of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The chapter also discusses the Deobandi movement’s collusion with the SSP (the army of the companions of the Prophet) in its sectarian warfare against the Shi’is in Pakistan.