Islam and Anarchism

Book Description

In a world where conversations about Islam often fall into tired stereotypes, Mohamed Abdou presents a revolutionary perspective that challenges fundamental assumptions about both faith and political philosophy. This groundbreaking exploration dismantles the notion that Islamic thought must align with authoritarian or capitalist structures, while simultaneously questioning anarchism's perceived incompatibility with religious and spiritual practice.

Drawing from authentic Islamic concepts and sacred texts, Abdou weaves together insights from Indigenous wisdom traditions, Islamic anarchistic thought, and contemporary social movements to forge what he terms "Anarcha-Islam." This innovative framework offers a decolonial approach that rejects both authoritarian control and capitalist exploitation, presenting Islam through a lens that embraces non-hierarchical principles.

The work addresses how traditional power structures perpetuate various forms of inequality based on class, gender, race, age, sexuality, and ability. Through careful theological and philosophical analysis, Abdou demonstrates how Islamic teachings can support resistance to these oppressive systems, whether in post-colonial contexts like Egypt or settler-colonial societies such as Canada and the United States.

For readers seeking fresh perspectives on spirituality and social justice, this interdisciplinary work opens new pathways for understanding how ancient wisdom traditions can inform contemporary movements toward equality and liberation. Abdou's synthesis challenges readers to reconsider preconceived notions about both religious practice and political resistance, offering a unique contribution to discussions about faith-based approaches to social transformation.