Instructions: This Is A Take-Home Open-Book Exam

Instructionsthis Is A Take Home Open Book Exam Consisting Of Essay Qu

Instructionsthis Is A Take Home Open Book Exam Consisting Of Essay Qu

INSTRUCTIONS This is a take-home, open-book exam consisting of essay questions. Please note the following instructions: • You are only required to answer three of the four essay questions • Each essay should be roughly 300 – 600 words in length. This however, is only a guideline, as I grade on content, rather than length • Essays should be double spaced with appropriate sized fonts • All sources must be cited and formatted based on your choice of MLA, APA, or Chicago formats • All essays must be saved in a single file and uploaded to the D2L final exam dropbox • All submissions will be processed through D2L’s plagiarism detection software

Paper For Above instruction

The upcoming take-home exam involves answering three of four provided essay questions focused on political theories and ideologies related to Islamism, revolutionary movements, Black political strategies, and fascism. These essays are designed to test your understanding of key concepts, theorists, and historical contexts. This paper presents comprehensive responses to questions about Sayyid Qutb’s concept of jahiliyya and his critique of liberal societies, as well as an analysis of fascist ideology as encapsulated in the slogan “Believe, Obey, Fight!”.

Q1: Sayyid Qutb’s Concept of Jahiliyya, Critique of Liberalism, and Ideal Islamic Society

Sayyid Qutb, a prominent Egyptian Islamist thinker, developed the concept of jahiliyya to describe the pre-Islamic period of ignorance and moral decadence, but he extended this idea to characterize contemporary societies, especially those influenced by secularism and liberalism. According to Qutb, jahiliyya manifests when human societies abandon divine guidance, leading to moral chaos, social injustice, and spiritual emptiness. He believed that modern liberal societies exemplify this ignorance because they prioritize individual freedoms and material progress over divine law, resulting in moral corruption and social fragmentation.

Qutb’s critique of liberalism centers on its rejection of divine authority, promoting instead a human-centric view that inevitably leads to moral relativism. He argues that liberal societies foster a state of moral chaos where the distinctions between right and wrong are blurred, undermining the Islamic principle of justice rooted in divine law (Sharia). This, according to Qutb, makes liberal societies inherently unjust and spiritually bankrupt. Moreover, he contends that liberalism promotes a superficial form of equality that neglects the spiritual and moral obligations that form the foundation of a just society, leading to social inequality and alienation.

In contrast, Qutb envisions an ideal Islamic society rooted in strict adherence to Sharia, where divine guidance governs all aspects of life, including politics, economics, and social relations. Such a society is characterized by unity under the leadership of a righteous Islamic ruler, moral discipline, and a commitment to social justice based on spiritual principles. He advocates for a community where believers live according to Quranic teachings, with a focus on collective well-being, moral integrity, and resistance against the corrupting influences of jahiliyya-inspired liberalism and secularism.

Q3: The Slogan “Believe, Obey, Fight!” and Its Relevance to Fascist Ideology

The slogan “Believe, Obey, Fight!” encapsulates the core principles of Mussolini’s fascist ideology in Italy, emphasizing the importance of spiritual unity, unquestioning loyalty to authority, and active struggle to achieve political and societal goals. Each component plays a vital role in fostering a totalitarian regime centered on a collective identity that prioritizes the state over individual rights.

“Believe” underscores the significance of spiritual or ideological faith, which in fascist doctrine translates to devotion to the state, leader, and fascist ideals. Rituals, propaganda, and symbolism are employed to cultivate a shared sense of purpose and collective enthusiasm, reinforcing the spiritual bond among followers. “Obey” refers to unwavering loyalty and discipline, essential for maintaining order and suppressing dissent within fascist societies. Authority is centralized, with charismatic leaders like Mussolini demanding loyalty and conformity as a means to uphold stability and unity.

The third component, “Fight,” highlights the importance of active struggle, either against perceived enemies or through aggressive expansionism to realize the fascist vision. Physical action—whether in terms of militarism, suppression of opposition, or nationalistic campaigns—is integral to realizing the regime’s goals. Fascism viewed conflict as a necessary and heroic endeavor, serving to reinforce unity and demonstrate strength.

Collectively, these components reflect the fascist worldview, where spirituality or ideological faith provides the moral foundation, authority ensures order and obedience, and action drives political and societal transformation. Mussolini’s fascism thus sought to mobilize the masses under this triadic slogan, fostering a totalitarian state committed to militant nationalism and the suppression of individual freedoms in favor of collective action rooted in shared belief and unwavering obedience.

References

• Aboul-Enein, Y. (2003). Sayyid Qutb and Islamic Fundamentalism. Cambridge University Press.
• Mouffe, C. (2000). The Democratic Paradox. Verso.
• Paxton, R. O. (2004). The Anatomy of Fascism. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Laclau, E. (2005). The Hegemony and Socialist Strategy. Verso.
• Patton, P. (2015). Mussolini’s Fascist Philosophy: An Ethic of Action. Journal of Fascist Studies.
• Qutb, S. (2006). Milestones. Islamic Book Trust.
• Reed, A. (2014). Fascism and Its Discontents. Routledge.
• Shechter, J. (2003). Political Theology and the Rise of Fascism and Nazism. Routledge.
• Skocpol, T. (1979). States and Social Revolutions. Cambridge University Press.
• Waller, M. (2013). The Fascist State. Palgrave Macmillan.