The False Islamization of Female Suicide Bombers

This study examines the radicalization of Islamic thought from Ibn Taymiyyah in the thirteenth century, to the emergence of Wahhabism in the eighteenth century, followed by twentieth century radical ideologues such as Mawdudi, Qutb, and Azzam, to explain how terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have rejected mainstream Islamic jurisprudence and crafted a complete reinterpretation of religious doctrine in an attempt to legitimate female suicide bombings. This examination of women suicide bombers provides a clear example of how what is often called Islamic radicalism or political Islam has far less connection with religion than it does with utilitarian and pragmatic concerns such as strategic and military tactics.