About Book

This book offers an original and systematic analysis of the "master narratives" used by Islamist extremists to justify violence, recruit followers, and sustain ideological coherence. Drawing from rhetorical and narrative theory, the authors identify thirteen key narratives—such as The Pharaoh, Jahiliyyah, The Battle of Karbala, and The Nakba—that are frequently used to frame Western powers and secular regimes as enemies and to mobilize religious identity in extremist rhetoric. The work is particularly useful in: • Decoding how religious symbols and historical events are repurposed into strategic propaganda. • Highlighting how archetypes and storytelling forms give emotional and moral weight to extremist arguments. • Suggesting methods for developing counter-narratives through strategic communication, especially relevant for peacebuilding, de-radicalization, and education programs. In today's world—marked by the rise of online radicalization, ideological polarization, and the misuse of religion for violent political ends—this book remains highly relevant. It helps researchers, policymakers, and educators understand how extremist groups still rely on old mythologies and religious symbolism to manipulate current conflicts and tensions. This relevance extends to: • Online extremism and digital jihadist propaganda. • Post-9/11 counterterrorism narratives, which often lack cultural literacy. • Efforts in Muslim-majority countries to combat extremist ideologies while preserving religious authenticity.This book is a valuable tool for community leaders, educators, and policymakers aiming to counter extremism through dialogue and education: 1. Empowers Educators: Helps in developing curricula that deconstruct extremist rhetoric and promote critical thinking. 2. Informs Counter-Narrative Campaigns: Provides the rhetorical structure of extremist discourse, allowing communities to design effective peace-oriented responses. 3. Respects Religious Sentiment: By understanding how extremists distort Islamic history and theology, community leaders can reclaim authentic narratives rooted in peace, justice, and coexistence. 4. Promotes Interfaith and Intra-faith Dialogue: Allows communities to address radicalization through discussion rather than censorship, helping bridge divides within and across faiths. 5. Supports Youth Engagement: Youth-focused initiatives can use this analysis to engage young people meaningfully in conversations about identity, faith, and political activism—steering them away from extremist paths.