Takfir is an accusation against someone as an infidel—those having different beliefs or expressing a different view or committing any acts of infidelity. Sentences or labels toward infidels vary and are accompanied by a fatwa from labeling the accused as ‘infidels’ to having the right to eradicate the infidels. This article discussed the development of the takfir doctrine which separates some groups not only based on theological aspects but also on socio-political aspects. Moreover, the expanding meaning of ‘infidel’ is also (...) accompanied by an obligatory, individual jihad to fight against internal enemies and external enemies. The expansion is even emphasized on any occasions on several hatred acts, such as hating infidels, which are propagandized to promote and establish Islamic laws. Specifically, this article discussed how Ayman al-Zawahiri expanded the doctrine into global acts framed in a modern way, such as secularism, capitalism, human rights, and environmental destruction, to attract local jihad groups to fight together in global spheres. (shrink)

Takfir is an ideology of excommunicating fellow Muslims because of having different beliefs or expressing a different point of view. This article deals with the development of the takfir doctrine which separates some groups not only based on theological aspects but also on socio-political aspects, such as justifying the democratic system or collaborating with enemies of Islam. It particularly addresses the question of how Ayman al-Zawahiri globalized the takfir doctrine as a campaign against secularism, capitalism, human rights, and environmental crisis, (...) in order to invite local jihadist groups to fight together in a global sphere. (shrink)