Islamist
UK: ɪzˈlɑːmɪst | US: ɪzˈlɑːmɪst
n. a person who advocates or supports Islamic fundamentalism or the political application of Islamic principles
n. (derogatory) a term used to label individuals or groups perceived as extremist in their interpretation of Islam
islamist = Islam<religion> + ist<advocate>
- Islam: Derived from Arabic ʾislām (submission to God), from the root s-l-m (peace, surrender).
- ist: Suffix from Greek -istēs or Latin -ista, denoting an adherent or practitioner of a belief/system.
Etymology Origin:
The term Islamist emerged in the late 20th century to describe individuals or movements seeking to implement Islamic teachings in political or social governance. It combines Islam (the religion) with -ist, a suffix often used to form nouns indicating ideological alignment (e.g., socialist, capitalist). While neutral in academic contexts, it can carry negative connotations when associated with extremism.
Some scholars distinguish between Islamists who pursue political change peacefully and those who endorse violence.
The term Islamist is frequently debated in media for its broad and sometimes pejorative usage.
Not all Muslims identify as Islamists, as the term specifically references political activism.
Critics argue that labeling groups as Islamist oversimplifies diverse interpretations of Islam.
The Islamist party gained seats in the election by campaigning for Sharia-based reforms.