The education of Muslim women in Daesh’s and Al Qaeda’s online magazines

ABSTRACT

Violent radicalisation is one of the most serious problems jeopardising the peaceful coexistence of many modern societies. In recent years, different research has been performed on the processes of violent radicalisation linked to terrorism and instigated by men. Following the recent increase in the number of women joining Daesh or Al Qaeda, this study examines the persuasive messages that both convey to Muslim women through their official online magazines. Using Atlas.ti software, a qualitative content analysis was conducted on all the articles aimed specifically at women published in these magazines. These groups see women as the cornerstone of the Muslim community, assigning them a key role in its survival and highlighting their contribution to the reproduction and education of future generations. Nonetheless, it has been possible to detect differences and contradictions in the role that these groups give women in violent jihad. The results obtained here contradict the general assertion that women are prompted to join these groups by promises of romance, pointing instead to different factors making them more vulnerable to influence. In conclusion, real decolonisation and educational preventive measures on which a consensus has been reached with the Muslim community are recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Islamic groups
• online magazine
• prevent
• women
• extremism
• education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Fighter.

2 Infidel or apostate.

3 Mundane, material and fleeting life.

4 See the Qur’an at: https://bit.ly/2SZ34fr.

Additional information

Funding

This paper has been written in the framework of the Research Plan of the University of Seville (VPPI-US-2016), as part of the project ‘Islam and peace through Muslim voices. Preventive socio-educational measures’, funded by the Office of Development and Cooperation of the University of Seville.

Notes on contributors

Vicente Llorent-Bedmar

Vicente Llorent-Bedmar is a Senior Lecturer at Department of Theory and History of Education and Social Pedagogy of University of Seville. Past Presidente of Spanish Society of Comparative Education (SEEC). Director of the Research group GIECSE (Comparative Education of Seville).

Verónica Cobano-Delgado Palma

Verónica Cobano-Delgado Palma is a professor at Department of Theory and History of Education and Social Pedagogy of University of Seville. Member of the Research group (GIECSE) (Comparative Education of Seville). Most of her work involves questions about women, Islam an education in the Maghreb.

María Navarro-Granados

María Navarro-Granados is a grant holder at Department of Theory and History of Education and Social Pedagogy of University of Seville. Member of the Research group (GIECSE) (Comparative Education of Seville). Most of her work involves questions about women, Islam an education in disadvantaged contexts.