THE VIRULENT INFLUENCE OF KHAWARIJ PHILOSOPHICAL AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE ON BOKO HARAM’S MILITANT LEADER ABU MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR AL-SHEKAWI (SHEKAU) (1965-2021)
Ibrahim Braji, PhD
Volume 10 Issue 1
Abstract
The influence of the Khawarij sect on jihadist movements around the world and within Nigeria has yet to attract scholarly discourse. Khawarijism is one of the oldest extremist Islamic sects, whose origins date back to the early Islamic period. It has been serving as a catalyst for the formation of various jihadist groups operating today in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. This paper aims to explore the sect's influence on Boko Haram’s insurgency under the leadership of Abu Muhammad Abubakar Al- Shekawi (Shekau). The essay tries to analyze the manifestation of the sect’s ideological and philosophical beliefs on Shekau, which translated to his violent disposition, uncompromising stance, strict adherence to Sharia Law, and condemning anything deviating from his interpretation of Islam. Khawarij’s rigid framework and narrow interpretation of Islam shaped Shekau’s beliefs, thinking, operational tactics, and strategies. Key Words: Khawarij, Boko Haram, Extremism, Terrorism and Ideology
Download Paper