Islam in the Digital Age: E-Jihad, Online Fatwas and Cyber Islamic Environments

by Gary R. Bunt

The Internet is an increasingly important source of information for many people in the Muslim world. Many Muslims in majority and minority contexts rely on the Internet -- including websites and e-mail -- as a primary source of news, information and communication about Islam. As a result, a new media culture is emerging which is having a significant impact on areas of global Muslim consciousness. Post-September 11th, this phenomenon has grown more rapidly than ever.

Gary R. Bunt provides a fascinating account of the issues at stake, identifying two radical new

Firstly, the emergence of e-jihad ('Electronic Jihad') originating from diverse Muslim perspectives -- this is described in its many forms relating to the different definitions of 'jihad', including on-line activism (ranging from promoting militaristic activities to hacking, to co-ordinating peaceful protests) and Muslim expression post 9/11.

Secondly, he discusses religious authority on the Internet -- including the concept of on-line fatwas and their influence in diverse settings, and the complexities of conflicting notions of religious authority.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2003

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated - his more recent book Hashtag Islam would be a better starting place

[Sami Eerola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on how Muslims behave in the internet, but this is outdated. This book was published before social media and the realization that algorithms can influence what content people consume. But still is interesting reading how Islamic sites function and people use them.

[Vika Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for its day. Dated now.