Modern Islamist terrorists look back to the early years of Islam to justify their actions. This book examines the origins, development and character of the classical Islamic doctrine of war that was followed at that time, and the implications for the West of the terrorists’ return to this teaching.

Modern Islamist terrorists look back to the early years of Islam to justify their actions. This book examines the origins of the classical Islamic doctrine of war that was followed at that time and explores its later development. It explains the ideology, logic and beliefs that drive the terrorists and demonstrates the consequences for the West of this return to the early teachings of Islam.

Patrick Sookhdeo has a Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University on issues relating to Islam and society. He is the Director of the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity and also serves as a senior advisor and consultant on security and military issues. He is currently Adjunct Professor at George C. Marshall European Center and Senior Visiting Fellow at the Defence Academy of the UK, as well as lecturing at other institutions. He is author of 21 books.