Islamist

/ˈɪzləmɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who advocates for Islam to be a major influence in political, social, and legal systems.

Etymology

From 'Islam' (Arabic 'al-islām' meaning 'submission') plus the suffix '-ist' (denoting a person who practices or advocates something). The term emerged in the 20th century to distinguish religious ideology from religious belief.

Kelly Says

The word is politically charged because it describes people with vastly different goals—some want religious influence in government, others want to overthrow governments, making the term a linguistic minefield.

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