ABSTRACT
Chapter 7 covers the role of narratives in global jihad. In spite of ideological differences between some jihadist organizations, there exists a master jihadist narrative that resonates with a significant minority of Muslims. As such, the Muslim world has been humiliated and discriminated; the Caliphate will be established to replace the secular world; and apocalyptic jihad is the best solution. Master narratives supersede narratives in importance because they are an essential element or reason for jihadists’ raison d’être. For this reason, master jihadist narratives serve as a platform for Islamic radicalization with the ultimate objective of mobilizing the ummah for violent actions. Of particular importance in this chapter is the comparison between eschatological (apocalyptic) narratives of Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Another specific section on the “neglected duty” is provided in this chapter as well. As such, the neglected duty of Muslims has been denounced by jihadist leaders, complaining that Muslims have abandoned their duty of fighting the Infidels and Muslim apostate régimes.
