by Sarah Deniz | April 2025
In the first part of this series, we explored how the ideology of Takfirism underpins the ongoing genocidal violence against Alawite civilians in Syria. In this second part, we expand our view to the broader landscape: the ideological sources of Takfirism, its funding networks, its militant character, its hostility to secularism, and the global trail of terror it has left behind.
What Ideologies Feed Takfirism?
Takfirism did not emerge in a vacuum. Its roots are deeply embedded in extremist interpretations of Islamic theology, primarily those propagated by Salafi and Wahhabi thought.
Wahhabism, a puritanical 18th-century movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the Arabian Peninsula, advocated for a “return” to what it claimed were the original teachings of Islam. It aggressively denounced practices deemed un-Islamic or idolatrous and promoted a rigid monotheism that declared many Muslim practices heretical. Wahhabism became the official religious doctrine of the Saudi state and, over the 20th and 21st centuries, spread far and wide through Saudi-funded schools, mosques, and literature.
Salafism, particularly in its jihadi form, shares this rigid view but adds a political and often violent element. It promotes the idea that society must be reshaped through jihad to conform to its interpretation of Islam. Takfirism takes this even further: not only must society be reshaped, but those who resist must be excommunicated and killed.
The ideology feeds on a binary worldview—believer vs. apostate—and justifies violence as a divine command. It borrows from classical Islamic jurisprudence but distorts it to suit a revolutionary and genocidal agenda.
Sources of Financing
One of the key reasons Takfiri groups have grown in strength and reach is their access to financing. While individual donors and criminal activities (kidnapping, extortion, smuggling) play a role, a substantial portion of their funding has come from state and non-state actors.
Saudi Arabia has historically spent billions on promoting Wahhabi teachings globally. Though the kingdom has more recently moved to curb its links to extremist causes, this legacy of ideological proliferation cannot be ignored. Private donors in the Gulf, particularly in Kuwait and Qatar, have also been identified as key financiers of Takfiri militias in Syria and Iraq.
Qatar has faced repeated accusations of financing groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist factions with ties to Takfiri networks. Through both direct funding and state-aligned charities, these groups have received weapons, salaries, and media coverage, enabling them to recruit, control territory, and expand their influence.
Turkey’s role has included facilitating the movement of foreign fighters across its borders, allowing weapons and personnel to pass into Syria. Turkish-backed militias have, at times, operated in tandem with Takfiri factions or turned a blind eye to their activities.
Why Takfirism Tends Toward Militancy and Terror
Unlike many religious ideologies that preach salvation in the afterlife or moral reform, Takfirism is inherently violent. It demands action in this life, now. The excommunication (takfir) of individuals or entire communities is not simply a judgment—it is a call to arms. Those labeled apostates are not just wrong; they are enemies to be exterminated.
This ideological framework incentivizes violence as a religious duty. Young, alienated men are especially vulnerable to its appeal, as it offers them a powerful narrative of purpose, brotherhood, and martyrdom. Many are recruited through online propaganda or madrassas that teach a version of Islam devoid of critical thinking and full of vitriol.
The emphasis on physical struggle (jihad) against perceived apostates creates a culture where suicide bombings, mass executions, and sectarian warfare are not just tolerated—they are celebrated.
Unlike many religious ideologies that preach salvation in the afterlife or moral reform, Takfirism is inherently violent. It demands action in this life, now. The excommunication (takfir) of individuals or entire communities is not simply a judgment—it is a call to arms. Those labeled apostates are not just wrong; they are enemies to be exterminated.
This ideological framework incentivizes violence as a religious duty. Young, alienated men are especially vulnerable to its appeal, as it offers them a powerful narrative of purpose, brotherhood, and martyrdom. Many are recruited through online propaganda or madrassas that teach a version of Islam devoid of critical thinking and full of vitriol.
The emphasis on physical struggle (jihad) against perceived apostates creates a culture where suicide bombings, mass executions, and sectarian warfare are not just tolerated—they are celebrated.
Hatred of Secularism
Takfiri ideology despises secular governance. In their eyes, a government that separates religion from the state is not just misguided—it is blasphemous.
This is because secularism challenges their core objective: the imposition of their version of divine law (Sharia) on all aspects of life. A secular society, with its pluralism, tolerance, and rule of civil law, is the ultimate threat to Takfirism’s black-and-white worldview.
The democratic process, in particular, is viewed as idolatrous, because it places legislative power in the hands of human beings rather than God. Therefore, secular institutions, leaders, and populations are often among the primary targets of Takfiri attacks.
Takfiri ideology despises secular governance. In their eyes, a government that separates religion from the state is not just misguided—it is blasphemous.
This is because secularism challenges their core objective: the imposition of their version of divine law (Sharia) on all aspects of life. A secular society, with its pluralism, tolerance, and rule of civil law, is the ultimate threat to Takfirism’s black-and-white worldview.
The democratic process, in particular, is viewed as idolatrous, because it places legislative power in the hands of human beings rather than God. Therefore, secular institutions, leaders, and populations are often among the primary targets of Takfiri attacks.
Terrorism: A Deadly Trail
Takfiri groups have committed some of the most brutal acts of terrorism in modern history. While their tactics vary, their targets often include civilians, religious minorities, government officials, and aid workers.
Some of the most notorious attacks include:
Conclusion
Takfirism is more than a religious aberration—it is a global threat. It feeds on extremist doctrines, is bankrolled by wealthy benefactors and complicit states, thrives in chaos, and seeks the destruction of pluralistic and secular life.
To fight Takfirism, we must not only defeat its foot soldiers but dismantle the ideological, financial, and political systems that sustain it. The war against this ideology is not only a military one—it is intellectual, moral, and humanitarian. And it must begin with naming it for what it is.
Takfiri groups have committed some of the most brutal acts of terrorism in modern history. While their tactics vary, their targets often include civilians, religious minorities, government officials, and aid workers.
Some of the most notorious attacks include:
- The 2014 genocide of Yazidis in Sinjar, Iraq, where thousands were killed and women were enslaved by ISIS.
- The 2015 Paris attacks, which killed 130 people and were coordinated by ISIS operatives.
- The 2016 bombings in Brussels, targeting the airport and a metro station.
- Numerous attacks in Syria and Iraq targeting Shia, Christian, and Alawite communities between 2010 and 2019.
- The beheading of journalists and aid workers, often broadcast for psychological impact.
- The March 2025 Alawite Genocide in Syria, where thousands were killed.
Takfirism is more than a religious aberration—it is a global threat. It feeds on extremist doctrines, is bankrolled by wealthy benefactors and complicit states, thrives in chaos, and seeks the destruction of pluralistic and secular life.
To fight Takfirism, we must not only defeat its foot soldiers but dismantle the ideological, financial, and political systems that sustain it. The war against this ideology is not only a military one—it is intellectual, moral, and humanitarian. And it must begin with naming it for what it is.
This article is Part of a series. You can read the other parts here:
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