In the first part of a series of articles appearing in the November issue of its newsletter, Iman Research Consulting said that while many did take part in acts of terrorism, many more were merely supporters.
As part of their research, Iman interviewed two women, Malaysian Sarina M, in her 40s and unmarried, as well as Indonesian Rajmah, 50, married – both not their real names – and found that radicalisation was possible in both highly educated professionals as well as those who were largely uneducated.
“What is true is that all these women, including the ones Iman met, want Sharia Law (Hudud) and Islamic Caliphate for their countries,” the article said.
Sarina for instance, was a “highly educated professional”, an accountant to be exact, who became radicalised while studying at the International Islamic University Malaysia. The Islamic Law she studied there, opened her eyes to what she saw as the “right, proper kind of Islam.”
Besides taking to wearing the hijab, she became active in Muslim humanitarian activities, and adopted a new social life that revolved around “usrah” classes, where she mingled with pious Muslims at the university. At one such class, a front for a JI cell based in Kuala Lumpur, Sarina’s indoctrination began. She began contributing financially to Syrian victims of war, and listened to jihadi messages. She also donated to the usrah’s activities, disguised as humanitarian work.
Having disappeared somewhere in Indonesia, Sarina is now an Islamic State supporter.
Rajma and her family meanwhile are members of the Muhammadiyah movement and the Majlis Mujahideen Indonesia (MMI). Two of her children have died fighting for the IS in Syria.
Rajma too was radicalised while at university and met her husband, a member of Jemaah Islamiyah, there too.
Unlike many who opt out of MMI upon marriage, Rajma however issued an ultimatum to her husband, the article said, stating that if he wanted to marry her, he would have to allow her to work and fight for the cause.
She now holds a leadership position in MMI while her husband does not.
“Men have a higher status in the eyes of God, but women play two roles. Women must be active even in the public sphere. They must work for the cause, help the community,” Rajma said.
While disagreeing with child marriages, Rajma however believes shariah law cannot be questioned, and anyone who does so, is considered a kafir. She also believes democracy and politicians are two “ills” that must be done away with including demonstrations as it is haram.
The think tank said their research revealed that female sympathisers and supporters of militant groups believed and adhered to the ideology of Islamic femininity, and that Islam was the antidote to all ills. They also saw themselves as bearers of purity, stability, peace and status quo, and wanted to be seen and perceived as The Ideal Muslimah.
Iman said the radicalisation of women could not be underestimated as their social network i.e. usrahs were “safe spaces for them to create the ideal Muslim environment for socialising and educating themselves on Islam.”
Iman also noted how modern technology had “created a boom in Islamic religious teachings” via webinars, internet TV, social media platforms like Facebook, SMS and WhatsApp as well as Telegram.
“Women involved in militant activities as supporters, activists and fighters themselves are not as weak and gullible as the media portrays them to be. This is a demographic that cannot be underestimated,” Iman said.