The Error of Political Islam

CONSEQUENCES OF MISINTERPRETATION focus their minds on strategies for seizing power, this interpretation has cultivated a similar mentality among those who are influenced by it. Effect on the Audience Those influenced by this interpretation begin to perceive Islam primarily as a political and social system. Consequently, they start viewing their audience in much the same way that general political and social movements view theirs. Their focus shifts from guiding people toward spiritual rectitude to “shaping public opinion” to secure as many votes as possible for gaining power in the current democratic age. The distinctions between Muslim and non-Muslim change in their perspective. At this point, I would like to quote a line from The Policy of the Jamaat (published in 1959): “Since the Quranic invitation is a universal one, addressing every individual regardless of race or community, and since both Muslim and nonMuslim communities exist in our country, our movement will consider both types of people as its audience. From the perspective of the movement’s interests, each of these groups holds a distinct importance that is not shared by the other.” The significance of the Muslim group, according to this interpretation, lies in the assumption that members for