This document discusses a research project examining the theological content and narratives within Muslim violent extremist materials. It aims to better understand how theological references to paradise, martyrdom, and virtues of jihad are used in extremist messaging and how they may influence cognitive decision making. The researcher conducted interviews with ideological supporters of extremism in Pakistan and will analyze responses to identify theological stimuli and relate them to theories of cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion regulation. The research intends to offer new perspectives that could inform counterterrorism policies and intervention programs.

1. Rizwan Mustafa
College of Arts & Law
rxm355@bham.ac.uk
MY THOUGHTS
ARE SACRED
Muslim Violent Extremism: A Theological Narrative Analysis
2. Why Is It Important?
Identifying the theological content (overt or covert) within
MVE narrative will allow researchers to better understand
how MVE narrative is structured. In doing so it will provide
an opportunity appreciate how non jurisprudential
theological references, for example the virtues of paradise
and martyrdom, are utilised in communication of the
overall message. The research will also provide an
opportunity to explore links between MVE theological
stimuli and cognitive decision making processes.
6. Contact Details
Rizwan Mustafa
Telephone
(0044) 07473 103 783
LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/rizwan.mustafa
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMttfvbniis
3. Theological Stimuli & The Brain
The human brain possesses a unique ability that enables
humans to transcend, to visualise abstract themes and
incomprehensible narratives. MVE narrative contains just
that, theological virtues of Jihad and martyrdom in which
promises of absolution and paradise are made. Theory
suggests that theological stimuli feed in to human brain
networks and cement individual's decisions to commit acts
of terror. Some research also suggests that emotional
regulation processes can be utilised to alter decisional
outcomes. Thus it maybe possible to utilise the theological
stimuli in MVE narrative to inuence decisional outcomes.
1. This Research
This research examines the theological content within
Muslim Violent Extremist (MVE) narrative. Much time and
attention has been spent on analysing the jurisprudential
arguments that are both in favour of and against the use
of violent extremist tactics. However there is currently an
under appreciation of the non jurisprudential theological
content, its signicance and impact.
5. Practical Applications
• Contribute to the wealth of knowledge in this area
and offer a fresh new perspective.
• Develop hypotheses for future interdisciplinary
investigation in this area.
• Inform governmental counter terrorism policy.
• Inform and develop counter terrorism intervention
programmes.
• Promote social cohesion and reduce anti Muslim hate
crime following terrorist incidents.
4. How Can It Be Achieved?
This research will benet from a basic investigation
utilising qualitative research methods. Field research has
been conducted in Pakistan where ideological supporters
of MVE were interviewed. Their responses will be analysed
and theological stimuli deduced in order to reect it upon
theories of CBT and emotion regulation. In addition to
subject interviews open source media will also be
interrogated as well as accounts obtained from other
researchers who have interviewed terror suspects.
References
Burki. S, K., 2011. Haram or Halal? Islamists Use of Suicide Attacks as "Jihad". Terrorism and Political Violence., pp. 582-594.
Gross, J. J., 2013. Emotion regulation: Taking stock and moving forward.. American Psychological Association, p. 361.
Marranci, G., 2011. Integration, minorities and the rhetoric of civilization. The case of British Pakistani Muslims in the UK and Malay Muslims in Singapore. Ethnic and Racial Studies, May, pp. 816-827.
Mustafa, R., 2013. A Critical Analysis of the Causes of Muslim Violent Extremism: A Fresh Perspective.. Birmingham: s.n.