Salafi-Jihadism

An excellent and original account of what jihadists actually think. Mr Maher goes well beyond previous works... in setting out a taxonomy of jihadist's system of beliefs. It will be a must-read work in the study of radicalism.

Economist

[A] groundbreaking study... one that nobody with an interest in radical Islam should miss.

Tom Holland, New Statesman

Shiraz Maher makes it clear in his fascinating new book that we are witnessing a very recent phenomenon: "the greatest period of anti-western intellectual development in Salafi-jihadi thought took place in the years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Patrick French, Guardian

A book that is the first of its kind, synthesizing work that has been done on the individual components of Salafi-jihadism. Readers looking for a rigourous but lucid account of Islamic State's ideas will be well-served

Wall St Journal

In this perceptive and lucid survey, Shiraz Maher, who has built up a justified reputation as an authority on contemporary Islamic extremism, traces the evolution of the key ideas behind one of the most significant religious and political movements of our time. He explains their origins, meanings and, above all, their real impact on violent militants over the last three or four decades. Comprehensive and thought-provoking, this is an important and timely contribution

Jason Burke, author of The New Threat from Islamic Militancy

Salafi-Jihadism provides an excellent and important insight into an intricately constructed religious and intellectual situation... it provides much-needed context to some of the most complex and consequential events in the world today. With its elegant, engaging style and crisp brevity, this book is an excellent investigation into a subject many of us would do well to learn that bit more about.

Middle East Eye

Although salafi Jihadism has profoundly shaped global politics for more than three decades, Shiraz Maher is the first to survey the doctrines that have animated and divided the movement. His book will be a standard reference for years to come.

Will McCants

Shiraz Maher does a first rate job of explaining a complex and important issue. Salafi-Jihadism is arguably the fastest growing current within the Muslim thought today and is essential to our understanding of how groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda recruit and justify their acts

Hassan Hassan

A work of genuine interest and originality...indispensable

David Patrikarakos, Literary Review

In the recent flood of accounts of radical Islam, this one stands out. Maher's compelling exploration of Salafi jihadism achieves a level of clarity that perhaps could be produced only by someone who, like Maher, once adhered to that strain of thought. The book is exceptional also in its focus on theology: although Maher is a specialist in jihadist radicalization, he dwells little on jihadists' motivations, paying much more attention to their beliefs.

Foreign Affairs Magazine