The Role of Al-Fatihin Magazine Published by the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) in Influencing Women Towards Extremism

The Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) is one of the contemporary extremist groups. They erroneously use religious justification to validate their violent actions against others. This group has successfully influenced a number of Muslims to join their cause. In the context of the Malay Archipelago, ISIS has published the AlFatihin magazine in Malay, serving as propaganda material to sway more Muslims in the region to join them. Based on a qualitative approach, this paper aims to analyze the role of Al-Fatihin magazine in influencing women towards extremism. The research findings indicate that Al-Fatihin magazine employs specific strategies to influence Muslim women towards ISIS. The magazine presents narratives related to sacrifice, obedience to jihad, and the glorification of women's roles in ISIS's struggle. Most notably, it misinterprets Quranic verses to manipulate Muslim women, encouraging them to support and join ISIS. In conclusion, Al-Fatihin magazine must be avoided by all Muslims in the Malay Archipelago to prevent them from falling into extremism. Keywords: Al-Fatihin Magazine; ISIS; Extremism; Women; Malay Archipelago

Islamic Studies

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