Understanding ‘jihadist’ nasheeds through symbolic convergence theory (SCT)

Abstract

This article applies symbolic convergence theory (SCT) to the use of nasheeds by ‘jihadist groups’. SCT postulates that individuals come together to form a cohesive group with a shared consciousness and symbolic reality. SCT rests on fantasy themes. Fantasy themes are both a psychological and rhetorical mechanism to generate and organize interpretations of events. By and large, a nasheed is an Islamic-themed chant that often sings the praises of Allah and/or the Prophet Muhammad. Recently, nasheeds have been co-opted by ‘jihadist groups’ to motivate Muslims to join the ‘jihad’. An important conclusion of this analysis is that organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, through careful construction and manipulation of nasheeds, are able to (1) unite groups through dramatization of messages and shared group fantasies, (2) convey a message of global Muslim triumph and (3) inflame passions and arouse actions through violent holy war.