An Introduction to the Concept of Recurrence in the Course of History
Occasionally, amidst the unfolding events of the world, phenomena emerge whose appearance seems new, yet whose essence is ancient—much like history itself, which repeatedly teaches its lessons and urges us toward deep reflection and contemplation. The group known as “ISIS” belongs to this category of phenomena, confronting the Islamic world and humanity at large with brutal and terrifying challenges. Yet the question arises: Was this group truly unprecedented and rootless, or can traces of its beliefs and actions be found in the pages of history?
This article is based on the belief that a profound understanding of the ISIS phenomenon cannot be confined solely to contemporary events. It is essential to look back and examine the first major schism within the Islamic community—the rise of a group known as the “Kharijites.” The Kharijites, adhering to a rigid and ruthless interpretation of religion, considered themselves the sole true Muslims and accused all others of disbelief. With their swords, they struck not only their enemies but also former allies, sowing the seeds of division and bloodshed within the nascent Islamic society.
Now, after the passage of centuries, a striking similarity can be observed between the early Kharijites and today’s ISIS. From their takfiri ideology and logic of denying others’ faith to their violent methods and public displays of cruelty designed to instill fear, the parallels are chilling. This resemblance is not coincidental; rather, it is a sign of a destructive pattern’s survival, a pattern that, when provided with suitable intellectual and social conditions, reemerges in a new form and fresh guise.
The aim of this article is not merely to recount atrocities and acts of violence, but to trace the roots of this ideology and reveal the truth: ISIS is not an isolated or unprecedented phenomenon. Rather, it represents the “return” of an old ideology, reemerging in a modern form and aided by advanced tools. Understanding this historical link is key to comprehending what has befallen our world and serves as a warning for the future—to prevent such darkness from emerging again from the shadowy corners of history.
This work strives to present the facts from a fair and well-documented perspective, conveying in clear and accessible language the message that the fight against extremism and violence is, above all, an intellectual and cultural struggle before it is ever a military one, a struggle in which awareness and enlightenment are our most powerful weapons.
Along this path, the various aspects of this phenomenon will be examined, from its historical and ideological roots to its practical methods and destructive consequences. We will see how both groups justified their violence through the misuse of religious concepts, and how, despite all their grandiose claims, they ultimately fell victim to their inevitable fate.
It is hoped that this article, though brief, will serve as a step toward a deeper understanding of this ominous phenomenon and help pave the way for a world free from violence and extremism, a world in which dialogue and tolerance replace brutality and takfir, and in which humanity is respected as a supreme value by all.