Back
About RSIS
Introduction
Building the Foundations
Welcome Message
Board of Governors
Staff Profiles
Executive Deputy Chairman’s Office
Dean’s Office
Management
Distinguished Fellows
Faculty and Research
Associate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research Analysts
Visiting Fellows
Adjunct Fellows
Administrative Staff
Honours and Awards for RSIS Staff and Students
RSIS Endowment Fund
Endowed Professorships
Career Opportunities
Getting to RSIS
Research
Research Centres
Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)
Centre of Excellence for National Security
Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
Research Programmes
National Security Studies Programme (NSSP)
Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP)
Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
Other Research
Future Issues and Technology Cluster
Research@RSIS
Science and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
Graduate Education
Graduate Programmes Office
Exchange Partners and Programmes
How to Apply
Financial Assistance
Meet the Admissions Team: Information Sessions and other events
RSIS Alumni
Outreach
Global Networks
About Global Networks
RSIS Alumni
Executive Education
About Executive Education
SRP Executive Programme
Terrorism Analyst Training Course (TATC)
International Programmes
About International Programmes
Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers (APPSMO)
Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO)
International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS)
International Strategy Forum-Asia (ISF-Asia)
Publications
RSIS Publications
Annual Reviews
Books
Bulletins and Newsletters
RSIS Commentary Series
Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
Commemorative / Event Reports
Future Issues
IDSS Papers
Interreligious Relations
Monographs
NTS Insight
Policy Reports
Working Papers
External Publications
Authored Books
Journal Articles
Edited Books
Chapters in Edited Books
Policy Reports
Working Papers
Op-Eds
Glossary of Abbreviations
Policy-relevant Articles Given RSIS Award
RSIS Publications for the Year
External Publications for the Year
Media
Cohesive Societies
Sustainable Security
Other Resource Pages
News Releases
Speeches
Video/Audio Channel
External Podcasts
Events
Contact Us
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Think Tank and Graduate School Ponder The Improbable Since 1966
Nanyang Technological University Nanyang Technological University
  • About RSIS
      IntroductionBuilding the FoundationsWelcome MessageBoard of GovernorsHonours and Awards for RSIS Staff and StudentsRSIS Endowment FundEndowed ProfessorshipsCareer OpportunitiesGetting to RSIS
      Staff ProfilesExecutive Deputy Chairman’s OfficeDean’s OfficeManagementDistinguished FellowsFaculty and ResearchAssociate Research Fellows, Senior Analysts and Research AnalystsVisiting FellowsAdjunct FellowsAdministrative Staff
  • Research
      Research CentresCentre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)Centre of Excellence for National SecurityInstitute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
      Research ProgrammesNational Security Studies Programme (NSSP)Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP)Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme
      Other ResearchFuture Issues and Technology ClusterResearch@RSISScience and Technology Studies Programme (STSP) (2017-2020)
  • Graduate Education
      Graduate Programmes OfficeExchange Partners and ProgrammesHow to ApplyFinancial AssistanceMeet the Admissions Team: Information Sessions and other eventsRSIS Alumni
  • Outreach
      Global NetworksAbout Global NetworksRSIS Alumni
      Executive EducationAbout Executive EducationSRP Executive ProgrammeTerrorism Analyst Training Course (TATC)
      International ProgrammesAbout International ProgrammesAsia-Pacific Programme for Senior Military Officers (APPSMO)Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO)International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS)International Strategy Forum-Asia (ISF-Asia)
  • Publications
      RSIS PublicationsAnnual ReviewsBooksBulletins and NewslettersRSIS Commentary SeriesCounter Terrorist Trends and AnalysesCommemorative / Event ReportsFuture IssuesIDSS PapersInterreligious RelationsMonographsNTS InsightPolicy ReportsWorking Papers
      External PublicationsAuthored BooksJournal ArticlesEdited BooksChapters in Edited BooksPolicy ReportsWorking PapersOp-Eds
      Glossary of AbbreviationsPolicy-relevant Articles Given RSIS AwardRSIS Publications for the YearExternal Publications for the Year
  • Media
      Cohesive SocietiesSustainable SecurityOther Resource PagesNews ReleasesSpeechesVideo/Audio ChannelExternal Podcasts
  • Events
  • Contact Us
    • Connect with Us

      rsis.ntu
      rsis_ntu
      rsisntu
      rsisvideocast
      school/rsis-ntu
      rsis.sg
      rsissg
      RSIS
      RSS
      Subscribe to RSIS Publications
      Subscribe to RSIS Events

      Getting to RSIS

      Nanyang Technological University
      Block S4, Level B3,
      50 Nanyang Avenue,
      Singapore 639798

      Click here for direction to RSIS

      Get in Touch

    Connect
    Search
    • RSIS
    • Publication
    • RSIS Publications
    • CO16191 | Banning of ISIS’ Al-Fatihin: Is this Enough?
    • Annual Reviews
    • Books
    • Bulletins and Newsletters
    • RSIS Commentary Series
    • Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses
    • Commemorative / Event Reports
    • Future Issues
    • IDSS Papers
    • Interreligious Relations
    • Monographs
    • NTS Insight
    • Policy Reports
    • Working Papers

    CO16191 | Banning of ISIS’ Al-Fatihin: Is this Enough?
    Mohamed Bin Ali

    26 July 2016

    download pdf

    Synopsis

    The authorities in Singapore recently banned Al-Fatihin, a newspaper published by an Islamic State-linked media agency. Will this be enough to reduce the lure of jihadism?

    Commentary

    THE SINGAPORE government recently gazetted Al-Fatihin, a Malay language newspaper published by Furat Media, an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) affiliated media agency as a prohibited publication, making it an offence to possess or distribute the paper.

    On the banning of the document, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) said: “ISIS is a terrorist group which poses a serious threat to the security of Singapore. The newspaper is yet another step by ISIS to spread its propaganda abroad, with a clear intention to radicalise and recruit Southeast Asians to join ISIS. The Singapore Government has zero tolerance for terrorist propaganda and has therefore decided to prohibit Al Fatihin in Singapore.”

    The Challenge of Self-Radicalisation

    The decision to ban Al-Fatihin is a timely move to prevent the paper from falling into Singaporean hands. Singapore takes a strong stand against terrorist propaganda and will embark on decisive measures to counter it. However, the banning of Al-Fatihin newspaper alone will not prevent individuals from being self-radicalised as such materials abound online and offline. The threat of self-radicalisation is far more complex and challenging.

    The use of propaganda materials like Al Fatihin by extremist groups is not a new phenomenon either. Many Muslim youths have been radicalised and influenced by extremist messages they receive largely from the Internet which is the primary medium for their radicalisation and recruitment purposes.

    This is increasingly so as counter-terrorism efforts have made it more difficult for extremist groups to recruit through conventional ways, such as mosques and religious classes and militant organisations. By propagating their ideology in cyberspace, extremists gain direct access to their audiences, bypassing mainstream media and institutions.

    Leaderless Movement

    As a result, we are now witnessing the emergence of a leaderless movement, marked by individuals who are self-radicalised and self-recruited to join the jihadi struggle such as by ISIS through the Internet. The detection of radicalised individuals is a challenge.

    Often, it is only when someone translates his or her ideas into action can we detect them. By then, the ideology has already been imbibed into their belief system and thoroughly shapes their lifestyles thereby increasing the difficulty in countering and eliminating the ideology. From an intelligence perspective, self-radicalised individuals are also harder to monitor and detect.

    Banning extremist materials like Al-Fatihin will no doubt be effective if the authorities are able to detect those who are in possession of the materials and show signs of embracing radical beliefs. The problem is that Al-Fatihin is still being circulated online and it is difficult for the government to know what is going on in cyberspace. Morever, those who have already possessed or downloaded Al-Fatihin could also share the materials with others.

    Why Are Youth Vulnerable?

    For Muslim youths, the current trend is to refer to the Internet when sourcing for religious guidance. However, without a strong foundation in religious knowledge, these youths are unable to discern correct Islamic teachings from contrived Islamic ideals imparted by the likes of ISIS. Indeed, research has shown that many of the radicalised youth attracted to ISIS ideology actually possess a shallow understanding of Islam.

    The wave of Islamic revivalism currently underway is a key reason why many youths are returning to the Islamic fold. Many of them experience feelings of repentance and regret in delaying to deepen their knowledge and practice of Islam. This motivated them to search for religious guidance. It is during this process of searching that many of them are drawn towards and get trapped in extremism. This process of entrapment begins in a very discreet and unconscious manner.

    Many of them are attracted to ISIS due to the excitement and sensation they found in ISIS. By being part of ISIS, they feel they are “somebody” chosen for the “honour” of fighting for Islam and the Muslims whom they believe are trampled upon and badly treated by the “Evil Other”. They are also taken in by the glorious promise of a “shortcut” to heaven via martyrdom.

    What Can Be Done?

    Muslim youth need to be equipped with the ability to have a critical mind and be discerning in what they read. They need to be more critical in assessing the legitimacy and authority of materials they obtain online. In this respect, knowledge is a key armoury. For example, to place the current conflict in the Middle East in its proper context, they must know the historical and political landscape of the Middle East. For them to manage the challenges of practising Islam as a minority in a secular and multi-racial setting, they must be equipped with a sound understanding of how to contextualise Islamic practices according to different settings and situations.

    It is critically important for Muslims to have a contemporaneous understanding and practice of Islam. In this respect, creating institutions of authority and credibility for Muslim youth to refer to for guidance and enlightenment is essential.

    Parents and those who work with youths have a great role to play. They must be vigilant and be fully aware of the signs of radicalisation. An example of a warning sign is an attempt to isolate oneself from the company of family and friends.

    These radicalised youths could also exhibit hatred or intolerance of behaviours deemed impious or not in alignment with their beliefs. They believe that they have found the only true path to religious enlightenment and refuse to engage or debate with ideas that run contrary to theirs. They declare enmity not just to disbelievers but also to fellow Muslims of different sects or those who repudiate violence. Finally, they may develop obsessive patterns of behaviour and pine for martyrdom and the apocalypse.

    With the threat of self-radicalisation Singapore is not immune from the infection of radical and extremist ideologies. As an open, globalised society, Singapore will continue to be exposed to potential sources of radicalisation. Therefore reducing the threat of self-radicalisation is a long-term effort and success cannot be easily claimed. It is, however, crucial to sustain the fight, especially the counter-ideological battle as ideology is the lifeblood of the extremist movement. Ultimately, it is only when we challenge ideas with ideas that hearts and minds may ultimately be won.

    About the Author

    Mohamed Bin Ali is an Assistant Professor with the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also a counsellor with the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG).

    Categories: RSIS Commentary Series / Country and Region Studies / Southeast Asia and ASEAN / Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

    Synopsis

    The authorities in Singapore recently banned Al-Fatihin, a newspaper published by an Islamic State-linked media agency. Will this be enough to reduce the lure of jihadism?

    Commentary

    THE SINGAPORE government recently gazetted Al-Fatihin, a Malay language newspaper published by Furat Media, an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) affiliated media agency as a prohibited publication, making it an offence to possess or distribute the paper.

    On the banning of the document, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) said: “ISIS is a terrorist group which poses a serious threat to the security of Singapore. The newspaper is yet another step by ISIS to spread its propaganda abroad, with a clear intention to radicalise and recruit Southeast Asians to join ISIS. The Singapore Government has zero tolerance for terrorist propaganda and has therefore decided to prohibit Al Fatihin in Singapore.”

    The Challenge of Self-Radicalisation

    The decision to ban Al-Fatihin is a timely move to prevent the paper from falling into Singaporean hands. Singapore takes a strong stand against terrorist propaganda and will embark on decisive measures to counter it. However, the banning of Al-Fatihin newspaper alone will not prevent individuals from being self-radicalised as such materials abound online and offline. The threat of self-radicalisation is far more complex and challenging.

    The use of propaganda materials like Al Fatihin by extremist groups is not a new phenomenon either. Many Muslim youths have been radicalised and influenced by extremist messages they receive largely from the Internet which is the primary medium for their radicalisation and recruitment purposes.

    This is increasingly so as counter-terrorism efforts have made it more difficult for extremist groups to recruit through conventional ways, such as mosques and religious classes and militant organisations. By propagating their ideology in cyberspace, extremists gain direct access to their audiences, bypassing mainstream media and institutions.

    Leaderless Movement

    As a result, we are now witnessing the emergence of a leaderless movement, marked by individuals who are self-radicalised and self-recruited to join the jihadi struggle such as by ISIS through the Internet. The detection of radicalised individuals is a challenge.

    Often, it is only when someone translates his or her ideas into action can we detect them. By then, the ideology has already been imbibed into their belief system and thoroughly shapes their lifestyles thereby increasing the difficulty in countering and eliminating the ideology. From an intelligence perspective, self-radicalised individuals are also harder to monitor and detect.

    Banning extremist materials like Al-Fatihin will no doubt be effective if the authorities are able to detect those who are in possession of the materials and show signs of embracing radical beliefs. The problem is that Al-Fatihin is still being circulated online and it is difficult for the government to know what is going on in cyberspace. Morever, those who have already possessed or downloaded Al-Fatihin could also share the materials with others.

    Why Are Youth Vulnerable?

    For Muslim youths, the current trend is to refer to the Internet when sourcing for religious guidance. However, without a strong foundation in religious knowledge, these youths are unable to discern correct Islamic teachings from contrived Islamic ideals imparted by the likes of ISIS. Indeed, research has shown that many of the radicalised youth attracted to ISIS ideology actually possess a shallow understanding of Islam.

    The wave of Islamic revivalism currently underway is a key reason why many youths are returning to the Islamic fold. Many of them experience feelings of repentance and regret in delaying to deepen their knowledge and practice of Islam. This motivated them to search for religious guidance. It is during this process of searching that many of them are drawn towards and get trapped in extremism. This process of entrapment begins in a very discreet and unconscious manner.

    Many of them are attracted to ISIS due to the excitement and sensation they found in ISIS. By being part of ISIS, they feel they are “somebody” chosen for the “honour” of fighting for Islam and the Muslims whom they believe are trampled upon and badly treated by the “Evil Other”. They are also taken in by the glorious promise of a “shortcut” to heaven via martyrdom.

    What Can Be Done?

    Muslim youth need to be equipped with the ability to have a critical mind and be discerning in what they read. They need to be more critical in assessing the legitimacy and authority of materials they obtain online. In this respect, knowledge is a key armoury. For example, to place the current conflict in the Middle East in its proper context, they must know the historical and political landscape of the Middle East. For them to manage the challenges of practising Islam as a minority in a secular and multi-racial setting, they must be equipped with a sound understanding of how to contextualise Islamic practices according to different settings and situations.

    It is critically important for Muslims to have a contemporaneous understanding and practice of Islam. In this respect, creating institutions of authority and credibility for Muslim youth to refer to for guidance and enlightenment is essential.

    Parents and those who work with youths have a great role to play. They must be vigilant and be fully aware of the signs of radicalisation. An example of a warning sign is an attempt to isolate oneself from the company of family and friends.

    These radicalised youths could also exhibit hatred or intolerance of behaviours deemed impious or not in alignment with their beliefs. They believe that they have found the only true path to religious enlightenment and refuse to engage or debate with ideas that run contrary to theirs. They declare enmity not just to disbelievers but also to fellow Muslims of different sects or those who repudiate violence. Finally, they may develop obsessive patterns of behaviour and pine for martyrdom and the apocalypse.

    With the threat of self-radicalisation Singapore is not immune from the infection of radical and extremist ideologies. As an open, globalised society, Singapore will continue to be exposed to potential sources of radicalisation. Therefore reducing the threat of self-radicalisation is a long-term effort and success cannot be easily claimed. It is, however, crucial to sustain the fight, especially the counter-ideological battle as ideology is the lifeblood of the extremist movement. Ultimately, it is only when we challenge ideas with ideas that hearts and minds may ultimately be won.

    About the Author

    Mohamed Bin Ali is an Assistant Professor with the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also a counsellor with the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG).

    Categories: RSIS Commentary Series / Country and Region Studies

    Popular Links

    About RSISResearch ProgrammesGraduate EducationPublicationsEventsAdmissionsCareersVideo/Audio ChannelRSIS Intranet

    Connect with Us

    rsis.ntu
    rsis_ntu
    rsisntu
    rsisvideocast
    school/rsis-ntu
    rsis.sg
    rsissg
    RSIS
    RSS
    Subscribe to RSIS Publications
    Subscribe to RSIS Events

    Getting to RSIS

    Nanyang Technological University
    Block S4, Level B3,
    50 Nanyang Avenue,
    Singapore 639798

    Click here for direction to RSIS

    Get in Touch

      Copyright © S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. All rights reserved.
      Privacy Statement / Terms of Use
      Help us improve

        Rate your experience with this website
        123456
        Not satisfiedVery satisfied
        What did you like?
        0/255 characters
        What can be improved?
        0/255 characters
        Your email
        Please enter a valid email.
        Thank you for your feedback.
        This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. Learn more
        OK
        Latest Book
        more info