Islamism is a set of ideologies holding that Islam is not only a religion but also a political system; that modern Muslims must return to the roots of their religion, and unite politically. It is a controversial term and definitions sometimes vary. Leading Islamist thinkers emphasized the enforcement of sharia (Islamic law) on Muslims; of pan-Islamic political unity; and of the elimination of non-Muslim, particularly western military, economic, political, social, or cultural influences in the Muslim world, which they believe to be incompatible with Islam.
Some observers suggest Islamism’s tenets are less strict and can be defined as a form of identity politics or support for Muslim authenticity, broader regionalism, and revivalism. Still others define it as an Islamic militant, anti-democratic movement, bearing a holistic vision of Islam whose final aim is the restoration of the ‘caliphate.’ Many described as ‘Islamists’ disfavor the term, and claim their political beliefs and goals are simply an expression of Islamic religious belief. Similarly, some scholars favor the term activist ‘Political Islam’ instead.
The Daily Omnivore 
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