The Features of Distinction between Revolutionary Movements and Extreme Groups in the Islamic World

The formation of Islamic movements and extremist groups in the contemporary Islamic world has raised many questions about the fields, goals, and approaches related to Islamist groups and movements for sociology scholars. Given the differences between extremist groups and Islamic movements, the difference in their formation is of particular importance. Accordingly, the present study seeks to answer this question: “What are the features of the distinction between the bases of the formation of radical movements and the revolutionary movement in the Islamic world?” The authors believe that intellectual principles and sociological foundations of both are different and by using the environmental conditions, they seek to establish a new political identity based on Islamic principles. Extreme groups are the product of historical, geographic, and political conditions in the Muslim world, while revolutionary movements and reform movements have been shaped while interfacing external problems, especially colonialism and domestic problems. Findings of the research indicate that the two radical and revolutionary groups, in addition to responding to the common problems of Islamic societies, are in contrast with two different types of political thinking and behavior. Extreme movement has led to the spread of conflicts in the Middle East and the social gap and Islamophobia, while the revolutionary movement is a good platform for strengthening political Islam and convergence in the Islamic world.