Jihad and Dawah

Acutely observed, subtly argued, and always informed. Yasmeen skillfully charts and contextualizes the evolution of two groups generally neglected by the literature on political Islam. Given the widespread anxiety over jihadism, a nuanced discussion of its evolved meanings and relationship to other forms of Islamic activism is both needed and timely. -- James Piscatori, Professor at the Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Australian National University and co-author of Muslim Politics To fully counter extremism, one needs to understand its foundational narratives. By analyzing those of Laskhar-e-Taiba and Jamat ud Dawah, Samina Yasmeen brings Pakistan one step closer to restoring the foundational values set by the Quaid-i-Azam--ilm (knowledge), adl (justice) and ihsan (compassion). A must-read for better understanding Muslim society. --Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University, Washington DC A carefully researched and deftly argued analysis of Jamaat-ud-Dawa's origins, scope and evolution. Drawing on substantial fieldwork and original sources, Yasmeen illuminates the organization's social welfare functions and roots in the terrorist entity LashkarI-Toiba. This work should be of considerable use to scholars, journalists and practitioners interested in various non-state actors' role within Pakistan. -- Sumit Ganguly, Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations and Professor of Political Science, Indiana University Bloomington