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New report compares transnational Islamist structures using Cambodia as an example. 

This publication by the Austrian Fund for the Documentation of Religiously Motivated Political Extremism (Documentation Centre Political Islam) entitled ‘How do the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafism Differ from Each Other?’ analyses the various forms of Islamist movements in Cambodia. Social anthropologist Zoltan Pall analysed the differences between the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist groups in terms of their ideology, goals, strategies, socio-political environment and the activities of their affiliated institutions and NGOs. Both the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist groups try to exert influence on Muslim minorities in the Southeast Asian country through their activities. ‘The new report shows the transnational organisation, development and heterogeneous nature of Islamist networks. The methods and goals of the groups to influence the Muslim community as well as the current trends in Kambodia also provide valuable insights for Europe,’ says Lisa Fellhofer, Director of the Documentation Centre Political Islam.

Differences and new trends

The two Islamist movements pursue different strategies for the Islamisation of society through their structures. In the Kingdom of Cambodia, they are primarily supported with funds from Kuwait. The Muslim Brotherhood has organised itself through the ‘Rahma’ association, with clear hierarchies, disciplined cadres, loyal appointments and leading roles in the financial, economic and charitable sectors. The flexible organisation has also established itself in the education sector in particular and is ideologically more open to achieving its goals than Salafist groups.

The organisations close to Salafism, on the other hand, rely more on religious scholars and several small networks that are less open to the outside world and propagate a stricter world view. The groups analysed are diverse, informal and horizontal in their structure and focus on missionary and educational work. However, post-Salafi trends can be observed in which Muslim youths follow a less strict way of life. This can be attributed to the emergence of a new urban middle class, which is particularly focussed on the Muslim Brotherhood and its ideology. As a result, it is increasingly gaining acceptance and prestige in the Muslim community. The report thus once again highlights the ideological potential of the Muslim Brotherhood.

DPI Report: How do the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafism Differ from Each Other?