Contemporary writings on Islam tend to portray global Islamic activism in a negative light. In such writings, the notion of global Islamic activism is often linked to the revival of the Islamic Caliphate as espoused by groups such as the al-Qaida and Ikhwanul Muslimin (Muslim Brotherhood).

By Mohamed Nawab Osman for RSIS

For example, the Malaysian scholar Dr Farish Noor noted that the current trend in globalization is creating groups calling for the return of the Caliphate, the final 'War to end all Wars' and the rejuvenation of Islam in all its plenitude and authenticity. Utilizing the notion of ummah or a global Muslim brotherhood, these movements tend to create a dichotomy of 'Us versus Them' - 'us' here being the Muslim World and 'them' being the Non-Muslim World. It is then predicted in the fashion of Samuel Huntington that there will be a clash between the Islamic civilization and Western civilization.

However the current globalization of Islam has also created other counter-movements advocating the reinterpretation of the Islamic message in light of contemporary realities. These movements are active in the development of education, alleviating poverty and creating inter-faith dialogues with other communities.

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