‘Reaching the land of jihad’ - Dutch Syria volunteers, hijra and counter-conduct

• DOI: 10.1007/s11562-021-00465-3
• Publication Date: 2021-03-31T23:15:24Z
• Authors: Martijn de Koning
• Keywords: Militant; Sociology of religion

Abstract The topic of hijra is very much present in the ideological messages IslamicState and Al Qaeda as well many studies exploring why how people are motivated to join violent struggles Syria. Yet, with a few exceptions, mention something self-evident without meanings attached among volunteers who joined and/or IS. Based upon ethnographic work Dutch Islamic militant activists Behind Bars network constituting vocal early contingent male Syria volunteers, this article explores . I will show that ideas about were essential construction their departure narratives examine for them, different sometimes contradicting ways, became pathway an ethical political transformation. One which was, at same time, being instrumentalized strengthen type governance they tried escape.