Mauao Man

The Rise of Political Islam:

How Islamism Seeks to Change the West

From Gradualism to Governance — How Islamism Uses Democracy to Establish Sharia

Introduction: The Quiet Revolution You Didn’t See Coming

When most people think of Islamism — the political version of Islam — they imagine violent extremists, terrorist groups, and armed uprisings. But the real power of Islamism in the West is not found on the battlefield. It is found in the ballot box, the school board, the media, and the courtroom.

This is Political Islam — a strategic, gradual effort to reshape Western societies to align with Islamic values and, ultimately, Sharia law. This is not a conspiracy theory. It is an openly acknowledged strategy promoted by Islamic scholars and organizations around the world. It is a method of using the freedoms of democracy to undermine those very freedoms.

This post exposes how Political Islam (Islamism) has spread across Western societies, not through violence, but through influence. It reveals the tactics, the organizations, and the real-world consequences of this creeping transformation.

1. What Is Political Islam (Islamism)?

1. Defining Political Islam

Political Islam (Islamism) is the belief that Islam is not just a religion but a complete political, legal, and social system that must govern all aspects of life.
Unlike traditional Islam, which focuses on personal faith, Islamism seeks to establish Islamic law (Sharia) as the governing system for society.
This is achieved through both “top-down” (political power) and “bottom-up” (cultural influence) strategies.

2. The Key Principles of Political Islam

Sharia as Supreme Law: Islamic law is superior to any man-made law.
Gradualism (Tadarruj): The use of slow, incremental steps to introduce Islamic principles.
Theocratic Rule: The ultimate goal is an Islamic state governed by Sharia.
Dawa (Proselytization): Using peaceful preaching to build support for Islam.
Jihad (Struggle): This can be violent or non-violent but is always aimed at establishing Islamic dominance.

2. The Strategy of Gradualism: How Islamism Advances

1. What Is Gradualism?

Gradualism is the strategy of implementing Islamic principles step by step, without provoking resistance.
This strategy is based on the teachings of Hassan al-Banna (founder of the Muslim Brotherhood), who taught that Islam must spread slowly, like the “roots of a tree.”
Sayyid Qutb, another leading Islamist thinker, emphasized that “Islam should be established in stages, just as it was in the time of Muhammad.”

2. How Gradualism Works in the West

Education: Introducing Islamic teachings in schools, promoting “Islamic values” as universal values.
Media: Ensuring positive coverage of Islam, labeling criticism as “Islamophobia.”
Politics: Running Muslim candidates who promote Islamic values, lobbying for Islamic policies.
Legal System: Demanding Sharia-compliant family law, halal certification, and recognition of Islamic finance.
Community Organizations: Building mosques, Islamic schools, and social centers that promote Sharia principles.

3. Real-World Examples: How Political Islam Operates

1. The United Kingdom: The Trojan Horse Scandal

A group of Muslim educators secretly took over state schools in Birmingham, replacing secular education with Islamic teachings.
Non-Muslim teachers were forced out, Islamic prayers were introduced, and girls were segregated.
When the scandal was exposed, the organizers claimed it was a misunderstanding — but it was revealed as a deliberate attempt to “Islamize” schools.

2. France: The Push for Sharia-Compliant Laws

Muslim organizations have pressured the French government to recognize halal certification as a standard for all meat products.
Demands for separate swimming hours for Muslim women in public pools became a nationwide debate.
French Muslim leaders have called for Islamic “community councils” with authority over Muslim family matters — a form of Sharia arbitration.

3. Canada: The Sharia Arbitration Controversy

In 2004, Muslim organizations in Ontario demanded the right to use Sharia law in family disputes.
They argued that this was simply an extension of “multicultural rights.”
After public backlash, the proposal was rejected — but the effort revealed the desire to establish Sharia within Canadian law.

4. The United States: The Rise of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations)

CAIR presents itself as a civil rights organization, but it was founded by members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
CAIR has pressured schools to recognize Islamic holidays, universities to install Muslim prayer spaces, and businesses to provide halal options.
It has also lobbied for “anti-Islamophobia” laws that criminalize criticism of Islam.

4. The Tools of Political Islam: How Influence Is Built

1. Dawa (Islamic Preaching)

Public preaching that presents Islam as peaceful, tolerant, and universal.
Often targets young people, converts, and marginalized communities.
Promoted through mosques, YouTube channels, social media, and campus organizations.

2. Community Organizations

Islamic organizations that present themselves as cultural or social groups but promote Islamic principles.
Examples: Muslim Student Associations (MSA), Islamic Societies, and interfaith dialogue groups.
These organizations often receive government funding under the banner of “diversity” and “community support.”

3. Political Lobbying

Muslim organizations actively lobby for policies that align with Islamic values:
- Halal certification for food products.
- Recognition of Islamic holidays.
- Legal protection for wearing the hijab or niqab.
- Laws against “Islamophobia” — effectively censoring criticism of Islam.

5. Why Political Islam is Dangerous to Secular Societies

1. Undermines Secular Law

Sharia is promoted as superior to secular law.
Muslim communities are encouraged to follow Sharia in private matters, creating a parallel legal system.
In some cases, Muslim organizations push for official recognition of Sharia family law.

2. Erodes Freedom of Speech

Criticism of Islam is labeled as “Islamophobia” and punished.
Media outlets are pressured to present Islam in a positive light.
Schools are forced to teach a sanitized version of Islamic history.

3. Divides Communities

Muslim communities are encouraged to remain separate, rejecting Western values.
Non-Muslims who criticize Islam are ostracized.
Islamic values are promoted as “universal,” but Western values are portrayed as inferior.

6. Can Political Islam Be Stopped?

1. Expose the Strategy

Educate the public about the concept of Political Islam (Islamism) and its goals.
Show how gradualism works and how it is being used in Western countries.

2. Defend Free Speech

Reject the label of “Islamophobia” when it is used to silence criticism.
Demand that all belief systems, including Islam, are open to public scrutiny.

3. Protect Secular Law

Refuse any recognition of Sharia law in legal matters.
Ensure that all citizens are subject to the same legal standards.

4. Challenge Political Influence

Investigate the funding of Islamic organizations.
Ensure that politicians are not influenced by foreign Islamic groups.

Conclusion: The Trojan Horse in the West

Political Islam (Islamism) is not about individual faith. It is about transforming society. It uses the language of rights, tolerance, and multiculturalism to gain a foothold. But its ultimate goal is to replace secular law with Sharia.

If you value free speech, equality, and secular governance, you cannot ignore the rise of Political Islam. It is a slow, calculated strategy — a Trojan horse that presents itself as a peaceful religion but hides a political agenda.

The Two Faces of Islam: Peace for the Public, Power Behind Closed Doors
The Thin Edge of the Wedge: How Gradualism is Changing New Zealand
The Push for an Islamic State: How the Dream of Sharia is Pursued Worldwide

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.