Part-Time Foreign Jihadist Fighters in the Syrian Civil War

This study examines the reasoning behind the decision of some Muslims to become foreign jihadist fighters and the manner in which they carried out their jihad. Through participant observation and interviews with a religious group in Istanbul made up of active fighters and supporters of the Syrian jihad, this paper’s findings suggest that the radicalization process is driven by Islamic ideology, perceived discrimination and injustice against Muslims, as well as by the perceived obligation to defend Muslim communities under threat. However, contrary to popular belief, the objective of jihad is not solely to attain martyrdom or defeat the enemy. Fulfilling daily tasks, such as digging trenches or cooking meals for fellow fighters, can also be seen as ways to attain divine approval. The Syrian Civil War is viewed by many foreign jihadist fighters as a chance to participate in jihad, after which they plan to return to their normal lives, with this process potentially repeating itself multiple times throughout their lifetime.