Transnational Networks of Salafi ʿUlama: The Debate over the Sunni-Shi'a Divide

This chapter shifts to an issue of great significance in the development of the networks of Salafi ʿulama. The chapter examines the responses of the ʿulama of both persuasions to the threat of jihadi Salafism. It examines the internal debates within each trend (activist and quietist) as the ʿulama struggled to discredit violent extremism. It further analyzes how the transnational networks of Salafi ʿulama along haraki/quietist lines are fostered or destabilized in dealing with jihadi Salafism given the local circumstances of individual ʿulama. The chapter also analyzes the contestation of Salafi ideals as the ʿulama attempt to absolve themselves from being associated with jihadi Salafi ideology.