Muammar Qadhafi exploits the international community’s fear of al Qaeda. The truth, however, is that Qadhafi’s use of religion and his oppressive policies facilitate the rise of radicalism. Qadhafi for years eliminated all moderate alternatives to his rule, leaving only the most extreme elements standing. In the end, however, Libyans have chosen to reject both Qadhafi and the extremists.
Before Qadhafi seized power, most Libyans—especially those in the east (Cyrenaica) and southeast—followed the reformed Sanusi teachings of Sayyid Mohammad bin Ali al-Sanusi (1787–1859). The founder of the Sanusi order in 1837, Sayyid Mohammad was an Islamic reformer who believed in austerity, simplicity, and the free interpretation of Shari’a. He criticized the rigid interpretation of the Qu’ran by strict Sunni schools in Egypt and what is now Saudi Arabia.
Instead of building on this moderate tradition, Qadhafi scorned it and sought to mobilize religion as a political tool. In the early 1970s, Qadhafi began saturating the Libyan media with condemnation of spirituality and introduced Wahhabi rhetoric, which encourages obedience to the ruler and condemns individuality. Street posters and news programs carry slogans such as “Obey those in authority” and “You are part of a flock and every shepherd is responsible for his own flock.”
Qadhafi has also condemned the Sufi practice of dhikr, which involves reciting and meditating on the names of God. In addition Qadhafi continually wrapped himself in religious symbolism. To this date, Qadhafi calls himself “the Imam of all Muslims.” In the past, his Court Musician Mohamed Hassan penned a song calling the dictator “the Messenger of the Arabian desert”—“Messenger” being the title Muslims give to the Prophet Muhammad.
In addition, Qadhafi has sought to dominate Libya’s political and economic life. Anything Qadhafi says can be considered law and the fulfillment of citizens’ needs are tied to their absolute loyalty to Qadhafi. Collective punishment is enshrined in law and membership in independent labor unions or political parties are crimes punishable by death.
The Libyan Revolution of 2011 was started by young people who are proficient in using communication tools invented by the West and want to see their country as prosperous as Western ones. They have demonstrated no interest in al Qaeda or jihad. Libyans’ demands are simple: they want freedom and to reject Qadhafi’s model of government, which is built on fear and a sultanate style rule by his children. Libyan youths’ desire to build a modern and civil state was evident in one of their slogans, “We don’t want Qadhafi or his children; Libya has its own men.”
The Libyan Revolution is about building a peaceful future, not about revenge. For nearly 42 years, Qadhafi brutally abused Libyans, yet National Council President Mustafa Abdel Jalil has recently offered to stop the bloodshed by offering a safe passage to Qadhafi and his children. By standing with the Libyan Revolution, the world defeats tyranny and radicalism.
Mohamed Eljahmi is a co-founder, former board member, and communications officer of the American Libyan Freedom Alliance. He is also the brother of the late Libyan democratic dissident Fathi Eljahmi, who died on May 21, 2009, while in custody of the Libyan government.