This article examines the group’s use of violence in the name of jihad, highlighting how their interpretation deviates from traditional Islamic teachings. The term “jihad” has often been misused by radical groups like Boko Haram to justify violence, contradicting Islamic principles. Boko Haram, founded in 2002 by Muhammad Yusuf, opposes Western civilisation and democracy. Initially named Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, it became known as Boko Haram, meaning “Western civilisation is forbidden” in Hausa.
The group began violent activities in 2009, causing over 350,000 deaths. After Yusuf died in 2009, Abubakar Shekau took over in 2010, intensifying attacks in northern Nigeria. Following Shekau’s death in 2021 during a clash with ISWAP, Abu Umaimata became the leader in 2022. Boko Haram is infamous for killings, kidnappings, and destruction. Its ideology stems from Salafi-Wahabi beliefs, influenced by scholars like Abu Muhammad Al Maqdisi. Yusuf, educated through the informal Al-majiri system, opposed Western education, viewing it as anti-Islamic. Research highlights its misuse of Islamic theology to justify violence and its radical roots in Yusuf’s and Shekau’s doctrine.
