Images, visions and narrative identity formation of ISIS

Abstract

This paper analyzes how Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) creates a narrative identity through articles published in the magazine named Dabiq. Drawing on an iconological approach, the analysis of this paper is based on two articles in which ISIS legitimizes its existence and justifies the terror attack in Brussels. The main findings of the analysis are that the identity of ISIS rests on three main narratives. The first narrative draws on the claims that the West has subjugated Muslims and the Caliphate was founded to protect Muslims and to fight back Western dominance. This narrative claims that Muslims are ‘victims’ and therefore have the right to defend themselves. It draws on commonly known ‘fight against oppression’ and taking revenge-logic to gain legitimacy. The second narrative reveals the religious supremacy of ISIS interpretation of Islam. As a result of this, ISIS establishes a totalitarian identity which separates humanity into ‘real Muslims’ who are followers of the Caliphate and the ‘others’ who are either infidels or apostates who deserve death if they refuse to bend over and pledge allegiance to the Caliph Al-Baghdadi. The third narrative is tightly interlinked with the second as it reveals ISIS aspiration for a global dominance due to the religious supremacy of Salafi-Jihadist Sunnis.