Yogyakarta, 3th of December 2024– In the opening session of the Graduate Conference 2024, held at the Convention Hall of Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN), Stéphane Lacroix, a professor at the Paris Institute of Political Studies and a researcher at the Center for International Studies and Research (CERI), delivered a thought-provoking presentation. Drawing from his seminal work, "Le Crépuscule des Saints: Histoire et politique du salafisme en Égypte" (The Twilight of the Saints: History and Politics of Salafism in Egypt), Lacroix explored how Salafism has transformed Islamic norms in Egypt, a country historically dominated by pluralistic and rational Islamic traditions upheld by institutions like Al-Azhar. He defined Salafism as an ultra-conservative Sunni movement committed to following the practices of the early generations of Islam (Salaf al-Salih). Unlike the politically active Muslim Brotherhood, Salafism focuses on purifying society through individual religiosity rather than engaging with the state.

Lacroix emphasized the stark contrast between Salafism and the Muslim Brotherhood. While the Brotherhood seeks to Islamize the state through inclusive political strategies, Salafism prioritizes strict orthodoxy and develops rigid frameworks of permissible beliefs and practices. He highlighted the paradoxical rise of Salafism in Egypt, where Al-Azhar’s Ash'arite theology traditionally allowed for rational thought and mystical practices like Sufism. Despite this, Salafism gained traction through its entrepreneurial spirit in disseminating religious literature, support from the political establishment, and significant financial backing from Saudi Arabia during key historical periods, particularly in the 1970s.

He further delved into the historical rivalry between Salafism and the Muslim Brotherhood, noting their mutual antagonism and eventual cross-influences starting in the 1970s. Salafist ideas, such as anti-Shia rhetoric, began to permeate Brotherhood discourse, while some Salafists adopted politically radical stances under the Brotherhood’s influence.