Questions of war : Notions of jihad and terrorism in Leila ABOULELA's The kindness of enemies (2015)

Abstract

The present paper commits to the study of Leila Aboulela's The Kindness of Enemies (2015). In this regard, the novel is analysed by putting emphasis on the historical and the contextual frame presented in this "multi-period" novel which shifts between contemporary and historical subplots. This dual timeline approach lets the reader discover the story of Imam Shamil, who was an important figure of Jihad in the 19th century, through this protagonist the reader can understand the significance of beliefs when leading a warfare, but most importantly the reader projects himself in a timeline where Jihad carried a meaning which promoted honour, dignity and faith. Consequently, the research work attempts to examine the primary values of Jihad at that time. However, throughout the contemporary plot, a contrast is put to light and let place to the parallels and the differences between the present and the past. In fact, via the protagonist Natasha and the other characters, the research work attempts to compare and examine the ideological stance Jihadism conveys in a post-9/11 world. Thus, the study undertakes the analysis of the systematic assimilation of Jihad with terror, then highlights the impact of stereotypes and misrepresentations of Arabs and Muslims in the Western world