The Ideological Hijacking of the Qur'an: Systematic Textual Distortion in Extremist Discourse

This dissertation examines the systematic manipulation of Qur'anic texts by extremist Islamic groups through a comprehensive textual and exegetical analysis. Drawing on classical and contemporary hermeneutical approaches, this study identifies seven primary methodological distortions employed by radical ideologues: decontextualization, selective citation, semantic manipulation, fabrication, historical erasure, literalist reductionism, and abrogation theory misapplication. Through detailed analysis of key Qur'anic passages frequently cited by extremist organizations, this research demonstrates how scriptural authority is weaponized to justify violence, oppression, and exclusionary practices fundamentally at odds with the Qur'an's normative ethical framework. The findings contribute to counter-radicalization efforts by providing theological practitioners, educators, and policymakers with empirical tools for identifying and refuting extremist scriptural claims.