# Islamist

/ˈɪsɫəmɪst/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/islamist
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. political supporter

noun · CEFR B2

someone who believes that Islamic law should be the basis for a country's government and politics.

For teachers: a supporter of Islamism, specifically one who advocates for the implementation of Islamic law in the political and social spheres.

- The election was won by an Islamist who promised to change the country's laws.
- Political analysts debated whether the newly elected Islamist would moderate his stance once in power or pursue a strict religious agenda.

### 2. political movement

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the belief that Islam should guide a country's laws and government.

For teachers: relating to or supporting Islamism as a political ideology.

- Several Islamist groups joined together to protest the new government policy.
- The rise of Islamist movements in the region has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape over the last three decades.

### 3. scholar

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who studies the religion, history, or culture of Islam.

For teachers: an academic or specialist who focuses on Islamic studies, history, or theology.

- The university invited a famous Islamist to speak about ancient history.
- As a leading Islamist, she has published several influential papers on the evolution of jurisprudence in the early caliphate.

Usage: In modern contexts, this sense is often replaced by 'Islamic scholar' to avoid confusion with political meanings.

Teaching tip: Note that in modern news, this word almost always refers to politics; using it for a scholar may cause confusion.

## Examples

- The Islamist party won the local elections last month.
- Political analysts debated whether the new Islamist movement would participate in the democratic process or seek to change the constitution.
- The rise of Islamist groups in the region during the late twentieth century fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape, challenging secular nationalist frameworks that had dominated for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.