Influential Leaders of Algerian Moderate Islamist Parties: A Comparative Study of Mahfouz Nahnah’s and Abdallah Jaballah’s political activity (1991–1995)

The article chronicles the period from 1991 to 1995, a crucial era in Algerian history. It scrutinizes the activities, ideologies, and objectives of two moderate Islamist parties: The Movement for an Islamic Society (Harakat li-Mujtama' Islami, MIS) and the Islamic Renaissance Movement (Harakat al-Nahdha al-Islamiyya or al-Nahda). Among the objectives of this scholarly investigation is to delve into the political initiatives of the leaders of these parties, Mahfouz Nahnah and Abdallah Jaballah, whose identities are intricately intertwined with the operational dynamics of their respective political entities. This research seeks to illuminate their engagements not only with fellow Islamic factions but also with diverse political entities and governmental authorities. Employing a comparative analytical approach, the article aims to underscore the disparities in perspectives and actions undertaken by these influential political figures, notwithstanding the congruence in the overarching political objectives pursued by MIS and Nahda. Both MIS and Nahda fundamentally aspired to institute an Islamic state in Algeria and sought to incorporate Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) into the nation's political and legal frameworks. The concept of "moderate Islamism" as elucidated in this study offers a balanced approach to navigating the intersection of Islamic values and democratic governance, presenting a pathway towards the coexistence of religious traditions and modern political frameworks. The methodological framework of the study constitutes a rigorous and systematic endeavor to assess the contributions of Mahfouz Nahnah and Abdallah Jaballah to Algerian politics within the spectrum of moderate Islamism, offering insights into the complexities of their ideological positions and their impacts on the Algerian political landscape.