The growth of jihadist movements in the post-Soviet space has generated significant scholarly interest in the ideological and theological mechanisms that sustain militant mobilization. Russia, particularly the North Caucasus, represents an important regional context where global jihadist doctrines intersect with local political conflicts and historical narratives of resistance. This article examines the theological foundations of Russian jihadist movements in order to understand how militant actors reinterpret Islamic doctrines to legitimize violence and construct ideological authority. The study aims to analyze the key theological concepts that shape jihadist discourse in Russia and to explore how global Salafi-jihadist ideology has been adapted to the regional context. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative analysis of academic literature, ideological texts, and documented cases of militant movements operating in the North Caucasus. Particular attention is given to the reinterpretation of core doctrinal concepts such as tawhid, takfir, and jihad as an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn), as well as the influence of transnational organizations including al-Qaeda and ISIS. The findings demonstrate that Russian jihadism represents a hybrid ideological system in which global Salafi-jihadist doctrines are integrated with regional political grievances, anti-Sufi polemics, and Russian-language digital propaganda networks.
Amangeldi et al. (2026) studied this question.