In our attempt to establish the Deen of Allah (SWT), most Islamic movements have chosen either the ballot (electoral politics) or the bullet (armed confrontation) as the basis of their methodology. Keeping in view the failure of the ballot and bullet approaches, IONA seeks guidance from our primary sources (Qur’an and Sunnah) to gain fresh insight into proper methodology. The methodological principles used by IONA are derived from the biography (seerah) of the Prophet (SAW), interpreted in light of the contemporary social and political context.

An objective study of the seerah of the Prophet (SAW) reveals that his struggle was revolutionary in nature and dynamic, consisting of six distinct phases:

• Call to the oneness of God, Tawheed (Da’wah)
• Organization (Tanzeem)
• Purification and Training (Tazkiyah & Tarbiyah)
• Passive Resistance (Sabr)
• Active Resistance (Iqdam)
• Confrontation (Tasadum)

Each phase is an essential pre-requisite for the following phase, though the first four phases overlap. Ignoring or only partially fulfilling the requirements of any of the six phases seriously   compromises (and may totally undermine) the integrity of the entire struggle. Progression from one stage to another is cumulative – as the movement advances into a higher stage, the preceding stage is not ignored, but is being built upon. In this way, passing from the stage of calling and inviting (Da’wah) to the stage of organization (Tanzeem) does not abrogate the responsibility to call society towards Islam. Rather, the call of Islam is strengthened by the evolution of the movement from the call of an individual or small group into an organized platform. 

Similarly, purification and training (Tazkiyah and Tarbiyah) affirms the structural integrity of the organization and prepares the individuals as well as the organization to firmly withstand the inevitable opposition to the movement through passive resistance. In the first four stages, therefore, the movement initiates an ideological confrontation and engages the society in rigorous debate about the superiority and necessity of submission to Allah (SWT). Though opposition may become increasingly hostile and even violent, the movement must respond with great patience and perseverance. It is through this hardship that the members of the movement must pass, thus purifying their aspirations and strengthening their resolve.

The final two stages mark a transition from ideological challenge to practical implementation. Upon achieving sufficient recognition, credibility, and strength, the Islamic movement will initiate an active resistance. This will set the stage for the non-violent direct action and civil disobedience.