The image is the logo of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) as shown on the group’s media outlet (Jundullah Studio) website. The logo consists of several familiar jihadi visual motifs, including a globe behind an open copy of the Qur’an and nestled on two crossed swords. The word “Allah” symbolically stands alone at the top of the globe. Jihadi visual propaganda uses images of the globe/planet earth in order to globalize localized issues and conflicts, as well as to articulate the global aims/nature of the jihadi struggle and/or particular groups. In this context, it should be noted that the IMU is known to have produced an offshoot called the Islamic Jihad Union, which operates in Europe and espouses a much more global jihadist agenda. The swords in the logo suggest a desire on the part of the designer to link the logo to early Islamic history and the first generation of Muslims. Swords are seen as noble weapons that embody the religious purity, nobility and righteousness that is associated with the Prophet, his companions and their successful military campaigns. Thus, the sword helps depict current jihadi activities as modern extensions of those campaigns and lends them an aura of legitimacy.
At the bottom of the logo is a familiar slogan, often used in jihadi jargon and imagery, which reads: “al-jihad madin ila yawm al-qiyama” (“jihad continues until the day of resurrection”). The text comes from a famous hadith (prophetic tradition) attributed to the Prophet himself. Surrounding the globe is a partial quote from the Qur’an (9:29): “qatilu lladhina la yu’minuna bi-llah wa-la bil-yawm al-akhir wa-la yuharrimuna ma harrama Allah wa-rasuluhu” (“fight those who do not believe in God and judgment day, and do not forbid what God and his messenger have forbidden”).
