Framing, new social identity and long-term loyalty. Hizb ut-Tahrir’s impact on its members

The present paper explores the role of the radical non-violent Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir in retaining long-term member loyalty. More specifically, this study explores Hizb ut-Tahrir’s framing of the group and the creation of a deep-rooted social identity that fosters loyalty and long-term membership among its associates. Starting with a review of the relevant scholarship on frames and social identity, this paper explores the origin of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s frames—the group’s ‘Aqeedah (doctrine)—and the consequent set of values that define HT members’ social identity. This paper concludes that while frames are essential in the creation of a new social identity that strongly binds the individual to the group, two mechanisms produce HT members’ loyalty over the long run: self-efficacy and positive intergroup differentiation. These mechanisms account for Hizb ut-Tahrir’s appeal and activities in more than 45 countries around the world, where the group represents the choice of all those segments of Muslim diaspora communities who might agree with Islamist arguments but who strongly reject the use of violence.