A Dictionary of Dutchness

Fitna

Fitna is the Arabic word chosen by anti-Islam campaigner and MP Geert Wilders as the title for his much publicised 17-minute video compilation. The ‘film’ aims to show how the Koran incites violence and terrorism. Arabic scholars say there is no direct translation of the word Fitna. Among their suggestions: creation of disorder and mischief, oppression, sedition, rebellion, confusion, test or trial [of faith]. Fitna was released in April 2008 but failed to generate much in the way of international protest.