In a significant research step shedding light on the roots of extremism and its hidden mechanisms, Dr. Reem Ramzi, a researcher specializing in intellectual and cultural issues, warned against the growing phenomenon of "intellectual indoctrination," describing it as a systematic and deliberate project that does not stop at targeting the individual, but rather extends to striking at the very heart of the national and religious stability of societies. These warnings were included in her doctoral dissertation, which she earned with distinction from Umm Al-Qura University. The dissertation offered a precise diagnosis of how this phenomenon is exploited to create a fertile environment for the growth of terrorism by falsifying collective consciousness and distorting established facts.
Creating illusions and suppressing the scientific method
A study titled “Intellectual Ignorance and its Cultural Effects,” supervised by Professor Abdullah Al-Khudairi of the Department of Qur’an and Sunnah, revealed dangerous strategies employed by extremist groups to fabricate “false knowledge.” These strategies rely primarily on suppressing sound scientific methodology in thinking and replacing reliance on legitimate evidence and rational proofs with emotionally charged doubts. The researcher explained that the tools of this intellectual stagnation focus on narrowing the scope of authentic knowledge and sowing doubts about established doctrinal principles derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, while simultaneously prohibiting any consideration of the interpretations of established scholars. The aim is to create followers devoid of insight, easily manipulated as tools to serve narrow partisan agendas.
Historical context and the importance of intellectual security
This study gains paramount importance from the current temporal and circumstantial context of the region and the world, where terrorism no longer relies solely on physical force, but rather on "intellectual invasion" that targets minds before bodies. Experts in the field of intellectual security point out that the phenomenon of deliberate ignorance is not a recent development, but rather a historical extension of methods used by deviant groups throughout the ages to isolate their followers from society and from trusted scholars, thus facilitating "brainwashing." This study confirms that the battle today is primarily a battle of awareness, and that fortifying minds is no less important than securing borders, especially in light of the digital openness that has facilitated the dissemination of poisonous ideas to young people.
Threat to national identity and social fabric
The research paper demonstrated that the devastating effects of intellectual ignorance extend beyond partisan groups, severely weakening the broader cultural landscape. This ignorance erodes notions of national belonging, fragments loyalties, and sows the seeds of discord and strife, serving the interests of those who promote deviant ideologies. The study identified the most dangerous consequences of this phenomenon: the clash with the pure doctrine of monotheism, the distortion of religious texts through selective interpretations that serve the whims of extremists, and the imposition of alien cultural frameworks that strip national identity of its authentic content and shatter the noble human values upon which society is founded.
The Kingdom's leading role in combating extremism
In her analysis, Dr. Reem highlighted the pivotal and strategic role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stemming from its Islamic and political standing, in confronting these destructive currents. She commended the efforts of the Kingdom's security, religious, and educational institutions, which work harmoniously to protect society from the scourge of deviant ideologies, safeguarding the faith and preserving national security. This approach aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which embraces moderation and combats extremism in all its forms, thereby reinforcing the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Recommendations for strengthening the community
In conclusion, the researcher offered a number of important recommendations, calling for a comprehensive mobilization of research and knowledge, and an intensification of rigorous scientific studies that would enhance the intellectual resilience of society. She also emphasized the importance of exposing the deceptive tactics of those who manipulate public opinion and revealing their methods, thereby ensuring the establishment of intellectual security on firm scientific and legitimate foundations, so that society becomes an impenetrable barrier against all attempts at intellectual and cultural infiltration.
