The Historical Roots Of Religious Extremism And The Sanctification Of Individuals And Its Environmental Impact On Societal Disintegration And The Obstruction Of Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study aims to explore the historical roots of the phenomenon of religious extremism (ghulūw) and the sanctification of individuals, and to analyze its comprehensive "environmental" impact on the disintegration of societies and the obstruction of sustainable development. The research examines the origins of extremism from the earliest human eras, beginning with the people of Noah, progressing through ancient civilizations and previous religions such as Judaism and Christianity, and culminating in the emergence of extremist sects in Islam, such as the Sabaʾiyya and the Khawārij. The study highlights how this phenomenon evolved and became entrenched over time, presenting prominent historical and doctrinal examples of extremism in the veneration and sanctification of individuals. The analysis focuses on the profound negative effects of this extremism on the social, intellectual, and psychological environments of societies. These effects manifest in the fragmentation of the social fabric, the stagnation of the intellect, the spread of ignorance, and the stifling of innovation, all of which directly impede the ability of societies to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. The study asserts that understanding these historical roots is essential for confronting contemporary extremist ideologies, safeguarding societies from the destructive consequences of extremism, and ensuring the sustainability of their well-being in all its dimensions.