Religious Extremism And The Sanctification Of Individuals As An Impediment To The Sustainability Of Environmental Quality Of Life: An Applied Analytical Study In The Contemporary Islamic Context

Abstract

This study aims to analyze religious extremism (Ghulūw) and the sanctification of individuals within the contemporary Islamic context, and their role as a primary impediment to the sustainability of environmental quality of life in its comprehensive sense (social, intellectual, psychological, and natural). The research reviews the definition of Ghulūw and reprehensible sanctification, and highlights the manifestations of this phenomenon in modern reality, such as the blind imitation of celebrities, the deification of symbols, and fanaticism for sects and groups. The study provides an analysis of how Ghulūw contributes to the disintegration of the social fabric, the stunting of reason and creativity, the spread of ignorance and injustice, and the undermining of security and stability—all of which are factors that directly hinder the ability of societies to achieve sustainable development and protect their natural resources. The study discusses the applied implications of these impediments in the current context, emphasizing the challenges that obstruct developmental and environmental initiatives. It affirms the importance of returning to the principles of moderation and temperance in Islam as a fundamental solution to confront Ghulūw, thereby contributing to the building of resilient and sustainable societies—environmentally, socially, and intellectually—in the modern age.