Consequences of Sectarian Intolerance
Sectarian intolerance leads to a series of negative repercussions that can harm a society and foster animosity among its members. The consequences of sectarian intolerance include the following:
- The proliferation of division and the disintegration of the social framework, resulting in various sectarian conflicts characterized by insults, defamation, and hostility.
- The emergence of rivalry among followers of different sects, which fosters discord, hatred, and animosity among them.
- The rise of extremism and radicalism across various regions.
- Economic decline and decreased productivity of the state due to chaos and a pervasive sense of insecurity.
Understanding Sectarian Intolerance
Sectarian intolerance is defined as an internal drive that intensifies an individual’s rigidity, causing them to perceive themselves as infallibly right and others as unequivocally wrong without proof. This mindset manifests in attitudes, behaviors, and aggressive reactions that lead to contempt for those perceived as different, disregard for their rights, and a violation of their humanity. The term ‘sect’ linguistically denotes a path, alluding to a way or method, and can also refer to a fundamental principle, opinion, direction, intention, or belief.
In a more specific context, sectarianism refers to a religious belief system or the ideological approach an individual adopts independent of religion. This perspective often results in hostility, enmity, deviation, and innovation within a sect, leading to segmentation among community members, groups, or even religious denominations, especially in times of conflict, often citing doctrinal issues contrary to clear and authentic texts.
Root Causes of Sectarian Intolerance
Several factors can contribute to the rise of sectarian intolerance within society, including:
- Disagreement and contradictions regarding specific minor issues among various religious sects.
- Historical animosities between two groups or sects due to prior disputes.
- Rejection of authentic and verified hadiths while elevating sectarian views based on weak or fabricated traditions and erroneous perspectives.
- Abnormal treatment of a leading figure by their followers, leading to an excessive adherence to their statements and teachings as though they are infallible.
- The influence of historical rulers and monarchs who promoted specific sects and compelled the populace to adhere to them as a condition for gaining power and access to governance, thereby giving rise to blind imitation and sectarian dominance in Muslim societies.
- A neglect of the fundamental teachings and principles of religion.
- The distinct characteristics of different sects, each with its own schools, leaders, students, heritage, mosques, and neighborhoods, which has significantly contributed to the emergence and deepening of sectarianism.
Strategies to Mitigate Sectarian Intolerance
Several strategies can be considered to reduce the issue of sectarian intolerance among individuals, including:
- Limiting funding for leadership or political parties that exacerbate sectarian intolerance within society.
- Fostering the development of civil society and enhancing freedom of expression.
- Improving urban areas to incorporate various social sectors and encourage economic and social interactions, contributing to societal stability.
- Raising awareness among community members through the effective use of local media.