Intellectual Extremism and its Practice among some Contemporary Islamic Groups: Delusions of Perceptions and Errors of Beliefs

Abstract

This study aimed to show the relationship between the phenomena of terrorism and intellectual extremism and its practical applications by some contemporary Islamic groups, following a descriptive, historical, analytical, critical, and comparative approach. The study was divided into five sections. Section I dealt with terms and delimitations of the study; Section II addressed the historical origins of the extremist thought and circumstances of establishing its groups; Section III addressed features of the extremist thought and conditions of spreading its groups; Section IV addressed terrorist operations of some armed Islamic groups, Yemen is an example; and  Section V introduced a vision of theoretical and practical treatments to reduce intellectual extremism and practices. The study confirmed some hypotheses such as an incomplete or erroneous, intellectual and religious feedback, claims of monopolizing truth with some people, lack of moderate, rational, enlightened, and religious address, multiplicity and contradiction of intellectual education means, education curricula confusion in Islamic countries and their philosophies, poverty and unemployment, violence and counter-violence, persecution facing Muslims or minorities abroad, and lack of knowledge in Sharia purposes and using them correctly.