How extremist groups hide their crimes behind quotes from philosophers and online thinkers
Political analyst Samah Askar has shed light on a controversial phenomenon involving groups such as ISIS and the so-called “Jihadist Salafism.” He noted that the leaders of these organizations often resort to using quotations and aphorisms taken from the internet—frequently attributed to figures like Voltaire or Schopenhauer—to present themselves as cultured, peaceful, and reflective individuals, despite their direct involvement in violence and bloodshed across conflict zones.
In a statement on platform X, Askar explained that these quotes are deliberately used as a strategic tool to add credibility to extremist narratives and to mislead audiences. By associating their radical ideology with philosophical or humanistic principles, such groups seek to appear intellectually sophisticated, gain societal sympathy, and recruit followers who perceive them as spiritual or reformist rather than violent. This rhetorical deception allows them to craft an illusion of moral legitimacy, particularly among vulnerable youth and those searching for meaning or guidance online.
Askar argued that this strategy exposes a clear moral and religious hypocrisy. While these groups preach virtue, faith, and morality, their actions reflect brutality, intolerance, and destruction. Religion, within their discourse, becomes a performance of rituals and outward appearances, stripped of any genuine ethical or spiritual depth. This separation between external piety and internal corruption reveals the intellectual bankruptcy of extremist thought and its exploitation of faith for power and manipulation.
Such contradictions make the fight against extremism far more challenging. Confronting it requires a dual approach—security measures to dismantle violent networks, and educational initiatives to counter ideological deceit. Askar emphasized that it is crucial to promote critical religious education, develop community awareness programs, and support media campaigns that expose the deceptive narratives propagated by extremist groups. Building resilience within societies depends on teaching individuals how to recognize false humanism and identify ideological manipulation disguised as morality.
Finally, Askar called for enhanced international cooperation and intelligence sharing to track how these organizations exploit digital platforms. Monitoring their online presence and understanding their communication tactics are essential to developing a comprehensive and sustainable global response. According to Askar, combating modern extremism demands not only military and legal efforts but also a deep intellectual and moral awakening to protect societies from the insidious use of philosophy and religion as tools of deception and control.
