By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam
2 December 2024
Abstract:
This Paper Examines The Entrenched Dynamics Of Tribal Mind-Sets And Religious Supremacism, Analysing Their Profound Impact On Societies And Proposing Pathways To Transcend These Divisive Tendencies. It Explores How Supremacism Undermines Diversity And Fosters Division, Demonstrating How Exclusivist Ideologies Erode Societal Harmony And Global Cooperation. By Delving Into The Characteristics And Dynamics Of Tribal Mind-Sets, The Paper Highlights The Primal Instincts That Drive Group Loyalty And Inter-Group Conflict, While Also Identifying Religious Supremacism As An Extension Of These Tribal Tendencies. It Further Investigates How Cultural, Psychological, And Neurobiological Factors Intertwine To Perpetuate Exclusion And Superiority, Leading To Harmful Outcomes Such As Social Fragmentation, Discrimination, And Violence. These Analyses Underscore The Urgent Need For A Transformative Shift In Thinking And Behaviour.
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The study transitions from critique to solutions by drawing on the Quran’s ethical framework, which offers a compelling response to religious supremacism. The Quran’s emphasis on shared humanity, justice, and interfaith respect provides a vision of unity and compassion that counters the divisive forces of tribalism. Through its principles of equality and inclusivity, the scripture serves as a guide for fostering harmonious and interconnected societies. The concluding section, "From Tribal Roots to Shared Humanity," reflects on the transformative potential of embracing universal values like justice, empathy, and unity. The paper ultimately argues that breaking the chains of tribalism and supremacism is essential for creating a future that honours diversity while celebrating the shared essence of humanity.
How Supremacism Demolishes Diversity and Promotes Division?
Human societies have long been shaped by tribal affiliations, much like trees rooted deeply in fertile soil, drawing sustenance from the bonds of shared identity. This tribal mind-set, an evolutionary tool for survival, has also served as a double-edged sword, fostering both unity and division. When tribalism intertwines with religious supremacism—the belief in the divine superiority of one’s faith—it creates a stormy brew capable of sowing discord, exclusion, and resistance to change. Understanding this tangled web is key to building bridges in an increasingly interconnected world.
Supremacism is a masterful puppeteer, expertly manipulating the strings of comparison to create a distorted narrative. It's like a photographer who only captures the best angles of their own group, while snapping the most unflattering photos of the "other" group. This selective comparison is a recipe for disaster, cooking up a toxic stew of division and hostility that can simmer for generations.
This flawed comparison is like a funhouse mirror, reflecting a warped and distorted image of reality. It involves turning a blind eye to the skeletons in one's own closet, while shining a spotlight on the flaws of the "other" group. By creating this imbalance, supremacists can maintain a sense of moral superiority, perched atop a pedestal of self-righteousness. This distorted narrative can be particularly damaging when it's perpetuated through institutions, media, or social norms, as it can shape public opinion and influence policy decisions like a slow-moving tide eroding the shoreline.
The comparison between the best of "us" and the worst of "them" is a sledgehammer, bludgeoning the "other" group with negative stereotypes and characteristics. It's like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole, ignoring the complexity and diversity of the "other" group. By denying their humanity and dignity, supremacists can justify their own group's dominance and privilege, sitting pretty on their throne of superiority. Ultimately, this flawed comparison is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash a maelstrom of oppression and inequality.
The Tribal Mind-set: Characteristics and Dynamics
The tribal mind-set operates like a fortress, its walls built high to protect the in-group while keeping outsiders at bay. It prioritizes group loyalty, demanding allegiance to shared norms and beliefs, often at the expense of individual freedom and universal values. Inside this fortress, in-group bias thrives, favouring the familiar while viewing the "other" with suspicion. Hierarchies within the group resemble staircases carved in stone, with clear roles and leaders directing the collective.
While tribalism can act as a glue holding communities together, it can also serve as a matchstick igniting conflicts with competing groups. Tribes craft their identity through shared stories and rituals, much like weaving a colourful tapestry that defines who they are. Yet, this very tapestry can blind them to the larger fabric of humanity.
Religious supremacism mirrors tribalism, like a shadow faithfully following its form. Both rely on sharp boundaries to define who belongs and who does not. Supremacist religious groups adopt a "my way or the highway" mentality, drawing lines in the sand that others are forbidden to cross. Their belief in the exclusive truth of their sacred texts acts like a lighthouse that, while illuminating their path, casts darkness over other perspectives.
Such groups often use distinct markers—whether in dress, rituals, or customs—as banners that proclaim their identity to the world. These markers, while fostering unity within, can become barriers that isolate them from others. Supremacism magnifies the tribal mind-set by cloaking group superiority in divine authority, making its walls seem impenetrable and its beliefs immutable.
The Consequences of Tribal Mind-set and Religious Supremacism
In the modern world, tribal and supremacist tendencies are like weeds flourishing in fertile soil. Social media echo chambers, for example, act as mirrors reflecting only what individuals already believe, creating bubbles of sameness where outside voices are muted. Within these bubbles, opinions often harden, as if baked in a kiln, becoming more extreme and resistant to change.
Charismatic leaders further stoke tribal flames, wielding words like swords to divide and rally their followers. Cultural narratives—whether ancient myths or modern ideologies—become rallying cries, drums beating to the rhythm of exclusivity and supremacy.
The collision of tribalism and religious supremacism can unleash forces as destructive as a hurricane tearing through fragile communities. Intolerance and violence are often the wreckage left behind, manifesting in sectarian conflicts, terrorism, and ethnic cleansing. These ideologies, like cracks in a dam, erode the foundations of social harmony, creating fragmented societies where mistrust runs deep.
Beyond social fragmentation, these mind-sets stunt intellectual growth, as individuals become trapped in echo chambers, like frogs in a well, unable to see the vastness of the sky above. Problems requiring collective solutions are left unaddressed because tribal loyalty takes precedence over objective reasoning.
The Neurobiological Roots of Tribal Mind-set and Religious Supremacism
Human tendencies toward tribalism and religious supremacism have deep neurobiological roots, shaped by evolutionary pressures, cognitive processes, and social influences. Understanding these mechanisms can shed light on why such behaviours emerge and how they might be mitigated.
Evolution has equipped humans with an inherent tendency to form and favour groups. This "in-group bias" enhanced early human survival by promoting cooperation and cohesion within groups, enabling them to compete more effectively against external threats. While this bias was adaptive in ancestral environments, it often manifests today as favouritism toward one’s own group and hostility toward others, contributing to tribal mind-sets.
These neurotransmitters, critical for social bonding and attachment, play a significant role in group affiliation. Studies have shown that oxytocin and vasopressin not only strengthen bonds within groups but also intensify biases against out-groups. This dual function
The brain’s reward system, driven by dopamine, reinforces behaviours that strengthen group loyalty. Acts that signal commitment to the group—such as adherence to shared beliefs or rituals—are often rewarded with a sense of pleasure or satisfaction. This neural mechanism can perpetuate tribalistic behaviours, including those aligned with religious supremacism.
The amygdala, a brain region central to processing fear and threats, is activated in response to perceived dangers from out-groups. This activation can lead to heightened aggression, prejudice, and discrimination, as individuals seek to protect their group from real or imagined threats. Such fear responses can be manipulated by ideologies or propaganda that paint out-groups as dangerous or inferior.
When individuals encounter conflicting beliefs or values, they often experience cognitive dissonance, a state of psychological discomfort. To alleviate this tension, they may adopt more rigid or extreme beliefs, reinforcing group loyalty and exclusivity.
This theory suggests that individuals derive a sense of identity and self-worth from their group memberships. When these identities are perceived as threatened, individuals may respond with increased prejudice, aggression, and efforts to elevate their group over others.
Upbringing, education, and social environments significantly shape attitudes and beliefs. Exposure to extremist ideologies, hate speech, or propaganda can amplify tribal mind-sets and supremacist ideologies, reinforcing the "us versus them" dichotomy.
While neurobiological factors play a foundational role, the human brain’s capacity for change offers hope for overcoming tribalism and supremacism.
The brain's ability to reorganize neural connections through experience and learning means that attitudes and behaviours are not fixed. With the right interventions, individuals can unlearn biases and adopt more inclusive perspectives.
Practicing empathy can enhance activity in brain regions involved in social understanding, such as the superior temporal sulcus and fusiform gyrus. Cultivating compassion for others, including out-group members, has been shown to reduce prejudice and foster greater inclusivity.
Encouraging critical thinking and media literacy empowers individuals to question extremist ideologies and propaganda. Education can provide the tools to develop nuanced perspectives, dismantling the simplistic narratives that underpin tribalism and supremacism.
The roots of tribal mind-sets and religious supremacism lie deep in our evolutionary history and neurobiology. However, these tendencies are not immutable. By promoting empathy, critical thinking, and inclusive education, we can counteract these biases and move toward more compassionate, equitable societies. Understanding our neurobiological predispositions is the first step in addressing and transforming them for the betterment of humanity.
Moving Beyond Tribalism and Supremacism
To transcend tribal and supremacist mind-sets, we must cultivate a global consciousness that recognizes our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Education plays a pivotal role in dismantling these harmful ideologies. By fostering critical thinking and exposing individuals to diverse perspectives, we can challenge narrow-minded views and cultivate a more inclusive worldview.
Interfaith and intercultural dialogue is another essential tool for building bridges between different groups. When people from various backgrounds come together to share their experiences and perspectives, they can develop empathy, understanding, and respect for one another. Such dialogue can help to break down stereotypes, dispel misconceptions, and foster a sense of shared humanity.
Creating inclusive communities is also crucial. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we can create environments where people from different backgrounds feel valued and respected. Inclusive communities can foster a sense of belonging and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Finally, embracing a global perspective can help us transcend parochial loyalties and recognize our shared responsibility to the planet. By viewing ourselves as citizens of the world, we can work together to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
By fostering education, dialogue, inclusion, and a global perspective, we can challenge tribal and supremacist mind-sets and build a more harmonious and equitable world.
Breaking free from the chains of tribalism begins within, like a flame ignited in the heart of an individual. Questioning one’s deeply held beliefs requires courage, much like stepping out of a comforting but confining cocoon. Understanding the emotional and cultural ties that bind us to our birth religion or group can open doors to empathy and growth.
By embracing diversity, individuals can enrich their spiritual and ethical frameworks, like travellers returning from distant lands with treasures of wisdom and insight.
How the Quran Fights Against Religious Supremacism?
The Quran offers a profound and transformative perspective on the challenges of religious supremacism and tribal mind-sets, presenting a vision rooted in unity, equality, and compassion. Like a guiding star in a dark night, it illuminates the path toward harmony and understanding, addressing the roots of these divisive tendencies while promoting universal principles of justice and shared humanity. Through its critique of tribal pride, rejection of religious exclusivism, and emphasis on compassion and justice, the Quran provides timeless lessons for building inclusive societies.
The Quran takes a hammer to the edifice of the tribal mind-set that dominated pre-Islamic Arabian society, where pride in ancestry and lineage often fuelled conflict and division. It rejects the notion that tribal affiliation or ancestry guarantees salvation or superiority, emphasizing individual accountability before God. In Q.26:196 and 31:21, the Quran challenges blind adherence to ancestral practices, urging people to evaluate their beliefs and actions based on truth and righteousness rather than inherited traditions. This stance uproots the weeds of tribal superiority, planting seeds of personal responsibility in their place.
Equality and shared humanity form the cornerstone of the Quran’s worldview. The scripture reminds humanity of its common origin, stating, "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women." (Q.4:1). By emphasizing the shared roots of humanity, the Quran negates any basis for tribal or racial pride. Furthermore, Q.17:70 declares that God has honoured the children of Adam universally, irrespective of their ethnicity or tribal affiliations, emphasizing the intrinsic dignity of all humans. This declaration is a levelling of the playing field, reminding us that no one is born wearing a crown of inherent superiority.
The Quran’s condemnation of tribal pride cuts through arrogance like a knife through butter. It underscores that true honour lies not in one’s social or familial connections but in righteousness and piety. Q.49:11 warns against mocking or belittling others, as such behaviour reflects arrogance and ignorance. Similarly, Q.57:20 reminds believers of the fleeting nature of worldly pride, urging them to seek lasting honour through virtuous deeds. These verses dismantle the shaky scaffolding of tribal arrogance, encouraging humility and mutual respect among all people.
The Quran takes a firm stand against religious supremacism, advocating instead for the unity of humanity under a shared moral and spiritual framework. One of its key messages is the unity of prophetic teachings, which serves as a golden thread running through the fabric of divine guidance. Q.2:285 and 3:84 affirm that all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, brought the same fundamental message of monotheism and righteousness. This universality challenges the exclusivist claims of any single group or religion, fostering a sense of shared spiritual heritage.
The Quran explicitly rejects the idea that any particular community holds a monopoly on truth or salvation. Q.2:111-112 counters the claims of certain groups who assert exclusive access to paradise, emphasizing that salvation is based on faith in God and righteous deeds, not on membership in a specific religious group. Similarly, Q.22:17 highlights God’s ultimate authority in judging human differences, encouraging humility and tolerance. These verses serve as a mirror, reflecting the fallacy of self-righteousness and reminding believers to stay grounded in humility.
Interfaith dialogue and cooperation are integral to the Quranic vision of coexistence. The Quran encourages Muslims to engage with people of other faiths respectfully and constructively. Q.16:125 advises believers to invite others to the path of God with wisdom and good instruction, promoting a culture of understanding rather than confrontation. Similarly, Q.29:46 calls for dialogue rooted in common values, affirming the shared belief in God as a foundation for mutual respect. These verses are a bridge over troubled waters, offering a path toward unity and understanding amidst differences.
The Quran places immense emphasis on compassion and mercy, portraying them as the oil that keeps the lamp of society burning bright. Q.21:107 describes the Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all of creation, underscoring the Quran’s universal message of kindness. Similarly, Q.42:19 emphasizes God’s compassion, urging believers to embody this divine attribute in their interactions with others. This emphasis on mercy transcends religious and cultural boundaries, encouraging Muslims to treat all people with kindness and empathy.
Justice and fairness are central to the Quranic ethos, serving as the backbone of a just society. Q.4:135 calls on believers to uphold justice even against their own interests or those of their kin, emphasizing impartiality as a divine mandate. Likewise, Q.16:90 enjoins believers to practice justice, promote good, and prevent wrongdoing. These principles are a compass pointing toward equity, guiding individuals and communities away from prejudice and discrimination.
The Quran also promotes a collective sense of responsibility, urging individuals to work together for the common good. Q.3:103 calls on believers to hold firmly to the rope of God and avoid division, emphasizing the importance of solidarity. Q.5:2 encourages cooperation in righteousness and piety, reinforcing the idea that humanity’s strength lies in its ability to come together for shared purposes. This vision of mutual accountability nurtures a spirit of collaboration and empathy, countering the isolating effects of supremacist ideologies. It is a call to build bridges, not walls, and to weave threads of unity into the fabric of human society.
Through its critique of tribal pride, rejection of religious exclusivism, and emphasis on compassion, justice, and unity, the Quran offers a powerful framework for combating religious supremacism and tribal mind-sets. It calls on individuals and communities to transcend divisions, focusing instead on shared values and mutual respect. By embodying these principles, humanity can move closer to the Quranic ideal of a harmonious and inclusive world. This timeless message is a lighthouse in a storm, guiding us toward unity amidst diversity and offering hope for a brighter, more interconnected future.
From Tribal Roots to Shared Humanity: Overcoming the Shadows of Division
The interplay between tribal mind-sets and religious supremacism poses a significant challenge to global harmony, acting as a persistent storm cloud over human progress. Rooted in evolutionary and neurobiological factors, these tendencies once served to ensure group survival but now often manifest as prejudice, exclusion, and conflict. In today’s interconnected world, such divisive ideologies threaten peace and understanding on a global scale. Yet, as history has shown, humanity has the capacity to evolve beyond these instincts by fostering empathy, education, and inclusivity. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort, akin to illuminating a dark landscape with the light of shared knowledge and dialogue.
Education stands as a beacon of hope in this endeavour, serving to dismantle the fear and ignorance that fuel tribalism and supremacism. Critical thinking, when nurtured, empowers individuals to question prejudiced narratives and recognize the interconnectedness of all human experiences. Dialogue further strengthens this foundation, providing a platform for people to share perspectives and build bridges across divides. Together, these tools can replace the rigid “us versus them” mentality with a broader understanding of shared humanity, chipping away at the barriers that prevent global harmony.
However, the journey toward inclusivity is not without its challenges. It often feels like crossing a shaky bridge over turbulent waters, where fear of the unknown and resistance to change create instability. Yet, courage and persistence are essential to this process. Every step forward—whether through policy reforms, grassroots movements, or personal acts of kindness—brings us closer to a society that values diversity and mutual respect. Such progress may seem incremental, but over time, it transforms communities, shifting cultural norms and perceptions for the better.
In the spirit of an old proverb, “A single tree does not make a forest.” Humanity’s strength lies in its collective effort to rise above divisions and cultivate a sense of unity. By embracing the vast and diverse tapestry of existence, we can celebrate not what separates us but what unites us—our shared humanity. This vision of a harmonious world, though challenging to achieve, is one worth striving for. It reminds us that while our roots may be tribal, our branches have the potential to reach toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
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V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar of Islamic humanism. He writes with a passion for developing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress. His work inspires the creation of a just society, fosters critical thinking, and promotes inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/tribal-mindsets-supremacism-faith/d/133896
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