Fathi M. A. Ahmed’s Chapter in New Book Offers Critical Strategies for Countering Extremism Through Language

Brussels, 20 January 2024

In a contribution to the newly released anthology Religion, Hateful Expression, and Violence, Fathi M. A. Ahmed provided key insights on how religious leaders can more effectively combat hate speech. His chapter, titled Translational and Terminological Sensitizing of Muslim Religious Leaders of Al-Azhar in the Combat Against Hate Speech, delves into how language and translation play a pivotal role in shaping counter-narratives to extremist ideologies.

Ahmed’s chapter comes at a time when extremism, especially that of groups like Daesh (ISIS), remains a global threat, despite claims of their military defeat. His focus is on helping Muslim religious leaders, particularly those from Al-Azhar, one of the oldest and most respected Islamic institutions in the world, refine their communication to counter extremist rhetoric. He explores how language, terminology, and translation can be harnessed to weaken the narratives of extremist organizations while strengthening messages of tolerance and peace.

Prioritizing Writing Over Translation

A cornerstone of Ahmed’s argument is the idea that writing directly in multiple languages is far more effective than translating from a single master text. Translation, he points out, often carries the risk of misinterpretation or dilution of meaning, particularly when dealing with nuanced religious concepts. Instead, Ahmed advocates for writing in the specific languages spoken by target audiences, considering cultural and linguistic differences. This approach not only enhances clarity but also helps to ensure that the message resonates more deeply with diverse audiences.

Challenging Extremist Terminology

One of the most critical points Ahmed makes is the need to use terminology that challenges extremist organizations rather than legitimizing them. For instance, he argues that religious leaders should refrain from using the self-proclaimed name “Islamic State,” which implies legitimacy, and instead adopt terms like “Daesh,” a name that carries a negative connotation in Arabic and undermines the group’s ideological claims.

This strategic use of language, Ahmed suggests, can diminish the appeal of extremist groups by stripping them of their self-identified legitimacy. The importance of names and labels in this context cannot be overstated, as they influence how both followers and outsiders perceive these organizations.

Addressing Hate Speech Directly and Cooperating with Social Media

Another important aspect of Ahmed’s chapter is his call for religious leaders to avoid euphemisms when responding to hate speech. He advises that offensive terms should be quoted directly, exposing the full extent of their harm rather than softening their impact. This, he believes, allows religious leaders to address the issue head-on and engage their audiences in meaningful discussions about the dangers of such speech.

Ahmed also urges religious leaders to engage more actively with social media platforms. He recommends cooperating with these platforms by providing them with carefully crafted keywords that can help identify and remove extremist content without infringing on freedom of expression. He further suggests training human reviewers on how to differentiate between hate speech and legitimate religious discourse, ensuring that context is not lost in the process.

Lessons from Al-Azhar and Engaging Religious Leaders

Ahmed’s insights are informed by his experience delivering a lecture at Al-Azhar’s Observatory for Combating Extremism in November 2020, where he addressed how translation and terminology could be used to draft more effective counter-narratives. Reflecting on that experience, he shares several lessons for engaging with religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of building trust and respect before offering advice.

He recommends making advice problem-centered rather than content-centered, meaning that solutions should address real-life challenges rather than abstract ideas. Additionally, Ahmed stresses that religious leaders should feel like active participants in discussions, leading the conversation while still being guided by the advisor’s expertise. Sensitive topics, he suggests, should be introduced through thought-provoking questions or reflections, allowing for open dialogue without provoking defensiveness.

A Blueprint for Effective Counter-Speech

Ahmed’s chapter in Religion, Hateful Expression, and Violence serves as a comprehensive blueprint for drafting stronger, more relevant, and more effective counter-speech. By focusing on the strategic use of language, the chapter provides concrete tools for religious leaders to combat extremism while promoting a message of peace and tolerance. His emphasis on linguistic precision, affirmative language, and collaboration with modern communication platforms underscores the evolving nature of counter-extremism efforts in the digital age.

In a world where hate speech continues to have devastating consequences, Ahmed’s work offers a critical roadmap for those tasked with addressing extremist ideologies at their core. Through his chapter, he empowers religious leaders to take control of the narrative, using language as their most powerful tool in the fight against hate.