The internet has become an integral part of our lives, offering avenues for communication, education, and social engagement. However, the rise of social media platforms has also given extremist ideologies a space to propagate, recruit, and radicalise vulnerable individuals, particularly among the youth. In recent years, the radicalisation of Muslim youths via social media has emerged as a serious concern globally. Terrorist organisations. such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, have exploited platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and encrypted messaging apps to spread their narrative and recruit young Muslims, often using religious discourse to justify violence. Extremist ideologies can emerge from various sources, but in the case of Muslim youths, the misuse of Islamic concepts like jihad and martyrdom has played a significant role in their recruitment by terrorist groups. To counter this alarming trend, Muslim clerics, scholars, and organisations have a crucial role to play in dismantling these narratives and providing young Muslims with alternative discourses rooted in authentic Islamic teachings.
In this context, the role of Muslim clerics (Ulema) and Islamic organisations becomes paramount. They possess the religious authority and community influence necessary to counter extremist ideologies and provide credible alternatives to the youth. One of the most critical tasks for clerics and Muslim organisations is to challenge the distorted interpretations of Islamic texts that extremist groups propagate. This involves promoting a more comprehensive and contextual understanding of concepts such as jihad, which in its true sense refers to a personal and collective struggle to improve oneself and society, rather than a call to violence. Clerics must also emphasise the sanctity of life in Islam, as the Quran explicitly states that killing an innocent person is akin to killing all of humanity (Quran 5:32). In many cases, clerics can offer counter-narratives by highlighting historical and contemporary examples of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and cooperation between Muslims and people of other faiths. It is crucial for these messages to reach young people in a way that resonates with their experiences and concerns. This is where the effective use of media platforms becomes essential. Given that social media is the battleground for radicalisation, Muslim clerics and organisations must actively engage with youth on these platforms. It is not enough to denounce extremist ideologies from a pulpit or in academic settings; these voices need to be present in the digital spaces where radicalisation is occurring. Clerics and scholars should create content- whether in the form of short videos, blogs, or infographics-that directly addresses the misconceptions spread by extremist groups.
There are already several successful examples of such initiatives. For instance, The Quilliam Foundation in the UK has been at the forefront of counter-extremism efforts,
providing de-radicalisation programs and engaging youth with alternative messages online. In Saudi Arabia, the Sakinah Campaign uses social media to challenge extremist interpretations of Islam, while The Sawab Center in the UAE and the US seeks to counter ISIS’s propaganda on Twitter. These efforts must be amplified and expanded globally, with localised approaches that reflect the specific cultural and social contexts of different regions. Radicalisation does not occur in a vacuum.
Often, it is driven by social, political, and economic factors, including a sense of marginalisation, lack of opportunities, and discrimination. Clerics and Muslim organisations can play a pivotal role in addressing these root causes by promoting community initiatives that empower young people, provide them with education and job opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging.
Local mosques, community centres, and Islamic charities should be encouraged to engage with at-risk youth, offering mentorship programs, counselling, and recreational activities. Moreover, they must collaborate with government agencies, civil society, and educational institutions to develop comprehensive de-radicalisation strategies that are proactive rather than reactive. This could include interfaith dialogue initiatives, which promote understanding between different communities, and addressing the sociopolitical grievances that extremist groups exploit.
The radicalisation of Muslim youths through social media is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a nuanced response. While law enforcement and intelligence agencies play a crucial role in combating terrorism, the ideological battle must be led by those who have the religious authority and moral responsibility to guide the community-Muslim clerics and organisations. By promoting authentic interpretations of Islamic teachings, engaging with youth through social media, and addressing the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to radicalisation, Muslim leaders can help steer vulnerable individuals away from extremist ideologies.
This battle for hearts and minds is not only about preventing acts of terrorism but also about safeguarding the future of Muslim communities and ensuring that young Muslims can thrive in a world that often misunderstands them.
- Altaf Mir
PhD Scholar,
Jamia Millia Islamia
The internet has become an integral part of our lives, offering avenues for communication, education, and social engagement. However, the rise of social media platforms has also given extremist ideologies a space to propagate, recruit, and radicalise vulnerable individuals, particularly among the youth. In recent years, the radicalisation of Muslim youths via social media has emerged as a serious concern globally. Terrorist organisations. such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, have exploited platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and encrypted messaging apps to spread their narrative and recruit young Muslims, often using religious discourse to justify violence. Extremist ideologies can emerge from various sources, but in the case of Muslim youths, the misuse of Islamic concepts like jihad and martyrdom has played a significant role in their recruitment by terrorist groups. To counter this alarming trend, Muslim clerics, scholars, and organisations have a crucial role to play in dismantling these narratives and providing young Muslims with alternative discourses rooted in authentic Islamic teachings.
In this context, the role of Muslim clerics (Ulema) and Islamic organisations becomes paramount. They possess the religious authority and community influence necessary to counter extremist ideologies and provide credible alternatives to the youth. One of the most critical tasks for clerics and Muslim organisations is to challenge the distorted interpretations of Islamic texts that extremist groups propagate. This involves promoting a more comprehensive and contextual understanding of concepts such as jihad, which in its true sense refers to a personal and collective struggle to improve oneself and society, rather than a call to violence. Clerics must also emphasise the sanctity of life in Islam, as the Quran explicitly states that killing an innocent person is akin to killing all of humanity (Quran 5:32). In many cases, clerics can offer counter-narratives by highlighting historical and contemporary examples of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and cooperation between Muslims and people of other faiths. It is crucial for these messages to reach young people in a way that resonates with their experiences and concerns. This is where the effective use of media platforms becomes essential. Given that social media is the battleground for radicalisation, Muslim clerics and organisations must actively engage with youth on these platforms. It is not enough to denounce extremist ideologies from a pulpit or in academic settings; these voices need to be present in the digital spaces where radicalisation is occurring. Clerics and scholars should create content- whether in the form of short videos, blogs, or infographics-that directly addresses the misconceptions spread by extremist groups.
There are already several successful examples of such initiatives. For instance, The Quilliam Foundation in the UK has been at the forefront of counter-extremism efforts,
providing de-radicalisation programs and engaging youth with alternative messages online. In Saudi Arabia, the Sakinah Campaign uses social media to challenge extremist interpretations of Islam, while The Sawab Center in the UAE and the US seeks to counter ISIS’s propaganda on Twitter. These efforts must be amplified and expanded globally, with localised approaches that reflect the specific cultural and social contexts of different regions. Radicalisation does not occur in a vacuum.
Often, it is driven by social, political, and economic factors, including a sense of marginalisation, lack of opportunities, and discrimination. Clerics and Muslim organisations can play a pivotal role in addressing these root causes by promoting community initiatives that empower young people, provide them with education and job opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging.
Local mosques, community centres, and Islamic charities should be encouraged to engage with at-risk youth, offering mentorship programs, counselling, and recreational activities. Moreover, they must collaborate with government agencies, civil society, and educational institutions to develop comprehensive de-radicalisation strategies that are proactive rather than reactive. This could include interfaith dialogue initiatives, which promote understanding between different communities, and addressing the sociopolitical grievances that extremist groups exploit.
The radicalisation of Muslim youths through social media is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a nuanced response. While law enforcement and intelligence agencies play a crucial role in combating terrorism, the ideological battle must be led by those who have the religious authority and moral responsibility to guide the community-Muslim clerics and organisations. By promoting authentic interpretations of Islamic teachings, engaging with youth through social media, and addressing the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to radicalisation, Muslim leaders can help steer vulnerable individuals away from extremist ideologies.
This battle for hearts and minds is not only about preventing acts of terrorism but also about safeguarding the future of Muslim communities and ensuring that young Muslims can thrive in a world that often misunderstands them.
- Altaf Mir
PhD Scholar,
Jamia Millia Islamia