Exclusionist beliefs in Muslim and Jewish groups

(NOTE: So a Maldivian friend prompted this.)

### Exclusionist Beliefs in Muslim and Jewish Groups: Sociological Analysis and Real-World Examples

**1. Overview of Exclusionist Beliefs:**

   - **Firqat al-Naajiyya**: This concept, found in certain Muslim groups, posits that only a specific interpretation of Islam ensures salvation. It often emphasizes strict adherence to particular theological tenets, fostering a sense of being the "saved sect" among its followers.

   - **The Chosen People**: In Jewish tradition, this belief asserts that Jews are selected by God for a special covenant, which is integral to their religious and cultural identity. This concept has historical roots and continues to influence modern Jewish thought and practice.

**2. Socio-Economic Conditions and Exclusionist Beliefs:**

   - **Muslim Groups**: Exclusionist beliefs can be more pronounced in areas experiencing socio-economic instability, where ideological purity offers a sense of identity and certainty. For instance, in war-torn regions, these beliefs can provide a framework for unity and purpose.

   - **Jewish Groups**: The concept of being the chosen people can be influenced by socio-economic conditions, ranging from fostering community solidarity in prosperous contexts to justifying exclusion or aggression in more contentious settings.

**3. Justification of Violence:**

   - **Dehumanization**: Both belief systems can lead to dehumanization. When groups are perceived as non-full-human or impure, violence against them can be rationalized as necessary or even divinely sanctioned.

   - **Ideological Extremism**: In extreme forms, these beliefs can be used to justify violence, presenting it as a divine mandate or essential for community protection. This can be seen in historical and contemporary conflicts where religious rhetoric is employed to legitimize aggression.

### Sociological Theories and Real-World Applications

**1. Conflict Theory:**

   - **Karl Marx**: Marx's conflict theory posits that societal conflicts arise from material inequalities. This theory can be applied to understand how exclusionist beliefs are often more pronounced in socio-economically disadvantaged groups as a response to systemic inequalities.

   - **Example**: In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the establishment of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land can be seen as a manifestation of conflict theory, where the struggle for resources and power results in the exclusion and oppression of the native Arab population.

**2. Social Identity Theory:**

   - **Henri Tajfel**: This theory suggests that individuals derive a sense of identity from their group memberships, leading to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination.

   - **Example**: The notion of Firqat al-Naajiyya can be analyzed through social identity theory, where adherence to a particular Islamic sect provides a strong group identity, often resulting in the exclusion or demonization of other sects.

**3. Symbolic Interactionism:**

   - **George Herbert Mead**: Symbolic interactionism explores how individuals and groups create and maintain social realities through interaction.

   - **Example**: The belief in being the chosen people can be seen through this lens, where Jewish identity and community practices are continually reinforced through religious rituals and communal narratives.

### Real-World Examples

**1. Israeli Settlements:**

   - **Context**: Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are often built on land claimed by Palestinians. These settlements are justified through historical and religious narratives that portray the land as inherently Jewish.

   - **Impact**: The exclusion and displacement of Palestinian Arabs, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, highlight how exclusionist beliefs can lead to real-world violence and dispossession. The settlements contribute to ongoing conflict and are often supported by socio-economic and political structures that benefit from the status quo.

**2. Sectarian Violence in Iraq:**

   - **Context**: Post-2003 Iraq has seen significant sectarian violence, particularly between Sunni and Shia groups. Firqat al-Naajiyya-type beliefs exacerbate these divisions by promoting the idea that only a particular sect holds the truth.

   - **Impact**: This has led to brutal violence, including massacres and ethnic cleansing, justified by religious rhetoric that dehumanizes the other sect. The conflict has been fueled by external actors, including arms suppliers from various countries, exploiting the violence for economic and geopolitical gains.

### Impact on Global Arms Trade

**1. Exploitation by Global Arms Industry:**

   - **Arms Manufacturers and Sellers**: Ideological conflicts create lucrative markets for arms. Exclusionist beliefs that lead to violence ensure a steady demand for weapons.

   - **USA’s Role**: As a leading arms manufacturer and supplier, the USA has significant influence over global arms trade dynamics. Conflicts fueled by exclusionist ideologies can benefit American arms contractors economically.

**2. Populations as Pawns:**

   - **Victimization**: Populations adhering to exclusionist beliefs or targeted by them often become pawns in larger geopolitical games. Their suffering and conflicts are exploited for profit by global arms industries.

   - **Manipulation**: Political and economic powers can manipulate these ideologies to sustain conflicts, ensuring ongoing demand for weapons and military services.

### Conclusion

Exclusionist beliefs in both Muslim and Jewish traditions, when coupled with socio-economic and political factors, can lead to significant violence and exploitation by global arms industries. Understanding these dynamics through sociological theories provides insight into the root causes of conflict and the ways in which these beliefs are manipulated for profit and power. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that considers both ideological and material conditions.

**References:**

1. [Marx's Conflict Theory and Religion](#)

2. [Tajfel's Social Identity Theory](#)

3. [Mead's Symbolic Interactionism](#)

4. [Israeli Settlements and Palestinian Displacement](#)

5. [Sectarian Violence in Iraq](#)