Hasan Dajah

Protecting Jordan from extremism and terrorism begins long before radical ideas manifest as violent behavior, and before agitators can gain access to the minds of young people. Sustainable security is forged through the vigilance of institutions, supported by families that engage in dialogue, schools that teach critical thinking, universities that embrace diversity of thought, and a social environment that grants every individual a sense of dignity and belonging. Consequently, countering extremism becomes a shared national responsibility-one that integrates security measures with intellectual prevention and social development, all within a vision that empowers youth as partners in safeguarding their nation and building its future.

This process requires, primarily, the ability to distinguish between genuine religious devotion and extremism, between healthy disagreement and incitement, and between peaceful expression and the justification of violence. Religious devotion that fosters compassion and respect for humanity serves as a pillar of stability, while responsible discourse is a hallmark of a vibrant society. The danger arises when religion or political affiliation is exploited to strip others of their rights or to legitimize aggression against them. Therefore, precision in terminology protects society from harmful generalizations and stigmatization; it enables institutions to focus their efforts on addressing genuinely destructive behavior and actual incitement, while simultaneously preserving space for dialogue and pluralism.

In this context, the "Amman Message"-launched by His Majesty King Abdullah in 2004-serves as a vital Jordanian reference point for countering the practice of "takfir" (declaring others infidels) and for rectifying the understanding of religious principles. Its core themes affirm the sanctity of the lives, honor, and property of Muslims, the recognition of various schools of thought, and the established criteria for issuing religious rulings (fatwas). Our responsibility today lies in translating the principles into educational and social practices-through pedagogical approaches and dialogues that demonstrate to students how differences can be a source of enrichment, and why no individual has the right to claim a monopoly on the truth or to violate the lives of others in its name.

The theory of "intellectual security" provides a framework for analyzing the relationship between the formation of consciousness and the protection of society from sliding into violence. It can be applied to design programs that link religious and national knowledge with critical thinking and a positive sense of belonging, while subsequently evaluating their impact on the attitudes and behaviors of young people. Intellectual resilience develops when a young person gains the ability to examine claims, distinguish between sound arguments and manipulation, verify sources, and express dissent through peaceful means. This requires treating difficult questions as opportunities for education and dialogue, and equipping young people with the tools for independent and responsible understanding.

The family remains the primary space for such prevention. Daily listening, respecting questions, and staying attuned to what occupies one’s children help build trust before crises arise. Temporary withdrawal or shifting interests should not be automatically interpreted as signs of extremism; adolescence and youth are inherently periods of transition and self-discovery. However, justifying aggression, making threats, or engaging in discourse that dehumanizes others are warning signs that necessitate serious dialogue-and, when needed, professional support-without shaming the young person or driving them further into isolation.

As for schools and universities, their responsibility extends beyond merely providing information; they must also train students in how to use it. Students need to learn how to verify news, understand varying contexts, debate opposing viewpoints using evidence, and work effectively within diverse teams. Cultural, athletic, and volunteer activities offer practical spaces for acquiring these skills. Furthermore, the presence of qualified educators and mentors who know how to listen creates a safe environment for young people to express their concerns, frustrations-transforming educational institutions into places where they feel their voices are heard, and their initiatives are valued.

In the digital realm, prevention requires more than just removing inflammatory content. Young people may encounter messages that exploit their anger or loneliness, offering them a rigid, closed-off worldview and a sense of belonging rooted in hatred. Therefore, we need an intellectual approach that explains the tactics of disinformation, the decontextualization of information, and the manipulation of emotions-alongside the provision of reliable content that resonates with the language of today’s youth. Such efforts are most effective when young people themselves participate in creating this content, and when clear channels exist for reporting threats or seeking help-all while respecting privacy and protecting legitimate discourse.

Moreover, expanding opportunities for education, employment, and civic engagement strengthens the connection young people have to their society and their future. It is a mistake to reduce the issue of extremism solely to poverty or unemployment; the paths toward it are varied, and the overwhelming majority of those facing difficult circumstances reject violence. Nevertheless, supporting local initiatives, providing cultural spaces in various regions, and empowering young people to serve their communities helps fill the void and gives their sense of belonging a tangible, meaningful substance. Every experience in which a young person feels capable of achieving something and contributing reinforces their confidence in the paths of peaceful change.

The rehabilitation of individuals convicted of extremism-related offenses warrants equal attention; punishment alone is insufficient to dismantle radical convictions. An effective intellectual confrontation with extremism requires a sound, moderate, and centrist perspective-one that corrects misconceptions through reasoned argument, knowledge, and dialogue, while fostering respect for life, human dignity, and the acceptance of diversity. Consequently, rehabilitation programs should be based on specialized, individual assessments that integrate intellectual and religious dialogue, psychological support (where necessary), and vocational education and training-all facilitated by qualified scholars and experts.

These efforts must extend to post-release reintegration, in accordance with the law, by engaging families, providing opportunities for social participation and employment, and preventing the imposition of a permanent stigma. Success is measured by sustained behavioral change, the rejection of violence, and respect for others. It is essential to distinguish between a genuine revision of one’s convictions and the mere cessation of violent acts; verbal declarations alone do not confirm successful rehabilitation-rather, it is evidenced by responsible conduct, stability in social life, and the capacity to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

This process requires ongoing coordination among security, educational, religious, cultural, and media institutions, as well as civil society, guided by measurable objectives and clearly defined responsibilities. The mere number of lectures delivered does not reveal their impact; instead, evaluating the development of skills, self-confidence, and the willingness to seek assistance allows for the continuous improvement of these programs. Jordan is strengthened when the competence of its institutions aligns with the awareness of its citizens-and when young people find a respected place in the present, alongside a realistic hope for the future. Protecting their minds begins by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of responsibility, so that citizenship becomes a daily practice that safeguards life and upholds the dignity of all.