Fanaticism means: or is referred to as extreme beliefs or behaviour connected with something, whether it is about the origin, ethical issue, supporting members of a family, group, tribe, politics or party, caucus or organization, culture or customs, religion or sect race & language or in defence of an individual. Fanaticism or excess preconception is an extreme case of following one’s inclinations & without regard for truth & justice. The fanatics exhibit stringent standards and are less tolerant towards contrary opinions or ideas. Fanaticism or excess preconception is an intense case of following one’s dispositions & without regard for truth & justice. The fanatics exhibit stringent standards and are less tolerant of contrary reviews or ideas.

A fanatic with obsessive enthusiasm will always defend his beliefs and practices compellingly and passionately. They have a closed mind; it’s like blindfolded with false hope. They are overreactive to debates, intolerant towards opponents, carry illogical and baseless beliefs, are extremely ruthless, etc. This kind of fanaticism takes implacable and extreme stands, occasionally appealing to bloodshed, plundering, terror, humiliating others, and resorting to obscene, hot-tempered, and offensive phrases.

Fanaticism occurs when a leader or ruler changes the existing beliefs, policies, or practices, driving the followers into a frenzy.

A famous and learned clergyman in Iran, Ayatullah Makarem Shirazi, says: “Imam Ali (PBUH) in his sermon of Disparagement has divided fanaticism into two types: Positive & praised fanaticism, Negative & forbidden fanaticism. Regarding Negative fanaticism, he mentions Satan’s fanaticism that prevented him from prostrating before Prophet Adam (PBUH) (1). 

Imam Ali (PBUH) calls him (Satan) the leader of fanatics of all creation & asserts: “The enemy (Satan) of God is the leader of all fanatics & the front runner of the arrogant. It is he that laid the foundations of fanaticism. “And for Positive fanaticism, He Imam Ali (PBUH) states: “In case you cannot escape fanaticism, let your fanaticism be for noble attributes & praiseworthy acts (which benefits the society)” (2).

Imam Ali (PBUH) said: “Hold to the majority, for God’s hand (of support & protection) is with the community. Beware of division, because the one isolated from the group will be [a prey] to Satan just as the sheep that separate from the flock is [prey] to the wolf” (3). 

In olden times & today, people everywhere follow their fancies in questions of ideology, particularly with regard to ideological principles. It is undoubtedly tempting to try to stand out, but temptation rarely leads to truth. However, be cautious against such tactics, be united, remain within the mainstream, and never get separated due to ideological differences. Avoiding extremes as much as possible is the ultimate key.

Reference:

1. Wahhabism at the crossroads, author: Ayatullah Makarem Shirazi
2. Nahjul Balagah, Sermon 192
3. Nahjul Balagha, sermon 127