On Islam and Indoctrination
Ten Classic Hallmarks of Indoctrination and How They Are Applied in Islam
Whenever a belief system is discussed the issue of indoctrination will at some stage come into the discussion. So it was recently when I suggested to a Muslim that I was debating with that he may have been indoctrinated. His response was as quick as a flash: “Why aren't you the indoctrinated one?” That is a fantastic question and I am happy to answer it.
Listed below you will find ten reasons (in the form of an extended answer to the person who asked the initial question) why I believe that the worldwide strength of Islam is based on an extensive regime of indoctrination.
Each paragraph is introduced by a characteristic method of indoctrination used by oppressive ideologies. I then go on to discuss how I believe it is being utilised in Islamic societies:
1) Memorization and repetition of key phrases and concepts: When Mao Zedong wanted to indoctrinate the Chinese population he wrote his 'Little Red Book' and made sure that everybody memorized it and constantly repeated key phrases from it. It was a very effective way of shutting down critical thought and of making sure that the majority of the population thought in exactly the same way. In Islam you are commanded to memorize the Qur'an and to repeat certain key phrases (most notably the shahada where Muhammad's 'prophethood' is affirmed) several times a day. The impact of this on a psychological and emotional level cannot be overstated and it will in most cases cause you to simply revert to what you have learnt rather than to think freely. I am not required to do this in any way. No memorization, no repetition. My thoughts can wander where they will.
2) Emphasis that adherents have 'seen the light': Where indoctrination occurs the message is often presented as the final truth. Those who accept the message are told that they have ‘arrived’ and that no further critical enquiry would be necessary. They can therefore simply close their minds and get on with believing the final truth to which they have committed themselves. You already assured me that our conversations will not lead you out of Islam. Thereby you told me that your mind has been made up and nothing can change it. I, on the other hand, would be willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads. If the evidence pointed to the truth of Islam I can categorically state that I'd be willing to convert to it. Refute the points I made in detailing the errors, absurdities and contradictions in the Qur’an. In other words, show me where I'm wrong on all of them, and I would be more than willing to change my mind.
3) Denigration of other sources of knowledge: When indoctrination occurs access to sources of knowledge that conflict with the message are kept out as much as possible. This is done through restricting access to it or through denigrating it to such an extent that the devotees will not touch it. This process allows the indoctrination to occur within a 'closed information loop' where new or challenging ideas are kept outside. Your religion tells you that all other revelations are false (even those sent earlier by Allah are now regarded as corrupted) and that you therefore cannot trust them. In Islamic societies strenuous efforts are also made to keep information critical of Islam outside. You have experienced this yourself when you could not access material that I sent you because it was kept out by a web filter. I on the other hand can read what I want and range where I want in my intellectual pursuits.