An Open Letter to Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman
There are people who may resent your country for its role in spreading Wahhabism across the Muslim world, but most of them remain unaware of the extensive efforts you've undertaken to reverse such policies. This transformation is not merely a marketing strategy crafted by consultants; your thorough discussions on these policies demonstrate deep reflection and commitment. Initiatives like the King Salman Complex for the Prophet's Hadith, aimed at promoting moderate interpretations, and the Charter of Makkah, emphasizing coexistence and interfaith dialogue, exemplify this commitment. Yet, as wildfires spread globally, we may be running out of time.
Significant portions of the Muslim Ummah still harbor mental models shaped by theological propaganda that dominated minds over recent decades--if not centuries. Such propaganda continues to provide fertile ground for religious abuse, often manifesting in gruesome violence that undermines sustainable peace and economic development. These narratives maintain a powerful grip on people's minds, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and effective countermeasures.
However, a meta-philosophical framework that effectively unites Barelvi, Deobandi, Wahhabi, Shias, Ismailis, and all Muslims has yet to be propagated. Fortunately, we need not reinvent the wheel; profound truths await discovery in the rich depths of Islamic poetry, philosophy, art, and architecture.
girni thi ham pe barq-e-tajalli na tuur par, dete hain baada zarf-e-qadah-khvar dekh kar
The great Muslim poet Mirza Ghalib "wishes" that the lightning of spirituality--what Buddhists call satori--had struck the human mind rather than Mount Sinai, for the spiritual wine is poured according to the capacity of the receiver.
Recent decades have witnessed remarkable advancements in neuroscience, particularly with brain imaging technologies like functional MRI, opening unprecedented windows into the human mind--a trend likely to accelerate. Research has identified neural networks within the brain responsible for decision-making, particularly ethical and moral judgments, what philosophers called justice.
This scientific milestone, thousands of years in the making, unlocks vast treasures embedded by our ancestors in poetry, art, architecture, scripture, and moral discourse. Yet, harnessing neuroplasticity demands sacrificing existing mental models. Such sacrifice, seemingly simple, can resemble death to those deeply attached to rigid perspectives and unaware of their capacity for mental flexibility.
On this Eid-ul-Azha, perhaps we would benefit from reflecting deeply on the notion of sacrifice and closeness to God through a scientific lens focused on the mysteries of human consciousness.
To this end, I propose the Islamic Development Organization (IDO), an initiative leveraging artificial intelligence to advise Muslim nations on conflict resolution, legislative reforms, curriculum development, and cultural renaissance. IDO would naturally build upon your existing initiatives like Vision 2030's cultural programs and educational reforms designed to modernize curricula and encourage national pride. https://ido.international/
IDO can assist in resolving longstanding, brutal conflicts that historically impeded peace initiatives such as the Abraham Accords.
IDO can support Muslim nations in legislative and educational reforms previously hindered by theologically regressive forces.
IDO can help bring about the Islamic renaissance that aligns with your vision.
I felt it important to bring these points to your attention, as they might accelerate the realization of your ambitious vision.
May God guide you in these chaotic times.