This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with forensic linguistic and theological analysis to decode the visual propaganda of Salafi-Jihadi groups, particularly the Islamic State (IS). Recognizing the limitations of Western-centric and orientalist paradigms in conventional Terrorism Studies, the authors advocate for a decolonized, evidence-based approach that centers the theocentric worldview of jihadist actors. Drawing on a dataset of over 19,000 IS images and associated Arabic-language texts from 2015 to 2024, the study demonstrates how AI, when trained on authentic theological concepts derived from primary sources, can effectively classify, contextualize, and interpret jihadist content.
The research outlines the development and application of the Mujahid Mind AI system, which utilizes computer vision, perceptual hashing, and deep learning techniques to automate the identification of core concepts such as bayah, zakat, da’wa, ribat, and ghanimah. Through this methodology, the authors underscore the importance of grounding AI-driven counter-terrorism tools in the epistemology and habitus of the movements under study. The findings challenge prevailing Western narratives that obscure the theological motivations of Salafi-Jihadi actors and propose a recalibrated framework for analyzing jihadist media that is both linguistically and theologically informed. The study concludes with implications for policymakers, emphasizing the necessity of authentic, traceable interpretations to enhance the credibility and utility of AI-based counter-terrorism efforts.
Final Decoding The Terrorist Mind The Role Of AI Powered Tools