It may also be referred to by another term, “the dogmatic personality.” This personality can be very strong in many situations and never compromises. Hence, it is called rigid, meaning that it is extremely inflexible in its positions. It is the opposite of the flexible personality, which adapts to the various requirements of the circumstances in which an event occurs. The flexible personality is considered entirely positive because flexibility and adaptability are highly desirable in many situations. Rigidity, however, is not absolutely unacceptable, since some situations require firmness, especially when those situations involve right versus wrong. But excessive strictness in most areas and aspects of life is incorrect. This results from a lack of careful thinking when dealing with others, limited awareness of one's own shortcomings, and excessive confidence in what surrounds a person.

Rigidity or dogmatism takes many forms. Every person has certain things about which they are passionate or intolerant, but with this type of personality, rigidity is seen in relation to most things. This condition differs from one person to another. Some people believe that dogmatism gives their personality greater value and status among others. Others do not feel this way, while another person may regard it as a shield for defending against any attack that could confuse their ideas. Some consider it a weapon for confronting any opponent. These interpretations result from prolonged and deep but uncontrolled thinking, which we may call chaotic thinking. It is not limited to this group but affects many groups. When people are affected by this type of thinking, they become sensitive to any criticism. If a dogmatic person holds a respected cultural position, such as being a professor, they avoid being criticized and do not accept criticism in any way.

The degree of rigidity and dogmatism varies from one person to another according to many circumstances, which would require extensive discussion to explain. These include environmental and social factors, as well as the cultural and behavioral circumstances surrounding the individual. Sometimes, the educational system also has an influence. If a person is naturally authoritarian and strict, people quickly recognize this and become cautious about speaking to or even criticizing them. As a result, the person creates an unhealthy atmosphere around themselves. However, someone who is dogmatic about only certain subjects does not feel tension in the atmosphere around them except when someone discusses the particular matter about which they are intolerant.

One of the most common forms of intolerance is “traditional intolerance.” However, it can change, particularly when a person moves away from the environment that produced this intolerance. We may see such a person reject something that is correct simply because it conflicts with the incorrect rules upon which they rely. It could be a customary or tribal law that contradicts the Book of Allah and the teachings of the noble Ahl al-Bayt, yet the person remains attached to it. This is nothing but intolerance, dogmatism, and rigid adherence to an opinion. Such intolerance becomes stronger when it is connected to regional, national, or partisan affiliation. The matter may then take on a social or political character beyond what concerns us here.

There are also people whose dogmatism is intellectual. They do not accept any new ideas, or even ideas that are not new. Such people can be found in many places around the world; they exist in every country, institution, and organization, particularly among religions and sects. Anyone who believes that they alone possess the truth may refuse to listen to the other side or even hear it out. This does not mean that a person should abandon their beliefs if those beliefs are correct. A free person searches for the truth wherever it may be found. Unfortunately, people of this kind are few in this life.

Intellectual rigidity is the most dangerous form of rigidity. It does not end with a particular period, nor does it disappear when the environment or society changes. The more opponents and critics a dogmatic person has, the more strongly they cling to their opinion and become increasingly rigid in their position, especially when this is connected to notions of manliness, courage, and proving oneself. Thus, a person may insist on their position despite privately acknowledging that they are wrong. This is the kind of intolerance that weakens a person's character, lowers it, and never elevates it.

Once a person escapes from this dark lake, they can find their way to what is correct. Being authoritarian in one's opinion is not a suitable place for a refined person to dwell. For this reason, it is reported from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him): “Whoever relies solely on his own opinion will perish, and whoever consults others shares in their intellect.” (1) Whoever becomes locked within their own opinions and closes their ears to the words of others has undoubtedly entered the school of destruction and lost something that should never be lost. If they remain this way, they will inevitably suffer loss. Repeating mistakes is not a quality of a rational person, for the believer is not stung twice.

The Links Behind Authoritarianism

What makes authoritarianism so powerful within a person? There are many factors and connections. The most important is the person's feeling that they are greater and better than others, such as a professor when looking at their students. The professor's words are regarded by them as authoritative, while the students' opinions and words do not mean much to them because of their feeling of superiority over them. A person who is rigid in their opinion sees others merely as students who do not understand what they want.

However, we would be departing from the truth if we said that all people who are authoritarian in their opinions think in exactly the same way. Some may actually recognize the validity of other people's ideas, but their stubbornness and their habit of maintaining their established state of mind prevent them from accepting them.

Moving Beyond Rigidity

• If you are in a dark and gloomy environment where you cannot see even a glimmer of light, and then you leave it and enter the light, you will recognize the difference between the two states. It is like a prisoner who has spent many years in prison and is then released, looking at the beautiful world, the greenery, the sunlight, the colors of life, and the taste of water. This is the feeling of a person who breaks free from their desires and the darkness in which they have been living. Rigidity is neither light nor perfection; it is exactly like a prison.
• Everyone who has remained rigid in many situations has failed and has not paused for even a minute to reflect on why they remained in that darkness and that cell that caused them to fall and lose the respect of honorable people. Is it not shameful for a person to repeat their previous mistakes? What, then, is the role of reason in a human being?
• A person who seeks success quickly strives to eliminate anything that creates an obstacle to their success. Dogmatism is an obstacle to a person's success in this life, and everyone can clearly and plainly see its effects.
• Re-examine yourself several times and mobilize forces within yourself to strengthen your determination to overcome any problem that arises. Gather your inner strength and sources of moral support. Sometimes a person feels alone, and some people experience a strong sense of alienation and lack someone to accompany or comfort them on their journey. The best path at such a stage is to hold firmly to Heaven, for it is the mighty power through which every weak person gains strength. Allah, the Almighty, is the best companion for a human being. If you feel alienated, turn to Him and repeat within yourself, “O Lord.”

Murmurs will arise within you and lead you toward a world of safety. You will become humble and submissive, and at that point you will recognize the value of the human being who has been trapped in the darkness of ignorance and stubbornness.

• The rigid person loses many things because of their stubbornness and refusal to accept any idea. They therefore fail to achieve anything. If they do not remedy their condition and rid themselves of this problem, they will not achieve any success. They may often imagine that they have succeeded and reached their goal, but that is not actually the case.
• The best treatment for getting rid of this trait is for a person to recognize its disadvantages and reflect carefully on their own condition.