The authors analyze the question of the relationship to the concept of anti-intellectualism in contemporary societies, searching for its connection with the traditional concept of al-jāhiliyyah within the Muslim tradition.

It especially focuses on the manifestations and possible causes of contemporary al-jāhiliyyah and the peculiarities, but also the consequences, of the relationship of postmodern societies, both in the West and in majority Muslim countries, towards scholarship and the imperceptible rise of general anti-intellectualism.

Key words: anti-intellectualism, al-jāhiliyyah – ignorance, contemporary media.