Undoubtedly, we are living in a time of tribulations, trials as dark as the night, leaving even the wise perplexed. A man might wake up as a believer and go to bed as a disbeliever or go to bed as a believer and wake up as a disbeliever. This current reality resembles and confirms the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do good deeds before trials come like portions of a dark night when a man will be a believer in the morning and an infidel in the evening, and a believer in the evening and an infidel in the morning, selling his religion for some worldly goods." (1).
Among these dangerous and destructive tribulations is the "fitnah of the new atheism." In recent years, we have begun to hear of a wave of new atheism spreading across the East and West. Its rapid growth among various segments of society, especially among the youth, has been confirmed, turning it into a trend that many students in modern universities and institutes adopt.
The existence of Allah, the Exalted, is a truth that no two individuals can dispute, nor can any rational person deny. Reason, even before revelation, attests to the existence of Allah, who is the Creator and Sustainer of this universe. The intellect decisively confirms that the world's existence in such a magnificent form and precise order, with all its perfect actions and beautiful designs, cannot be without the existence of Allah, the Ever-Living, the All-Powerful, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Strong, and the Mighty.
Furthermore, every motion and stillness in this world testifies to His existence and proclaims His Oneness. As Abu Al-Atahiya (died 211 AH) said:
How astonishing it is that Allah is disobeyed,
And how can a denier reject His existence?
In everything, there is a sign,
Pointing to the fact that He is One.
Indeed, in every movement and stillness,
There is an everlasting witness to Allah. (2)
Ultimately, the system of this world and its existence in the most appropriate and optimal manner is a clear rational proof—like the midday sun—of the existence of the Creator. This reality requires no proof for anyone with eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to comprehend.
"It is not valid in understanding,
If daylight requires proof."(3)
Despite all of this, there exists a small group whose hearts Allah has sealed, whose ears are deafened, and whose eyes are veiled. They deny the existence of Allah, the Exalted, and deviate from the truth. These atheists have begun to spread their false ideas around the world at an alarming rate and in great numbers. This article sheds light on the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah, both Arabs and non-Arabs, from this atheistic fitnah, and the responsibilities of individuals and groups, particularly scholars, in confronting and combating it.
Before delving into the topic, it is appropriate to provide a definition of atheism and its three famous types so that the reader can approach the subject with knowledge and clarity.
Definition of Atheism:
Linguistic meaning: Atheism in Arabic means deviating from the intended path. (4)
It is said: "The person deviated from religion" or "The person deviated in religion," meaning they strayed from it, opposed it, or blasphemed against it by associating partners with Allah. (5)
Terminological meaning:
In terminology, the term "atheism" is used in several senses. Sometimes it refers to "denial of Allah's existence." Other times, it refers to "associating partners with Allah." At times, it means "turning away from Allah's religion," or "distorting the religion of Allah."
In modern times, the term "atheism" is commonly used to describe those who deny the existence of Allah and claim that the world has no deity and that matter is the origin of all existence.
According to "Al-Ma'ani Dictionary," atheism is defined as the denial of the Creator's existence and all the consequences thereof. (6)
The Three Types of Atheism:
I will provide you with an introduction to each of these three types, quoted from the book "Militia of Atheism: An Introduction to New Atheism" as follows:
(1) Positive Atheism:
Also referred to as "Hard Atheism" (Atheism), this type asserts the absence of a Creator. Its adherents deny divine revelation, prophethood, and religion altogether. Some sects, like Buddhism, practice certain rituals and believe in some unseen matters, but they do not acknowledge Allah as the core of their belief system. For them, religion is merely a means to attain wisdom, happiness, and human perfection.
(2) Negative Atheism:
Also known as "Agnosticism," this form does not affirm the existence of a Creator but also does not deny it. Instead, agnostics claim they lack evidence to affirm Allah’s existence and, simultaneously, lack evidence to deny it. They take a neutral stance, leaving the question of the Creator’s existence open-ended without providing an answer. Some agnostics believe it is possible to find an answer but see the evidence for and against as equally balanced. Others reject the possibility of ever answering this question due to the absence of tools to do so.
(3) Deism
This is a belief system in which one affirms the existence of a Creator for this universe but denies the Creator’s involvement in it through revelation or messages. From this perspective, the Creator created the world and then abandoned it, imposing no obligations of faith or religious practice on creation. The Creator, in this belief, does not hear the prayers of those who call upon Him, nor does He intervene in worldly affairs through miracles or extraordinary events. He neither sent messengers nor revealed laws. Knowing this Creator, in this view, is achieved only through contemplating the universe and rational deduction, without relying on the reports of prophets, messengers, or knowledge derived from revelation. (7)
The Concept of New Atheism
New atheism, referred to in English as New Atheism or Modern Atheism, is defined as a deviation from the truth and an attempt to reinforce the denial of the existence of Allah, as well as the denial of His creation of the universe and everything within it.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Ajiri notes that it seems the first person to coin the term "new atheism" (New Atheism) was Jerry Wolfe in an article published in 2006 in the British magazine Wired, titled "The Church of the Non-Believers." (8)
This type of atheism differs significantly from traditional atheism. New atheism not only rejects belief in Allah but also extends to intellectual and cultural challenges that impact the identity of individuals and societies.
Challenges Facing the Muslim Ummah
It is an undeniable reality that the Muslim Ummah faces several challenges from this wave of atheism. These challenges can be summarized into two main issues:
1. Its Concealment and Disguise
2. Its Rapid Spread
1. Concealment and Disguise
One of the significant challenges posed by new atheism is that it does not present itself in its true form. Rather, it hides under the guise of a philosophy of life, masks itself as a defense of freedoms, and cloaks itself in modes of thinking and scientific reasoning. This disguise makes it appealing to young men and women, as well as students in schools and universities, allowing atheistic ideas to infiltrate their environments and spread among them. This leads many to unknowingly fall prey to atheism as easily as consuming a morsel of food.
How many students have lost their faith without realizing it! How many young women have forsaken their belief without being aware of it! How many young men have abandoned their creed unknowingly! And how many young women have been stripped of their Islam without even noticing!
One expert on education in modern schools, colleges, and universities described most students today as being on the brink of a collapse in faith.
2. Rapid Spread
The second challenge is the rapid spread of atheism. The number of atheists today has reached seven percent of the world's population, according to official statistics.
If we closely examine the reasons for this spread, we will find that atheists—may Allah curse them—attempt to disseminate their ideas and promote their atheism through two primary avenues:
1. The Real World
2. The Virtual World
A. In the Real World
Dr. Abdullah Al-Ajiri outlines in detail the manifestations of atheistic propaganda in his book Militia of Atheism. A few of these are summarized as follows:
1. Propagating atheism through films and songs, as there are hundreds of films and dozens of songs created to promote atheism. (9)
2. Using street advertisements to advocate atheism. (10)
3. Placing atheistic slogans on public transportation, such as buses. (11)
4. Spreading atheism through clothing and shirts bearing atheistic messages. (12)
5. Using car stickers with atheistic slogans as a means of propaganda. (13)
6. Writing books on atheism with captivating styles, compelling phrases, and clear ideas, which have become a driving force behind new atheism. (14)
7. Establishing atheistic institutions that work day and night to disseminate atheistic ideas. (15)
B. In the Virtual World
Atheists exploit the internet and social media to spread their deviant ideas. They run YouTube channels that broadcast atheistic TV and radio programs, as well as animated films for children promoting atheistic concepts. They also maintain Facebook pages that share atheistic content in both visual and written formats. All of these efforts have played a significant role in spreading atheism like wildfire across the East and the West.
Regarding this, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ajiri, in his book Militia of Atheism, highlights the alarming pace of this spread. He states: "I was convinced that this wave of new atheism sweeping through Western societies would eventually knock on our doors, but I did not expect it to happen this quickly." (16)
This atheism has become an intellectual and ideological challenge in our contemporary world. It is imperative for the Muslim Ummah, both Arabs and non-Arabs, in the East and the West, to combat it using all available resources.
Even the renowned Islamic thinker Sheikh Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Hassani Al-Nadwi (may Allah have mercy on him) [died 1420 AH] emphasized the duty of scholars in confronting this fitnah. He said: "If Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi'i, and Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on them) were alive in this era, they might have ceased writing about jurisprudence and directed their efforts toward refuting this fitnah." (17)
Now, here are some solutions to confront this trial, so that the writer of these lines is among those who diagnose the disease and prescribe the remedy:
1. Adhering to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger
These are the firm rope of Allah and the foundation of the religion, and in them lies salvation for those who hold fast to them. Al-Hakim narrated from the hadith of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O people, indeed I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, you shall not go astray: The Book of Allah and my family, the people of my house.” (18)
2. Awakening Islamic Awareness
This involves instilling awareness in the hearts of Muslims and highlighting the dangers of this trial to the Muslim Ummah through Friday sermons and public addresses.
3. Proper Islamic Education for Youth
Raising young men and women with sound Islamic education that rejects deviant ideas by organizing lectures in schools, colleges, and modern universities.
4. Reminding Muslims of the Depth of Faith
Emphasizing that belief in Allah is not merely an intellectual or rational matter, but a profound spiritual relationship with Allah, the Creator.
5. Instilling Pride in Tawheed
Cultivating pride in the belief in the Oneness of Allah and His attributes, fostering love for Allah in the hearts of children from a young age, and reinforcing the importance of Islamic beliefs as a safeguard against visible and hidden trials.
6. Establishing Specialized Centers
Founding centers focused on clarifying the concepts of faith and addressing atheism scientifically, religiously, and intellectually.
7. Trusting the Scholars of the Righteous Predecessors
Encouraging reliance on the scholars of the righteous predecessors in matters of Islam.
8. Creating Online Platforms
Launching pages and channels to explain the correct Islamic beliefs, namely, the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah.
9. Training Specialized Scholars
Preparing scholars specifically trained to refute the doubts of atheists and their false ideas.
10. Warning Against Associating with Atheists
Advising Muslims, especially the youth and students, to avoid befriending atheists and cautioning against their company—whether in the real world or the virtual one. Their companionship is influential. Imam Al-Dhahabi [d. 748 AH], in his well-known book Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala, while discussing Al-Rawandi, said: “Al-Rawandi, the heretic and enemy of the religion, Abu Al-Hasan Ahmad bin Yahya Is’haq Al-Rawandi, authored writings attacking the religion. He used to associate with the Rafidah (Shi’a) and heretics. When admonished, he would say: ‘I only want to know their views.’ Then he debated and exposed doubts and uncertainties.” (19)
These are ten comprehensive solutions for combating this atheistic trial. It should be noted that these are not exhaustive or definitive but serve as guidance and direction.
In conclusion, confronting atheism, particularly new atheism, is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. If we establish serious, practical, and clear plans and work diligently, sincerely, and with expertise to implement them, success is achievable.
We ask Allah to keep our hearts firm upon faith, to protect us from trials both apparent and hidden, to guide us on His straight path, and to help us reform ourselves and our societies. Allah is the Grantor of success and guidance.
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* Professor of Sharia Sciences and Arabic Language at Imdad-ul-Uloom School, Hyderabad
(1) Sahih Muslim, page or number: 118.
(2) Diwan Abi Al-Atahiyah (p. 122), Dar Beirut.
(3) Diwan Al-Mutanabbi (p. 343), Dar Al-Jeel.
(4) Lisan Al-Arab (13/177), Dar Sader, Beirut.
(5) Al-Maani Dictionary (online).
(6) Previous source.
(7) Militia of Atheism: An Introduction to Understanding New Atheism (pp. 19/20), Takween Center for Studies and Research.
(8) Ibid. (p. 17).
(9) Ibid. (p. 40).
(10) Ibid. (p. 40).
(11) Ibid. (p. 40).
(12) Ibid. (p. 42).
(13) Ibid. (p. 42).
(14) Ibid. (p. 35).
(15) Ibid. (p. 24).
(16) Ibid. (p. 9).
(17) Pa Jaa Siraagh Zindagi (p. 48).
(18) Al-Mustadrak ‘ala As-Sahihayn (1/284), Islamic Library.
(19) Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala (14/59), Mu’assasat ar-Risalah, Beirut.
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