A Study on the Role of the Media and Its Effects on the Identity of Muslims (Part 59)
Strategies for Protection from Cultural Invasion Damage
B: Understanding Enemy Knowledge
Another strategy for protection from cultural invasion damage is enemy knowledge. Understanding the enemy’s goals and remaining constantly alert and vigilant against their conspiracies and plans play an important role in preventing the damage caused by enemy invasions and in combating them.
Enemy knowledge requires that both members of society and officials of the Islamic government first develop a correct and deep understanding of the enemy, clearly identifying their identities and goals. Secondly, they must never consider the enemy as a friend and must not trust them in any way. Thirdly, they must remain vigilant against the conspiracies and plans of the enemy, and not be unaware of them even for a moment.
Allah Almighty has warned in numerous verses about the importance of knowing the enemy and remaining alert, never neglecting the threat they pose. As the Holy Qur’an says: “And do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you a clear enemy.” (Al-Baqarah: 168)
This verse illustrates that failing to correctly understand the enemy can lead to following them. Conversely, proper knowledge of the enemy ensures that one does not neglect them, trust them, or follow their influence. Just as one should not overlook the enemy of the jinn, namely Satan, one should also remain vigilant against the human enemy, who may be worse than the jinn.
In another verse, which emphasizes the necessity of vigilance against the enemy and caution against neglecting them, it says: “إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوا إِنَّمَا يَدْعُوا حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السعير؛” “Verily, Satan is your enemy, so take him as your enemy; he only invites his followers to be companions of the Fire.” (Fatir: 6)
In this verse, while emphasizing the need to recognize the enemy as such, it warns of the dire consequences of neglecting them, noting that the enemy will not cease until they have dealt a final and devastating blow.
Understanding the enemy and recognizing them as a threat is critical for repelling cultural attacks and engaging in a serious struggle against them. Sometimes, enemies may launch their cultural assaults in a clever or benevolent manner, and in such cases, accurately discerning the enemy’s tactics and understanding their cunning plays a vital role in neutralizing their plots and cultural attacks.
