The Phenomenon of Atheism and Ways to Combat It (Part 20)
Fifth: Psychological Characteristics and Their Issues
Belief in the Creator Allah is the innate nature of the human spirit; therefore, faith serves as nourishment for the soul and the essence of life. An atheist, characterized by confusion, isolation, and despair, represents an unnatural state of humanity. Atheistic thought reflects a cognitive disorder and a deviation from the consensus of rational individuals. Consumed by obsessive despair and confusion, an atheist often finds themselves caught in a web of skeptical fantasizing that can lead to obsessive beliefs (i.e., cognitive disorders). Psychological turmoil marks the beginning of frustration and deviation, similar to a poisoned arrow that, whenever it strikes an individual, destroys them.
Since atheism is a misguided belief based on the denial of the existence of a Creator Allah, it offers no pathway for individuals to escape depression, bewilderment, and psychological turmoil. These feelings often arise from anger and reactions to misfortunes and calamities that befall individuals.
Some individuals have a predisposition to be seduced by confusion, indicating a readiness to accept an idea even without sufficient reasons to justify it. This tendency manifests as the individual readily accepting information or ideas and trusting them, despite a lack of logical evidence for their acceptance; in other words, the inclination toward doubt and atheism is ingrained in the individual. Consequently, the person finds themselves in a crisis, influenced by the very thoughts and information they have previously encountered.
Sixth: Unchecked Studies and Exposure to Works of Atheists, Orientalists, and Secularists
The impact of study on the direction of thought and ideology is undeniable. Reading valuable and insightful books nurtures the mind, nourishes the heart, and improves behavior. Conversely, reading harmful texts can have detrimental and destructive effects on belief and morality. It has often been said that “a book is the best friend, the most cherished companion, and the most dangerous enemy.” Many great social and political movements have originated from or gained traction through the publication of a book.
Reading works associated with unhealthy ideological movements—such as those penned by communists, Jews, Christians, Orientalists, Westernizers, dissenters, and modernists in the fields of belief, religion, mysticism, and other issues related to Islam—poses a danger. Such readings create contradictory thoughts, instill doubts and uncertainties, and increase the risk of deviation and atheism. Many educated and literate individuals who have fallen into atheism have done so primarily due to unchecked exposure to the works of atheists, materialists, secularists, Orientalists, and others. Therefore, Muslim youth must avoid engaging with the writings of individuals and movements that are deviant and anti-religious in order to protect their faith and beliefs.
Seventh: Media, Including Audio, Visual, Written Works, and Social Networks
In the past, the danger of atheism was largely confined to educated individuals familiar with libraries, schools, and universities. However, the rise of audio-visual media and social networks has broadened this risk, now threatening everyone. Atheists disseminate their atheistic ideas in a structured manner using simple and comprehensible language, often incorporating diverse elements to make their arguments appealing. This method influences public opinion and fosters doubts and uncertainties about religion and beliefs.
