Author: Mohajer Azizi
Analysis and Criticism of Modernism in the Light of Islam (Part One)
Abstract
This research critically examines the idea of modernism from the perspective of Islamic teachings. Modernism, relying on human self-centered intellect and negating religious traditions, has tried to present a new model for life, culture, politics and economics. This trend, which emerged in the West, gradually entered Islamic societies and influenced the religious beliefs, cultural structures and Islamic identity of the new generation.
This research, relying on the verses of the Quran, the Prophetic Sunnah and scientific analyses, shows that human intellect alone is not enough for guidance and it is only in the light of divine guidance that man can follow the path of true happiness. The research also introduces the roots, goals and challenges of modernism and offers solutions to counter the influence of this idea in Islamic societies, especially through awareness-raising, scientific criticism and a return to the original Islamic principles.
Introduction
Nowadays, various ideas have emerged; some are accepted and some are rejected, some are praised and some are condemned. Some of these ideas are derived from genuine and legitimate sources, and some are the result of whims and desires. Some of them are the source of happiness and salvation, while others are the cause of misguidance and misery, some lead to the reformation and welfare of society, and some are the source of corruption and humiliation.
Therefore, examining and evaluating these ideas is a serious necessity; one must know what is the place of each idea? Are they compatible with human nature or not? Do they lead to guidance and growth of man or cause his deviation and ruin?
Islam has faced waves of false ideas and baseless civilizations in every era and time, and has always overcome them with clear evidence and proof. This precious religion has brought the highest educational and cultural system to its followers; While the ideas and theories arising from human intellect have not achieved anything for human societies except corruption, confusion, and moral and cultural decline.
Dear Islam has had a wise and capable approach to new phenomena and ideas, and it has emerged and triumphed over them with decisive reason and logic without shaking its solid foundations.
According to Dr. Harith Fakhri, a researcher of intellectual and ideological issues, this is due to several reasons:
1. What makes Islamic thought unique is its strength, power, and intellectual solidity in its method and style.
This thought is based on science and its adherents have been those who, in search of knowledge, have turned to analyzing thoughts with great enthusiasm and a deep critical outlook, and have never wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of thought.
2. The failure of other (imported) epistemological theories to rise to the level of Islamic thought and method, which has been built on a solid foundation over the centuries.
3. The emergence of prominent scholars in every era, who make scientific extractions from the hidden treasures of the heritage and its fundamental principles.
4. The existence of capable elements in the material, intellectual, and human fields within Islamic lands.
5. And the most important reason: Scientific methods in Islamic thought are founded on the basis of texts (revealed texts), and these texts are alive, modern, and always worthy of every time and place; but what needs to change is the way of looking at them; these texts, based on the realities of the day and existing data, require revision and Ijtihad to be consistent with and responsive to new needs and changes.
Human intellect and thought are inadequate and limited; their ability to fully distinguish good from evil, goodness from badness, and happiness from cruelty is not sufficient. Just as human physical strength and power are limited, so is their power of thought. Therefore, human intellect alone cannot provide a comprehensive, sound, and clear plan for regulating the social system; a system in which true justice is established and the path to true happiness is clear.
For this reason, Allah Almighty has not obligated man to use his intellect and thought alone; because He is the Creator of man and He knows exactly the extent of his intellectual capabilities. Accordingly, He sent prophets and revealed books to guide mankind so that they could enlighten the path of good and evil for people by communicating these heavenly books as the saving law. This is one of the greatest blessings and manifestations of Allah’s mercy for mankind.
When Allah Almighty sent Adam and his wife to earth, He said: “فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّي هُدًى فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ” Translation: “So if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, there will be no fear on him, nor will he grieve.” [1]
If Adam’s intellect had been sufficient to formulate a comprehensive law that would guarantee guidance for him and his children, Allah would have told him to rely on his intellect and build his life on that basis; but from the very beginning, Allah Almighty revealed the law of guidance, and this shows that even a moment of healthy life is not possible without divine guidance.
Therefore, every human being who lives on earth, like his first father (Adam, peace be upon him), needs to hold on to the rope of divine guidance and follow the prophets. Otherwise, he will face a difficult and arduous life; because the divine law and Sharia are all good and guarantee man’s happiness in this world and the hereafter and prevent him from misery and misguidance.
As Allah the Almighty said in another verse: “فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّي هُدًى فَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَى” Translation: “So if guidance comes to you from me, whoever follows my guidance will not go astray and will not suffer misfortune. And whoever turns away from my remembrance, he will have a narrow (and difficult) life, and on the Day of Judgment, we will crowd him blind.” [2]
So Allah Almighty sent prophets and books to guide mankind to the right path. And He commanded to follow the prophets and books revealed by Him, and He ordered not to make their own intellect and thoughts the criterion; but to follow the guidance revealed by Him.
In the contemporary world, false ideas and thoughts have emerged that make human intellect the ultimate criterion of everything. Among these intellectual movements, we can mention “modernism”, secularism and the like. The supporters of these schools believe that just as human intellect has made remarkable progress in the field of science and technology, it can also construct the path to happiness and perfection in the fields of society, culture, economy and politics.
This intellectual and cultural movement (modernism) was formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its main goals include criticizing traditions, rejecting blind imitation of the past heritage, promoting rationalism, emphasizing empirical knowledge and modern sciences, reconstructing the structure of art and literature, relying on individual freedom, and believing in the continuous progress of man through technology, education, and social reforms.
This false way of thinking has not only been widely promoted in Western societies; but unfortunately, it has also penetrated Islamic countries, and many Muslims, especially the younger generation, have been affected by it; to the point that they have forgotten their Islamic identity and cultural authenticity.
In these circumstances, the awakening of Muslims, especially the younger generation, is more necessary than ever. The duty of scholars, thinkers, and callers is to understand the depth of this danger, think of effective solutions to confront these intellectual trends, and prepare programs to enlighten public opinion. Writing scientific works and logically criticizing these ideas are among the essential tasks in this direction.
Because as seditions and false thoughts spread, the responsibility of the people of knowledge and awareness also becomes heavier. Unfortunately, scientific and intellectual services in this field are very few. When the false front moves with power and media, the people of truth must also stand against it with power, coherence, and scientific and practical readiness.
In this article, using library resources and reliable authorities, we will try to introduce the idea of “modernism” and explain its history and context. We will also examine the challenges that this way of thinking has imposed on Islamic societies and provide solutions to eliminate its effects. In addition, we will provide clear, reasoned, and documented answers to the doubts that modernists have raised in the field of Islamic beliefs and rulings.
We ask Allah Almighty to accept this small effort from us and grant us increased success so that, as small servants in the cause of religion and faith, we can fight against atheism and false thoughts and give Islamic thought precedence over all baseless thoughts; because the religion of Allah will prevail over all religions, even if the polytheists are unhappy. And there is no success except by Allah’s will and help.
Continues…
Next Part
References:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 38.
2. Surah Taha: Verses 123-124.
