Satanism (part 34)  

Author: Abdul Hai Lay’an

Satanism (part 34)  

Strategies for Countering Satanism (Continued)

2. Remedial Strategies

With the spread of the atheistic sect of Satanism, a number of individuals have turned toward satanic beliefs. Although this trend is less prevalent in Islamic countries compared to non-Islamic societies, addressing this challenge, pursuing appropriate remedies, and treating those affected by it remain necessary and essential.

Remedial strategies for countering Satanism can be outlined under the following headings:

Eliminating the Roots of Deviant and Atheistic Groups

Undoubtedly, one of the primary duties and responsibilities of an Islamic government is to confront corruption, corrupt individuals, and manifestations of deviation within society. Satanism, which today represents one of the most dangerous forms of deviation and atheism, requires serious attention from Islamic governments in eradicating its manifestations. The following measures may be proposed as remedial strategies: [1]

1. Monitoring foreign-run schools in Islamic countries and reviewing their curricula and teaching methods;

2. Supervising tourists and individuals who repeatedly enter the country from foreign states;

3. Regulating the press and confronting manifestations of Satanism;

4. Controlling virtual and social media platforms as much as possible;

5. Taking legal action against promoters of music—especially Western and incomprehensible music;

6. Prohibiting and strictly confronting the distribution of intoxicants and narcotics, such as alcohol, narcotic pills, and similar substances.

Awareness and Awakening

The majority of those attracted to this atheistic sect are young and inexperienced individuals who, due to ignorance and lack of awareness, are drawn toward it and consequently swell its ranks. Such individuals can be enlightened and awakened through the following measures:

1. Clarifying the atheistic nature of Satanism;

2. Exposing the financial and physical dangers of joining such atheistic groups;

3. Revealing the hidden agendas of the enemies of Islam behind deviant movements;

4. Recounting the consequences faced by those who have joined such groups;

5. Explaining the religious (worldly and otherworldly) and legal consequences of joining these groups.

Removing Doubts and Calling for Repentance

Another group of individuals has inclined toward Satanism due to certain doubts raised against Islam and religious commitment. The solution to this challenge lies in constructive dialogue aimed at removing such doubts, as outlined below: [2]

1. Establishing sincere relationships with such individuals and showing goodwill toward them;

2. Removing doubts related to religion and its teachings through constructive discussions;

3. Calling upon them to abandon satanic beliefs and practices;

4. Paying attention to and addressing their economic, familial, and social problems;

5. Identifying the cause or causes of their inclination toward Satanism and striving to eliminate them.

Treatment of Those Affected

Based on conducted research, one of the reasons for inclination toward Satanism is psychological and emotional distress. Psychologists believe that most adherents of Satanism, or those prone to it, suffer from personality weaknesses, particularly severe instability in decision-making and willpower; consequently, they resort to blind imitation. [3]

Therefore, psychological and emotional treatment of those inclined toward Satanism constitutes an essential part of the remedial process in confronting this challenge.

Muslim psychologists state: [4] the greatest psychological challenge faced by individuals in the modern era stems from their distance from divine revelation. Almighty Allah says: أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ Translation: Be aware that only through the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility. [5]

Accordingly, in order to treat individuals affected by Satanism and satanic tendencies, specialized healthcare centers should be established, and affected persons should undergo treatment under the supervision of neurological and psychiatric specialists for an appropriate period.

Implementation of the Prescribed Islamic Punishment

A group of individuals, despite being fully aware of the atheistic nature of this sect, persist in following their deviant and atheistic path, openly identifying themselves as Satanists and refusing to repent. The only means of confronting such individuals is the implementation of the prescribed Islamic punishment. These individuals are, in reality, like viruses that—if not restrained—will poison and destroy the entire society. [6]

However, establishing apostasy and determining the manner of implementing its prescribed punishment falls under the authority of a competent Islamic court. Therefore, under no circumstances should individuals act arbitrarily or independently—based on personal assumptions—to establish or enforce Islamic legal punishments.

Continues…

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References:

[1] ‘Abd al-Mun‘im, Mawsu‘at al-Firaq wa al-Jama‘at wa al-Madhahib wa al-Ahzab wa al-Harakat al-Islamiyyah, p. 481;

Yahya al-Dujni, Makhater ‘Ibadat al-Shaytan ‘ala al-Da‘wah al-Islamiyyah, p. 35;

Yahya al-Ghanim, “Worshippers of Satan,” Nisf al-Dunya Magazine, pp. 72–73;

Mamdouh al-Zoubi, ‘Abadat al-Shaytan, p. 122.

[2] Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Al-Mawsu‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaytiyyah, vol. 3, p. 175.

[3] Rima Salim al-Doumat, “Satan Worship as a Form of Rebellion Against Authority,” p. 12;

‘Abd al-Mun‘im Hanafi, Mawsu‘at al-Firaq wa al-Jama‘at wa al-Madhahib wa al-Ahzab wa al-Harakat al-Islamiyyah, p. 484.

[4] Muhammad ‘Uthman Najati, The Qur’an and Psychology, Cairo: Dar al-Shuruq, 1st ed., 1402 AH, p. 241.

[5] Qur’an, al-Ra‘d: 28.

[6] Hasan al-Bash, Satan Worship and Other Deviant Movements, p. 12;

Yusuf al-Qaradawi, The Crime of Apostasy and the Punishment of Apostates, Beirut: al-Maktab al-Islami, 3rd ed., 1418 AH, pp. 44–45;

‘Abdullah Nasih ‘Ulwan, Freedom of Belief in Islamic Law, Cairo: Dar al-Salam, 4th ed., 1414 AH, p. 111.