◈ Definition of Modernity (Modernism)
Modernity (Modernism) is an atheistic intellectual movement that originated in
17th and 18th century Europe. The lifestyle promoted by this movement is known as
capitalism, which is founded upon the
fundamental belief in human divinity. Capitalism refers to a system where
freedom dominates the individual, society, and the state, driven by
greed, envy, and an irrational quest for
limitless accumulation of wealth.
◈ Historical Background of Capitalism
The foundations of capitalism were laid in
15th and 16th century Europe. Gradually, this system spread throughout European states, supported by
immorality and its intellectual justification, reaching its peak in the
modernist movement. Capitalist European nations
expanded this system through colonization and state-sponsored terrorism, including
plundering, exploitation, massacres, and genocides. By the end of the
19th century, this system had gained
state-level dominance across most of the world.
◈ Impact on Individual and Social Levels
Although capitalism achieved
political dominance globally, it never completely succeeded on the
individual and societal levels. Nevertheless,
efforts to achieve such domination are ongoing.
◈ Modernity’s Concept of Good and Evil
Modernity
rejected all prior conceptions of good and evil, instead proposing that morality should be determined by
human freedom. For the first time in human history, it claimed the
divinity of man, offering
intellectual arguments in its support. In other words,
modernity is a unique and unprecedented form of atheism and misguidance, disconnected from any previous worldview.
◈ Muslim Thinkers and the West
Some Muslim thinkers mistakenly regard
modern Western civilization as a continuation of Islamic history—a
severe intellectual error. These proponents of Muslim modernism, due to their ignorance of the reality of capitalism,
unconsciously provide religious legitimacy to capitalist goals and institutions. Their behavior contributes to making capitalist ambitions the
heartbeat of Muslim societies, leading Muslims to
assimilate into the dominant capitalist state system instead of rebelling against it.
◈ The Role of Muslim Modernism
Muslim modernism acts as a
loyal ally of Western modernity (capitalism). Due to this support,
capitalist colonial powers and their intellectuals place high hopes in
Muslim modernist movements, relying on them to advance their agendas in the Muslim world.
◈ Current Situation and Consequences
It is regrettable that today, even as the
capitalist system faces decline, many
Muslim leaders are busy attempting to Islamize it. They
fail to realize the severe
damage this causes to the identity of the Muslim Ummah.
