(Part 39)
The Eighth Topic: The Importance of Imitation
The Continuation:
Instead of focusing on sectarian and denominational differences, Muslims should consider their countless, sworn enemies who, for centuries, have tirelessly sought to eradicate all of them without distinction. Among the disasters that have afflicted today’s Islamic society and require unity and cohesion is the fight against atheism and secularism (separation of religion from politics). Secularism, which rejects religion entirely in the public sphere, even violates the hijab of Muslim women despite claims of democracy, freedom, pluralism, and humanitarianism. Atheism—the denial of God’s existence despite the abundance of evidence—is a product of the corrupt Western culture. Most Westerners believe there is no God, and their scholars have produced countless doubts about God’s existence, claiming everything happened naturally. To counter such atheistic ideologies, unity and Solidarity are absolutely necessary and vital.
To confront the aggressive culture of the West, an Islamic society must be equipped with both contemporary sciences and religious knowledge. Neglecting either religious or worldly sciences poses the risk of unwanted dependence on enemies, which could lead to destruction. With the participation of all members of society, it is through knowledge that growth and self-sufficiency become achievable, allowing liberation from crippling dependencies. A society that cannot recognize its own strengths and weaknesses cannot expect to escape the mire of ignorance, varied dependencies, and the invasions of foreign and domestic enemies.
The unity of the Islamic Ummah is best achieved by following the rightful schools of Islamic thought and the comprehensive Islamic system. These schools address religious, transactional, familial, economic, political, and cultural matters. Following these schools, where there is no need for new ijtihad (independent legal reasoning), guarantees unity within the Ummah. This unity is essential so that Muslims can both prepare to face enemies and overcome their backwardness, for division in secondary matters results in nothing but increased backwardness.
Imitation in The Present Age
