In this episode of OnGuard, Shaykh Abu Aaliyah explores modernity as a philosophical world-view that trades meaning for power, examining how Muslims can navigate these challenging waters while preserving their faith and purpose.
Key talking points
- Modernity is not about technology but the philosophical assumptions underpinning our world for the past 300-350 years
- Most people today don’t realise what they’ve lost as meaninglessness has become the default philosophy of our culture
- Muslims are susceptible to “ideological osmosis” — absorbing modern ideas even while practising their faith
- Rather than building a competing “juggernaut”, Muslims need an “ark of salvation”, built on Qur’ān, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus
- We need scholars who understand both traditional Islamic knowledge and modernity’s philosophical underpinnings
- Consumerism is perhaps the most spiritually destructive aspect of modernity, directly feeding into “Hubb al-Dunya” (love of worldly things)
- Many Muslims have become fixated on outward expressions of faith while neglecting the purification of the heart
- The path forward requires “shrinking our souls” rather than expanding them; cultivating humility instead of self-promotion
- Muslims must position themselves as healers offering the balm of Tawhīd to a spiritually wounded world
- True progress isn’t measured by how far or fast we move, but by maintaining our direction toward Allah
If you’re interested in securing one of 25 free copies of A Muslim’s Guide to Modernity, leave a thoughtful comment about what you’ve learned from this conversation to be in with a chance!
Chapters
| 00:00:00 | Introduction |
| 00:06:02 | Are people aware of what they’re giving up? |
| 00:12:46 | The loss of meaning in contemporary society |
| 00:19:30 | Can you be a practising Muslim and “modern”? |
| 00:32:00 | Building the ark of salvation against modernity |
| 00:49:14 | The role of scholars in addressing modern challenges |
| 01:09:18 | Rowing upstream and resisting modernity’s current |
| 01:29:27 | Consumerism as the most destructive “-ism” |
| 01:48:09 | Islam as the solution to modernity’s crisis |
What is OnGuard?
OnGuard is a podcast that seeks to be a shield for the Ummah and a voice for truth in times of confusion and crisis.
With each episode — hosted by none other than Ustadh Hamza Tzortzis — you will find fearless voices that are confident in speaking about Islam21c’s campaigns and the causes that matter most.
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Source: Islam21c
