Atheist (Dahri)
Definition
In Islamic terms, an atheist is generally referred to as “Dahri” (دهری), signifying someone who denies the existence of God or deities and adheres to materialism or naturalism. This term is derived from the Qur’anic phrase “والدھر” (wal-dahr) which translates to “and (by) the time,” referring to those who believe only in the natural processes of time and reject metaphysical explanations.
Etymology
- Arabic: دَهْرِي (Dahri)
- Derived from “دَهْر” (Dahr), meaning time or eternity.
- Turkish: Ateist (modern term for atheist)
The term reflects a theological stance that stands in stark contrast with Islamic monotheism, which espouses belief in one omnipotent and omniscient deity, Allah.
Historical Context
Historically, the term “Dahri” was often used pejoratively to describe philosophers and thinkers who followed a materialistic worldview, particularly during the early Islamic Golden Age when Islamic Neoplatonism and other forms of Islamic metaphysics were prevalent. Islamic theologians and scholars, such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah, wrote extensively against Dahris, perceiving them as antagonists to Islamic faith.
Islamic Perspective
From the standpoint of Islamic theology (Kalam), atheism represents a rejection of the fundamental tenet of Tawhid (the oneness of God). The Qur’an and Hadith literature address the disbelief in God through various perspectives, often emphasizing the signs of Allah in nature and human history as evidence against materialistic views.
Key Quranic Verses
- Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:24: “And they say, ‘There is not but our worldly life; we die and live, and nothing destroys us except time.’ And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming.”
Scholarly Views
- Al-Ghazali: Criticized philosophers he considered quasi-Dahri for conceivably fostering ideas that detached metaphysical outlook from the divine omnipotence.
- Ibn Taymiyyah: Argued forcefully against those who denied divine essence and commanded the faithful to adherence of doctrinal purity.
Cultural Insights
In many Muslim societies, atheism is considered both a theological error and a cultural taboo. The communal and spiritual fabric of societies is deeply intertwined with faith, and atheism can sometimes be associated with Westernization or modern secularism, leading to social frictions.
Books for Further Study
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Al-Ghazali - A critical examination of non-Islamic philosophies from an Islamic perspective.
- “Philosophy and Theology in Islam” by Ulrich Rudolph - Overview of the intersections and divergences between philosophy and theology in Islamic thought.
- “The Bible, the Qur’an and Science” by Maurice Bucaille - Comparisons between religious texts and modern science, touching upon materialist views.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding “Dahri” provides insight into the Islamic theological approach to atheism, framed within an intellectual and cultural context. The term not only marks a fundamental doctrinal divergence from Islamic teachings but also signifies broader implications for individual belief and societal cohesion. As Islam is intrinsically a faith emphasizing monotheism and spiritual laws, atheism—or “Dahri”—is seen as a critical philosophical and theological challenge, fostering extensive scholarly discourse throughout Islamic history.
By delving into both classical and contemporary works, one gains a multifaceted view of how atheism has been perceived, critiqued, and addressed by Muslim scholars and communities.
For further exploration of this topic, consult the recommended book selections, and engage with classical Islamic scholarly texts to understand the depth of discussions surrounding atheism within the framework of Islamic theology and philosophy.
