Questions and Answers Concerning the Ideological Attack

By Noble Scholar,
Shaykh ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H)
[al-Istiqaamah]  

[Q.1]: ‘What, in your opinion, is the definition of al-ghazwatul-fikree (the ideological attack)?’

[A.1]: “Ideological warfare is a modern term which refers to a set of efforts in which a nation engages in order to conquer or influence another nation, so that (the attacked nation) takes a particular course of direction.

It is far more serious than military warfare, since it aims at secrecy, seeking to achieve subtle objectives initially; so that the attacked nation does not perceive it, nor prepare to halt it, nor stand in its way - thereby falling victim to (such an attack). The eventual result of this onslaught is that this nation becomes sick in mind and sense; loving what the enemy wants it to love and hating what they want it to hate. It is a chronic disease which attacks and destroys nations, doing away with its personality, removing such meanings as foundations and strength. The nation which is struck by this (ideological attack) does not even feel what has hit it, or what it even is! That is why curing it becomes somewhat difficult, and making [the attacked nation] understand the ways of righteousness becomes a struggle.

This war takes place by means of school curriculums, general education, media, small and large size publications, and other such channels (that influence the thoughts of its people). Through this the enemy hopes to deviate the nation from its beliefs; becoming attached to what the enemy throws at it. We ask Allaah for safety and protection from this.”

[Q.2]: ‘Are the Arabs generally subject to this type of warfare, in particular the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?’

[A.2]: “Yes, the Muslims in general, including the Arabs, the Kingdom, and other than them, are all subject to a great ideological warfare from the nations of kufr (unbelief); from both the east and the west. The severest and most serious of these (ideological) onslaughts is:- [i] The war of the Christian crusaders; [ii] The Zionist war; [iii] The Communist and Atheistic war.

THE CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS:

The war of the Christian crusaders is today at its most intense. Since Salaahud-Deen al-Ayyoobee achieved victory over the Christians crusading in the Muslim lands with their strength and weapons, the Christians realized that even though they had achieved [some] victories, these victories were temporary ones that did not last. That is why they started thinking about the most destructive alternatives. After numerous case studies and assemblies they arrived at (something) that was far more dangerous and destructive than military warfare; which was that the Christian nations, both individually and collectively, should launch an ideological attack on those Muslims who were just beginning to grow and develop. This is because conquering the hearts and thoughts (of people) is far more permanent than conquering their lands! The Muslim whose mind has not been corrupted cannot bear to see the unbelievers wielding authority, and ordering and prohibiting in his own country. Therefore such a Muslim strives his utmost to expel and distance them - even if he has to sacrifice his own life, or his most cherished possession, for this cause. And this is what happened after the major conquest of the crusaders.

As for the Muslim who is exposed to the (effects) of this filthy war, he becomes ill in thought and desensitized to this disease. He does not see any danger with the presence of Christians in the lands of the Muslims. Indeed, he may even think that their presence is a source of goodness which aids and advances civilization. So the Christians have sufficed themselves with this ideological warfare, as opposed to the military one, because it is more effective and more permanent. What need do they have of deploying troops or spending huge sums of money, when there exists amongst the children of the Muslims those who can actually fulfill their wishes - intentionally or unintentionally, with a price or without one! This is why they do not resort to openly fighting the Muslims with weapons and arms, except in rare cases when necessity dictates this. They resort to this in situations where speed is sought; such as what happened in Uganda and Pakistan; or when there is a need to stabilize the advancement, or establish centres, or to establish bases which engage in destructive ideological warfare; such as what happened in Egypt, Syria, ’Iraaq, and other countries, before their expulsion.

THE ZIONIST JEWS:

The Zionist war is just the same. The Jews strive their utmost to corrupt the beliefs, morals and manners of the Muslims. The Jews scheme and crave after possessing the Muslim lands, as well as the lands of others. They have fulfilled some of their plans and continue striving hard to implement the rest of them. Even though they do engage the Muslims in warfare involving strength and arms and have occupied some of their lands, they also fight them through spreading and aiding the spread of destructive thoughts, beliefs and ideologies; such as Freemasonry, Qadiyaanisim, Bahaa‘ism, Teejaanism, and others - seeking the support of the Christians, and others, in order to fulfill their objects.

THE COMMUNISTS AND ATHEISTS:

As for the Communist/Atheist war, then presently it is spreading like wildfire across the Muslim lands. [2] This happens as a consequence of their being an emptiness (with regards beliefs), weak eemaan (certainty of faith) in most people, wide spread ignorance, and the lack of a correct and healthy (Islaamic) cultivation and development. The Communist parties from Russia and China, as well as others, have managed to ensnare (into this false ideology) every spiteful, malicious person; driven by those weak in faith, or having no faith at all! They selected these types of people as being their puppets and plants in that country; spreading through (such puppets) their filthy Atheistic and Communistic ideologies. They lured them with promises of high positions of power and status. Through them they tore apart the Muslim Ummah and they were made [to act as] the troops of Shaytaan. They were aided in this by the Christians and the Jews, who sometimes assisted in their preparation, whilst at other times they aided and supported them. Thus, even though they do have differences between them, yet, they become a single hand against the Muslims. They view the Muslims as their worst enemy, that is why we see them co-operating with each other, as allies, against the Muslims. And Allaah’s aid is sought, and He suffices us and is the best of guardians.”

[Q.3]: ‘What are the means which the west uses in order to spread their ideas and thoughts?’

[A.3]: “The means that the west employs in order to spread their thoughts and ideas are many, from them:

Firstly: The attempt to conquer the minds of the Muslim children. They do this by infusing in them western values and concepts so that they then believe that the best way to adopt in any matter is that of the west - whether it is with regards to what religion or sect they believe, or with regards to the languages that they speak, or the manners, customs and values with which they clothe themselves.

Secondly: Custody of a large group of the children of the Muslims in every country, concern for them and bringing them up, so that when they absorb western thoughts, they return to their countries with a halo of praise and compliment, until they acquire position and authority in their countries by which they circulate western ideologies and establish learning centres conforming to western curricula or are directly influenced by them.

Thirdly: Their active drive towards promoting the learning of western languages in the Muslim lands, making them compete with the Muslims’ languages, especially the Arabic language, which is language of the Qur‘aan - by which this Book was sent and by which the Muslims worship their Lord; in their salaat (Prayer), their rites of Hajj (Pilgrimage), their forms of remembrances and glorifications, etc. From this is the encouragement of destructive propaganda that fights against (the usage and learning) of (pure and classical) Arabic Language and attempt to weaken the conformity to it in the Muslim lands. They do this by calling to using colloquialism, and by arranging numerous studies that intend to ‘develop’ grammar in order to corrupt it; as well as formalizing folk literature and matters of national heritage.

Fourthly: Development of western universities and missionary schools in Muslim countries and also initiating the role of kindergarten and play-schools, hospitals and clinics which they make as dens and nests for their evil aims. They encourage the higher classes to study in them (western and missionary schools and universities) and after them help in acquire leadership posts and great position until they become an aid for their masters in following their plots in the Muslim lands.

Fifthly: The attempt to control education curricula in Muslim lands and drawing out their politics, either directly; as occurred in some Muslim countries when the priest Dunlop undertook that task there, or by indirect methods. When the task was undertaken, most of the successful students who studied in Dunlop’s schools and graduated in them, arose as a destructive pickaxe in their country, or as one of the enemies most lethal weapons. (Such students) strive hard to influence the educational curriculum and steer it towards secularism - an ideology which does not centre around having eemaan (faith) in Allaah and His Messenger; but rather steers in the direction of atheism, or towards immorality and corruption.

Sixthly: The large number of individuals amongst the Jews and Christians who have undertaken the study of Islaam, Arabic Language, compiling books, and taking positions of teaching in universities; until they created an ideological turmoil and confusion amongst the educated Muslims, which they hurl at those that they are teaching, or with which they fill their books - until some of those books became sources which writers and researchers refer to in matters of ideology or history. Many people who were responsible for creating some of these fitan (trials and turmoil) in the Muslim countries, were actually Muslims who graduated at the hands of the people. The praise and awe which surrounded such graduates helped them to achieve this, as well as achieve their post and positions; such as important posts in teaching and leadership. So they completed what their teachers had initiated (of corruption and destruction) and fulfilled what they couldn't achieve, because they were of Muslim offspring and from the same skin, ascribing themselves to them and speaking their tongue - so we ask and seek Allaah’s help.

Seventhly: A large number of missionary workers calling to Christianity have proceeded between the Muslims that they have performed their work on. (This missionary activity is done upon) well studied principles, and upon a large scale; employing hundreds of thousands of men and women. Huge financial budgets are put aside for this task, and (they are aided in such a way that) their task is made easier for them and obstacles are removed for them.

“They want to extinguish the Light (i.e. the Religion) of Allaah with their mouths, but Allaah will bring His Light to perfection and completion, even though the disbelievers hate it.” [Sooratus-Saff 61:8]

Just as the efforts of the missionaries are set up and aimed mostly at the common levels; then the efforts of the Orientalist are directed to the educated - as I previously mentioned. The missionaries take on huge hardships in their work in the African Countries, and in the remote villages of the far extreme Muslim lands; in eastern Asia. After that, every so often, they hold conferences in order to review their accounts and their plans; then they analyze, adjust and implement. They met in Cairo in 1906, in Edinburgh in 1910, in Lucknow (India) in 1911, and in Jerusalem in 1935, and they continue to hold such assemblies, seminars and conferences - so glory be to the One in Whose Hand is the sole sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs.

Eighthly: Spreading corruption in the Muslim societies; belittling the (status of women) with regards to their role in life, making her transgress the limits set by Allaah for her, creating in her a satisfaction in abstaining from the (correct) Path. They do this by spreading propaganda amongst the Muslims in various ways and manners, so that women freely mix with men, and so that women work in the places of men. By this, they aim to corrupt the Muslim society, and to put an end to the chastity and purity which is found therein. Additionally, by bringing up imaginary issues and false propaganda – (claiming) that Islaam oppresses women, and that Muslim women have very little rights - they want to take her out of her home, and put her wherever they may want; even though the limits that Allaah has set (in the Qur‘aan) are clear; as are His commands (concerning these matters), and as is the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Allaah - the Most High - said:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the Believing women to draw their jilbaabs (cloaks) over their entire body. That will be better, that they should be known (as free and respectable women), so as not to be harassed, And Allaah is Ever-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Sooratul-Ahzaab 33:59]

And - the Most High - says:

“And let the Believing women draw their khimaars (head-scarves) over their faces, necks and chests, and not to display their beauty, except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons...” [Sooratun-Noor 24:31]

And He says:

“And when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a screen; that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.” [Sooratul-Ahzaab 33:53]

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of jaahiliyyah (pre-lslaamic ignorance).” [Sooratul-Ahzaab 33:33]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Beware of entering into the company of women.” A man from the Ansaar said: O Messenger of Allaah, what about the husband’s brothers and relatives! He replied: “The husband's brothers and relatives are death!” [3] He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said: “A man must not be alone in the company of a women, for indeed the third of them is Shaytaan.” [4]

Ninthly: The Building of churches and temples in the Muslim lands and spending great amounts of wealth on them; beautifying them, making them very conspicuous and noticeable, and building them in the largest and best of places.

Tenthly: Radio stations set up solely for the purpose of calling to Christianity and communism, spreading their (false) objectives. They intend to misguide, through such false ideas, the children of the innocent and naive Muslims - who neither understand, nor did they receive a sufficient Islaamic education. This is the case, in particular, in Africa where the Bible is published and distributed in plenty of hotels, etc. (They also) send missionary publications and false preaching to many of the Muslim children.

These are some of the means utilized by the enemies of Islaam today - from east and the west - in waging war against the Muslim’s thought, (intending by this ideological attack) to put an end to correct righteous thought, so that they are replaced by (false and) foreign ideas; whether eastern or western. And - O noble reader - as you can see, these means involve tremendous efforts, enormous amounts of money and a multitude of soldiers. All of this is done in order to take the Muslims away from Islaam, even if they do not actually embrace Christianity, Judaism or Marxism. Since their primary goal in doing this is to take the Muslims away from Islaam, so that when this stage is achieved, then whatever (misguidance) follows becomes far easier to implement.

However, despite all this we say: that Allaah will frustrate them in their hopes, and will nullify their plans - but only if the Muslims are sincere in their fight against them, cautious and alert to their plans, and obedient and upright upon their Religion; as Allaah said:

“But if you remain patient and become pious and obedient to Allaah, their plots will not harm you in the least. Indeed, Allah encompasses all that they do.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:120]

Since they are spreaders of corruption, Allaah Will not give total facilitation to their actions. Rather Allaah - the Most High- said:

“They plot and plan, and Allaah plans, and indeed Allaah is the best of planners.” [Sooratul-Anfaal 8:8]

“Indeed they are planning a plan, but I am planning a plan, but give a respite to the disbelievers; deal gently with them for a while.” [Sooratut-Taariq 86:15-17]

“O you who Believe! If you help Allaah (by acting upon that which He has commanded you to do), He will help you against your enemies, and make your foothold firm.” [Soorah Muhammad 47:7]

“And indeed Allaah will help those who help His Cause. Truly, Allaah is Most-Powerful, Most-Mighty. Those who, if We give them power and authority in the land, establish the Salaah (Prayer), give the Zakaat, command the good and forbid the evil. And with Allaah rests the end of all affairs.” [Sooratul-Hajj 22:40-41]

And there are many verses carrying this same meaning.  Thus, without a doubt, the matter requires the Muslims to have some common sense and some contemplation, some study about the course of action that should be taken, about the most suitable stance they should take, and that they should be heedful and have some awareness which will make them capable of understanding the schemes of their enemies, and active upon rendering them futile and false. This shall not be accomplished for them except by adhering to Allaah, adherence to His guidance, returning to Him, repenting to Him and seeking His aid. Additionally, by bearing in mind His guidance in everything, especially with regard to the relation of the believers with the unbelievers, and by understanding Sooratul-Kaafiroon and what Allaah the Most High - mentions in His statement:

“Never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their religion and way of life.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:120]

Also (what He mentions in) His statement:

“And they will not stop fighting you, until they turn you back from your Religion; if they are able.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:217]

I ask Allaah - the Most High - that He grants right guidance to this Ummah, with regards to their affairs, and that He grants protection to it from the plots of its enemies, and that He grants it firmness and obedience, both in speech and action - so that there can be for them might, strength and honour; as Allaah desires for them. Indeed He is the only One Who has the power to do so. And may Allaah extol, and send the blessings of peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and followers.

Footnotes:

[1] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi‘ah (3/438-446)

[2] This certainly was the care at the time this lecture was given fourteen years ago, in 1404H.

[3] Related by al-Bukhaaree (9/289) and Muslim (no. 2172), from ’Uqbah Ibn ’Aamir (radiyallaahu ’anhu)

[4] Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 1181), from Jaabir Ibn Samarah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no. 430).