Abu Sa`id (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You will follow the wrong ways, of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a mastigure, you too will go there.” We said, “O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He replied, “Whom else?” (1)
Our contemporary reality has become a living embodiment of this prophecy, as we witness the Islamic Ummah increasingly following in the footsteps of other nations, imitating the ways of the West.
Had we imitated the West in its scientific, technological, and technical advancements, it would have been praiseworthy, for Islam does not prohibit benefiting from others in ways that contribute to progress and the improvement of livelihoods. However, unfortunately, we have abandoned the West’s knowledge and advancements, instead adopting its unregulated social customs and lifestyles that clash with the teachings of our religion.
The youth are the most affected by Western culture and the openness to Western lifestyles in matters such as food, clothing, entertainment, and the like. We see young people rushing to adopt the latest Western fashion trends, hairstyles, dances, and even, in some cases, adopting Western ideological tendencies such as atheism and Satan worship.
This blind imitation of the West, which has taken hold of the lives of many youth in the Ummah, is a catastrophic warning. The youth are the backbone of the Ummah, and it cannot thrive without their energy and determination. But what happens when its youth transform into distorted figures, lost in the depths of immorality and passivity, stripped of their identity, traditions, and customs that distinguish them from other nations?
Such phenomena were predominant among French youth during World War II, which is why the Germans faced little resistance in occupying Paris, entering it with ease. But why do the youth rush toward blind imitation of the West?
The answer to this was provided long ago by the pioneer of sociology, Ibn Khaldun, when he said: “The vanquished is always inclined to imitate the victor in his dress, emblem, creed, and other conditions and customs.” (2)
The West currently experiences a phase of dominance, while the Islamic Ummah has succumbed to weakness. Western armies were able to extend their control over our lands, and even after their withdrawal, they left behind remnants of their values and culture, which have corroded our moral and ethical system. They also left behind collaborators and agents among us who continue their mission of intellectual invasion, serving as bridges for Western cultural expansion to strip us of our identity.
Moreover, the youth observe the West’s dominance in technology, scientific and technical advancements, and its impressive chain of innovation and invention, while witnessing an Ummah unable to produce its medicine, secure its food supply, or manufacture its weapons. It is a consuming nation rather than a producing one, reliant on imports from the West in most cases.
These conditions have caused the youth to become enchanted with the West, chasing after its customs and ways of living due to the belief in the West's perceived perfection and superiority.
Another related reason is the absence of role models in the Ummah. Unfortunately, this absence is not due to a lack of exemplary figures but rather their marginalization. Positive role models are sidelined while entertainers, whose professions contribute little to the Ummah, are glorified and presented as societal icons.
This is plainly evident as media platforms spotlight actors, dancers, and athletes, captivating audiences with their news and making them follow and know them by heart. But where are the physicists, biochemists, doctors, engineers, and other specialists in beneficial sciences? They are known only within their respective fields.
This marginalization of impactful figures has left the youth vulnerable to blind imitation of the advanced West. We cannot rely solely on the memory of our glorious past filled with role models in various fields. Youth are inspired by practical role models who exist in their environment rather than by reminiscing about past glories.
Added to these causes is the emptiness that pervades the lives of many youths. As it is said, “An idle limb will atrophy.” Over time, an inactive person’s aspirations weaken. A youth engaged in productive activities that fill their time with beneficial pursuits is less likely to engage in blind imitation, as they find fulfillment in practical and beneficial endeavors that cultivate a sense of seriousness, which inherently rejects trivialities.
The solution always lies in reinforcing identity. Our Islamic identity provides clear concepts regarding the stages, causes, and conditions of strength and weakness. It instills in the Muslim a sense of uniqueness and distinction through the pure creed of monotheism. It reminds us that just as the Ummah has experienced periods of strength, prosperity, and progress, it also faces periods of weakness. The difference lies in the fact that we possess a roadmap of constants that guide us to revival and progress when we fulfill their requirements. Consequently, the youth understand that our current state of weakness is merely a temporary setback, a stumble from which we will soon rise.
It is challenging to propose specific steps for strengthening identity to help the youth escape this dark tunnel within these lines. However, generally, it is a shared responsibility borne by multiple institutions.
The family is the primary entity responsible for shaping a child’s personality in their early years, fostering proper faith, adherence to Islamic teachings, and instilling the value of work and activity. It is evident that the most resistant youth to blind imitation of the West are those who are religiously committed. This, in turn, necessitates that parents possess a certain level of religious and intellectual awareness, which can only be achieved if they strive to educate themselves about parenting and Islamic knowledge. Parents today have no excuse, given the open access to the internet, allowing them to listen to, watch, and learn from scholars, educators, and experts.
The mosque also plays a central role in shaping Islamic personality and strengthening identity through religious lessons and direct interaction with imams and preachers, providing a safe and nurturing environment for both the young and old. However, religious discourse should be modernized in terms of tools and approaches, connecting teachings and texts to contemporary realities.
Scholars and concerned intellectuals must leverage social media platforms to connect the youth with their history, highlight the Ummah’s unique civilizational achievements, and instill pride in their Islamic heritage. By doing so, they can assure the youth that the Ummah’s return to leadership is possible if we follow the path of our predecessors.
Finally, professional organizations and scientific institutions must work to highlight and promote the accomplishments of scientists and specialists, showcasing them as role models for the youth. It is insufficient to confine these figures to academic circles; they must be brought to the forefront so the youth can see that their Ummah has leaders in various fields.
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(1) Sahih al-Bukhari (3456) and Sahih Muslim (2669).
(2) Al-Muqaddimah by Ibn Khaldun (1/184).
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