Atheism in Contemporary Arab Societies: Motives, Effects, and Remedial Approaches — An Analytical Study in Light of the Qur’an

Abstract

Atheism is not a recent phenomenon; its roots can be traced back to Iblīs’s refusal to comply with Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam (peace be upon him) [Al-Baqarah: 34], an event that represents an early deviation from the innate human disposition (fiṭrah), which necessitates divine guidance and belief in Allah. In contemporary Arab societies, atheism has emerged in diverse forms as a result of various intellectual, cultural, and social factors, and has often been exploited by opponents of Islam to undermine the moral and value system grounded in divine law.This study examines the phenomenon of atheism in the contemporary Arab context from a Qur’anic perspective by analysing its causes and effects, and by deriving a comprehensive Qur’anic framework for addressing and countering its influence. Adopting an inductive and descriptive-analytical methodology, the research analyses relevant Qur’anic texts alongside modern manifestations of atheistic thought. The study aims to offer a balanced, objective, and realistic scholarly perspective that can assist educators, researchers, and mentors in raising awareness among youth, strengthening intellectual resilience, and formulating practical recommendations grounded in Qur’anic guidance.