Cultural Normalization and Intellectual Deviation examines how modern media influences beliefs, raises concerns about Islamic identity. It hihlights necessary boundaries between respectful coexistence and compromising core religious principles.
The cultural and religious normalization and Intellectual deviation
In today’s increasingly globalised media environment, cultures and ideas circulate more rapidly than ever before. This has led to what many scholars call cultural and religious normalization, where concepts, values, and behaviors become widely accepted simply because they are constantly seen and repeated. This raises a crucial question for Muslims: Where is the line between respectful coexistence and compromising core Islamic principles?
Understanding cultural normalization in the age of media
Cultural normalization refers to the gradual acceptance of ideas and practices through repeated exposure, especially through social media, entertainment, and public discourse. While exposure to diverse cultures can enrich society, it can also lead to normalizing harmful moral or ideological deviations that conflict with Islamic teachings.
Examples of normalization of deviant ideas, Cultural normalization and Intellectual deviation
In recent years, certain movements, such as the promotion of homosexuality (LGBTQ). In addition, the spread of atheism, have been aggressively normalized. People present these movements as symbols of freedom and progress. However, Islam clearly defines its moral framework.
Surah Al-A‘raf (7:33)
“Indeed, Allah does not approve of immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression.”
Likewise, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Reported in Abu Dawood)
This indicates that supporting or promoting beliefs that openly contradict Islamic morality is not acceptable.
Legitimate Tolerance and Surrendering Principles
Islam promotes compassion, justice, and respectful coexistence with others; however, this does not mean accepting beliefs or behaviors that contradict clear religious teachings. In addition, legitimate tolerance allows Muslims to interact peacefully, show kindness, and uphold human dignity without endorsing false ideas. Surrendering principles, on the other hand, occurs when a Muslim begins to approve, justify, or normalize practices that oppose the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Impact on the Muslim Identity, Cultural Normalization and Intellectual Deviation
When deviant ideas become normalized, societies begin to lose their moral compass and religious identity. This can lead to confusion, weakened faith, and eventually the erosion of the Ummah’s distinct Islamic worldview.
The Qur’an warns:
Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:18):
“And do not follow the desires of those who do not know.”
The role of the muslim thinker and educated Individual
The Muslim intellectual must remain aware, conscious, and responsible. Their duty is to defend authentic Islamic values, educate others, and challenge harmful narratives with knowledge and wisdom, not aggression or hostility.
Related post: Artificial intelligence between creativity and threat, how it’s seen in Islam
In conclusion, to build intellectual immunity, the solution is to nurture a sound natural disposition (fitrah), a balanced Islamic understanding, and strong critical thinking. By doing so, Muslims can engage with the world confidently while protecting their faith and identity, maintaining a position of clarity, compassion, and integrity.
FAQs
Islam contributed greatly to science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, art, and education. Muslim scholars preserved ancient knowledge, developed new disciplines, and built a civilization centered on justice, learning, and ethical progress.
Islam teaches peaceful coexistence, respect for others’ beliefs, and protection of rights, while preserving Islamic identity. It encourages dialogue and fairness without accepting or promoting beliefs that contradict core religious principles.