Blindspot!
From Issue: 579 [Read full issue]
Jahiliyyah
Can we brand a society as one of jahiliyyah, or ignorance, on the basis of the practices of its people? Islam does not slam on such a blanket verdict on the basis of behaviour. It may describe the behaviour itself as belonging to a social pattern or pagan ignorance, as we see in three of the four instances where the word occurs in the Quran: judgement [5:50], women's appearance [33:33] and strong emotions [48:26]. In none of these cases, however, does Islam brand the whole of society as pagan or ignorant. In fact, Islam acknowledges that everyone is capable of committing sinful actions, including serious ones. It urges those who slip into sin to repent so that they can earn God's forgiveness.
A society can be branded as ignorant, or jahili, if it upholds concepts about God that are contrary to His oneness and His essential attributes [3: 154]. It cannot be branded as such on the basis of the behaviour of certain sections in it.
Compiled From:
In the Shade of the Quran, "Introduction" - Adil Salahi, Vol 16, pp. x-xxiv