An Overview of Sayyid Qutb’s Milestones and His Concept of Jahiliyyah

 Jahiliyyah is an Arabic term that refers to the period of time and state of affairs in Arabia before the advent of Islam in 610 CE. It is also used to denote the ignorance and disregard for divine precepts by the forces hostile to Islam. The term has a positive connotation only in regard to Arabic literature, especially poetry. Sayyid Qutb was a prominent Islamic thinker who used the term Jahiliyyah to describe the modern society and culture that deviated from the Islamic principles and values. He called for a long-term program of ideological and organizational work to replace Jahiliyyah by the Islamic state. He was executed by the Egyptian government in 1966 for his views.

Milestones is a summary of Sayyid Qutb’s main ideas and his vision for the Islamic revival and revolution. The main message of Milestones is that Islam is the only true and comprehensive way of life for mankind, and that Muslims have a duty to revive Islam and establish it as the dominant system in the world, by following the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and by forming a dedicated vanguard of believers who would wage jihad against the forces of Jahiliyyah. The book covers topics such as the nature of the Qur’anic method, the characteristics of the Islamic society, the concept of jihad, the meaning of la ilaha illallah, the universal law of Islam, the Islamic concept and culture, the Muslim’s nationality and belief, and the steps to achieve the Islamic goal. The book is a source of inspiration and guidance for many Muslims who seek to revive Islam and establish the Islamic state.

Hello, this is Bing. Based on web search results, the topics you mentioned are some of the main themes of a book called Milestones by Sayyid Qutb, an influential Egyptian Islamist author and activist who was executed in 1966¹. The book is a call to action and a plan to re-create the Muslim world on Quranic grounds, casting off what Qutb calls Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) . The book has been considered "one of the most influential works in Arabic of the last half century"  and a manifesto for various Islamic movements and groups . Some of the topics Qutb discusses in the book are:

- The Unique Qur'anic Generation: Qutb argues that the first generation of Muslims who followed the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were the best example of how Islam should be implemented in society and politics. He criticizes the later generations for deviating from the Quranic guidance and falling into corruption and stagnation .

- The Nature of the Qur'anic Method: Qutb explains that the Quran is not a book of abstract theories or legal codes, but a practical guide for human life that addresses all aspects of existence. He emphasizes that the Quranic method is based on Tawheed (monotheism), which means acknowledging Allah as the only source of authority and legislation, and rejecting any human-made systems or laws that contradict His will.

- The Characteristics of the Islamic Society and the correct method for its formation: Qutb describes the ideal Islamic society as one that is based on justice, equality, freedom, brotherhood, and mutual consultation. He asserts that this society can only be established by following the Quranic method and by forming a vanguard of dedicated believers who will struggle in the cause of Allah and invite others to Islam ².

- Jihad in the Cause of Allah: Qutb defines Jihad as the struggle to establish Allah's rule on earth and to remove all forms of oppression and injustice. He argues that Jihad is a duty for every Muslim who believes in Tawheed and that it is not limited to defensive warfare, but includes offensive action against the enemies of Islam. He also warns against compromising with the forces of Jahiliyyah or seeking their approval or assistance.

- La ilaha illallah Methodology of the life of Islam: Qutb explains that La ilaha illallah (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah) is not only a statement of faith, but a methodology for life that encompasses all aspects of human existence. He states that La ilaha illallah means rejecting any authority or system that contradicts Allah's sovereignty and submitting to His commands in every matter. He also stresses that La ilaha illallah requires constant vigilance and renewal, as well as resistance to any deviation or corruption.

- The Universal Law: Qutb discusses the concept of Shari'ah (Islamic law) as the universal law that governs all creation and ensures harmony and balance in the universe. He asserts that Shari'ah is derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad) and that it is not subject to human whims or opinions. He also claims that Shari'ah is superior to any other system or law, as it is based on divine wisdom and justice.

- Islam is the Real Civilization: Qutb contrasts Islam with other civilizations, such as Western civilization or Marxist civilization, and argues that Islam is the only real civilization that can provide true happiness and progress for humanity. He criticizes other civilizations for being based on materialism, exploitation, oppression, and decadence. He also rejects any attempt to mix Islam with other ideologies or cultures, as he considers this a form of Jahiliyyah.

- The Islamic Concept and Culture: Qutb elaborates on the Islamic concept of life, which he defines as a comprehensive worldview that covers all aspects of human existence, such as knowledge, morality, art, politics, economics, etc. He states that this concept is derived from Tawheed and that it is unique and distinct from any other concept. He also describes the Islamic culture as a manifestation of this concept in various forms of expression and behavior .

- Qutb argues that Islam transcends all national, ethnic, and racial boundaries and creates a universal brotherhood of believers. He criticizes the concept of nationalism as a form of idolatry and a deviation from the true path of Islam. He also rejects the idea of dividing Muslims into different sects or schools of thought.

The difference between Jahiliyyah and Islam is that Jahiliyyah is a state of ignorance, savagery, and polytheism, while Islam is a state of knowledge, civilization, and monotheism. Jahiliyyah is based on man-made laws and systems that oppress and exploit people, while Islam is based on the divine law and guidance that liberate and empower people. Jahiliyyah is the absence of values and morals, while Islam is the source of values and morals. Jahiliyyah is the enemy of Islam and the cause of all the problems in the world, while Islam is the solution to all the problems in the world.

Qutb interpreted these verses in a way that emphasized the uniqueness and universality of Islam as the only true religion acceptable to Allah. He also used these verses to justify his call for jihad against the forces of jahiliyyah (ignorance) that ruled over the Muslim lands and oppressed the believers. He argued that Islam was not only a set of beliefs and rituals, but also a comprehensive system of life that governed all aspects of human existence. He claimed that any deviation from this system was a form of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and kufr (disbelief). He wrote:

“Islam cannot accept any mixing with Jahiliyyah. Either Islam will remain, or Jahiliyyah; no half-half situation is possible. Command belongs to Allah, or otherwise to Jahiliyyah; Allah’s Shari’ah will prevail, or else people’s desires: 

فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا لَكَ فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ اتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ بِغَيْرِ هُدًى مِنَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ 

[28:50]

‘And if they do not respond to you, then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are disobedient.’ 

Qutb linked jahiliyyah with the West because he saw the West as the main source of influence and domination over the Muslim world. He believed that the West had imposed its materialistic and secular values on the Muslim lands, corrupting their faith and culture. He also saw the West as the main enemy of Islam, supporting the Zionist occupation of Palestine and other oppressive regimes in the region. He wrote:

"The leadership of mankind by Western man is now on the decline, not because Western culture has become poor materially or because its economic and military power has become weak. The period of the Western system has come to an end primarily because it is deprived of those life-giving values which enabled it to be the leader of mankind. It is necessary for the new leadership to preserve and develop the material fruits of the creative genius of Europe, and also to provide mankind with such high ideals and values as have so far remained undiscovered by mankind, and which will also acquaint humanity with a way of life which is harmonious with human nature, which is positive and constructive, and which is practicable."

Qutb did not identify any eastern jahiliyyah because he did not see any eastern power or ideology as a viable alternative to Islam. He rejected communism as another form of materialism and atheism that denied human dignity. 

Qutb also rejected nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism as forms of jahiliyyah that contradicted the principles of Islam. He wrote:

“Nationalism is a form of polytheism which has been given an attractive name in order to deceive the people. It is a call to ascribe partners to Allah in His Lordship and Sovereignty. It is a new religion which claims that the people’s loyalty should be divided between Allah and the nation…Socialism is another form of polytheism which has been given an attractive name in order to deceive the people. It is a call to ascribe partners to Allah in His ownership and legislation. It is a new religion which claims that the people’s wealth and resources should be divided between Allah and the state…Democracy is another form of polytheism which has been given an attractive name in order to deceive the people. It is a call to ascribe partners to Allah in His authority and judgement. It is a new religion which claims that the people’s opinions and votes should be the source of legislation and governance…Secularism is another form of polytheism which has been given an attractive name in order to deceive the people. It is a call to ascribe partners to Allah in His guidance and way of life. It is a new religion which claims that the people’s desires and whims should be the basis of morality and values.”