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[Sayyid Qutb] Islam Is a Social System, Not a Talisman

“Whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer.”

There are noticeable attempts these days to draw closer to Islam and the advocates of Islam. These attempts come from people concerned with combating the Communist advance into the Islamic realm, especially the Middle East. They are also concerned with preserving the existing conditions in the Middle East.

To all of them, we would like to direct an honest and clear word.

Islam is indeed capable of resisting the Communist advance. It is the only force in the world capable of repelling this advance. Every other barrier placed in its path is temporary and passing.

But Islam is not a magic talisman hung above the head of the Middle East or beneath its armpit, causing evil spirits to depart, driving away jinn and demons, and protecting it through its “potent” secret from destructive principles.

The Islam that protects against Communism is not litanies, praises, and chants. It is not the clicking of prayer beads or chanting at gatherings of remembrance. It is not the fireworks

[Later compiler's provenance line 4] Al-Daʿwa, 15 April 1952.