In the fifth episode of his program “Toward Proper Understanding”, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy (AIRA), Dr. Nazir Ayyad discussed the motives of the atheists. He stated that the first impetus is adherence to and imitation of wrong custom, which is a reprehensible scourge denied by the heavenly laws and condemned by Islam. When we review the history of the prophets, we find that customs, traditions, and imitation were among the most important reasons that led people to turn away from the religion of Allah, exalted be He, as clarified in the Noble Qur’an since they blinded people’s vision and insight.

     The second reason is that atheists limit all existing things to concretes, which is a permanent issue found throughout the ages, Ayyad added. Atheists always relied on this concept; therefore, they were called sensualists, materialists, naturalists, etc.  This reprehensible scourge has always been an impetus for disbelief in the unseen.

     Finally, The Secretary-General explained that the third reason is psychological deviation. This impetus takes a set of forms that push a person to deny the Creator and deny the unseen world. It may be due to mistrust, following the falsifiers who may be a majority, or following one’s own desires.