The New Atheist Movement in the West — An Analytical and Critical Study

By the grace and bounty of Allah, I had my masters thesis defense last week. My thesis was entitled “The New Atheist Movement in the West — An Analytical and Critical Study.”

Here is a recording of part of the defense (which includes an introduction in English):

The following is a summary of the thesis:

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, a movement emerged in the West commonly referred to as “New Atheism.” This movement consisted of secular, humanist intellectuals from various Western countries, led by prominent contemporary atheist figures such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens. Together with others, they authored a number of influential works that gained widespread recognition in Western societies and were translated into several languages, including Arabic. The movement has left a significant imprint on contemporary atheistic thought, both within the West and globally, to the extent that many modern atheists can be seen aligning themselves—explicitly or implicitly—with its core ideas.

What distinguishes this movement from earlier strands of atheism in the West is not merely its denial of the existence of God, but its pronounced hostility toward religion—particularly Islam. Rather than focusing primarily on establishing philosophical proofs for atheism, its discourse centers on the rejection, criticism, and active opposition to religion in all its forms. Advocates of this movement argue that religion should not be tolerated, but rather confronted and challenged through persistent critique, often employing sharp and confrontational rhetoric.

This study seeks to define the New Atheist movement and examine the factors that contributed to its emergence. It highlights its leading figures, explores its impact on Western societies, and outlines the foundational principles and defining characteristics that shape its discourse. The work further analyzes the key themes and issues addressed by the movement, offering a critical evaluation from three perspectives: the Islamic worldview, contemporary Western scientific thought, and the analyses of Western scholars.

The study concludes by assessing the extent of the challenge this movement poses to Muslim communities, exploring effective approaches to responding to its claims, and reviewing contemporary Islamic efforts aimed at countering its influence. It also offers a critical appraisal of these efforts and proposes ways in which they may be strengthened and further developed.

I ask Allah to make this work to have been solely for His sake, and that He accepts it and brings benefit out of it.

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
17th of Shaʿbān 1440