"دہریت" is a profound philosophical and theological term in Urdu that refers to the belief system denying the existence of God, divine revelation, or the afterlife. It represents atheism or materialism — the worldview that the universe operates solely through natural laws without supernatural intervention.
The word carries significant historical, intellectual, and ideological weight. In classical Islamic scholarship, “دہریت” was often contrasted with “ایمان” (faith). Those who held purely materialistic views were called “دہری” (atheists), a term derived from the Quranic concept of “دہر” — time. The phrase “وَقَالُوا مَا هِيَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا الدُّنْيَا نَمُوتُ وَنَحْيَا وَمَا يُهْلِكُنَا إِلَّا الدَّهْرُ” (They say: nothing destroys us but time) refers to such people — hence the name “دہری.”
In modern discourse, “دہریت” also encompasses secular humanism and scientific rationalism — emphasizing reason, evidence, and ethics over revelation. It has become a neutral or even positive philosophical stance in academic discussions about freedom of thought, though it retains negative connotations in conservative religious settings.
Etymology:
Derived from Arabic “دَهر” (Dahr), meaning “time” or “eternity,” implying those who believe the world is self-sustained and eternal, without divine creation.
Metaphorical & Intellectual Use:
“دہریت محض انکارِ خدا نہیں بلکہ انسان کے شعور کی ایک منزل ہے” (Atheism is not just denial of God but a stage of human consciousness).
Cultural & Historical Significance:
In South Asia, “دہریت” gained prominence during the colonial and post-Enlightenment eras, when Western secular philosophy intersected with Islamic and Hindu traditions. Thinkers debated the role of faith and reason, marking “دہریت” as both a challenge and a catalyst for theological renewal.
Synonyms & Antonyms Context:
Synonyms (Urdu): الحاد، کفر، لاادریت
Synonyms (English): atheism, materialism, disbelief
Antonyms (Urdu): ایمان، دینداری، توحید
Antonyms (English): faith, theism, belief
Word Associations: خدا (God), فلسفہ (philosophy), عقیدہ (belief), عقل (reason).