From glory to fall

When we read the pages of history, we find that Muslims once led the world in civilisation, while European societies were stuck in a period of barbarity and ignorance. Historians often refer to this time as the “insular reality”.

Bertrand Russell, in his essay ‘Reflections on the Reawakening of the East’, discusses the glorious period of Muslims as a golden era during the reign of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the subsequent orthodox caliphs, contrasting it with Europe’s period of darkness.

Russell warns supremacists about their unjust attitudes towards the East, particularly Muslims, predicting that oppressed Asian and African nations would eventually resist and prevail. He asserts that power dynamics between East and West have historically fluctuated, with alternating periods of prosperity and adversity.

During their golden age, Muslims excelled in various fields. Scholars like Al-Razi and Ibn Sina advanced science and medicine. Al-Khwarizmi introduced algebraic concepts still used today. Al-Battani and Ibn Al-Haytham made key discoveries in astronomy and optics. Thinkers like Al-Farabi and Averroes preserved Greek philosophical traditions, influencing the European Renaissance. Muslim architects built stunning structures like Spain’s Alhambra, demonstrating advanced skills.

Presently, the West leads in science, technology, education, and socio-political matters. However, this doesn’t mean Muslims will always lag behind. Muslims can rise again by reviving their past glory and making strides in science, philosophy, culture, and politics. Many Muslim countries currently suffer from poor governance, economic instability, political conflict, and weak infrastructure due to straying from true Islamic principles.

Islam is often misinterpreted as a violent religion, leading to widespread Islamophobia, which has contributed to the decline of Muslims in various sectors. Several factors explain why Muslims struggle to meet modern standards. One major issue is the ineffective OIC. With 57 member countries, the OIC has failed to address critical issues like the conflicts in Kashmir and Palestine. Internal conflicts, especially among Gulf countries, have further disrupted Muslim unity and progress.

Another reason for the decline is the lack of quality education in the Muslim world. Few Muslim universities rank among the top global institutions in research, education, and science. To achieve success and improve their global image, Muslims must excel in education and demonstrate Islam’s true, peaceful nature.

The rise of Islamophobia today can be attributed to several factors, including populist extremists in the West, opportunistic politicians, biased Western media, and the Islamic world’s failure to counter it through diplomatic channels or educational initiatives. For example, former US President Donald Trump implemented anti-Muslim policies like visa bans for certain Muslim-majority countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used anti-Muslim rhetoric to gain support, seen in policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, and the communication blackout in Kashmir. French President Emmanuel Macron adopted anti-Islamic rhetoric amid declining approval ratings. Western media often portrays Muslims as extremists and Islam as a radical religion, leading to the stigmatisation of Muslims. This biased reporting depicts terrorist attacks by extremist groups as representatives of Islam while ignoring the peaceful lives and contributions of the majority of Muslims.

The OIC’s failure to counter Islamophobia has worsened the issue. To counter Islamophobia, Muslim leaders need to develop a comprehensive plan using the OIC platform to educate the world about Islam’s true message of peace and prosperity. Violence and radicalisation should not be defended as freedom of expression.

The Lord of this universe commands in the Holy Quran Surat Ar-Ra’d 13:11, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

Muslims must change their state by educating themselves, advancing in technology, and abiding by the rule of law, which better defines them as a just society.