Author: Sayyed Musleh Uddin
The Present and Future of Islam from the Perspective of Orientalists (Part Five)
Emile Dermenghem
Emile Dermenghem says:
“Political and social decline went hand in hand with the forgetting of sound Islamic foundations, although it did not originate from them. Today, it becomes clear that Islamic nations are rising and can play a significant role, acting as a bridge between the West and the Far East, and being one of the assets of the ancient world.” (1)
Henri de Castries
Henri says:
“Muslims in China hold a high status. And Ovsilev, one of the researchers of Islam in those regions, speculates that the destiny of Islam is to replace Buddhism, and that the Muslims of China strongly believe Islam must spread so widely there that the old religion of Buddhism is completely eradicated by it. This is certainly one of the most important issues, as China houses one-third—or even more—of the world’s population. So if they all become Muslims, this would cause significant changes throughout those lands, and the religion of Muhammad would stretch from Gibraltar to the ocean, reviving once again the fears Christianity harbors.
It is clear that the Chinese people, although calm and peaceful in nature, are diligent and hardworking. Today, all nations benefit from their labor. If strong Islamic zeal takes root among them, other nations will fear falling under their power. Monsieur Montet says: It has become certain that Islam will undoubtedly prevail over the other religions competing in China.” [2)
Monsieur Montet also says:
“The extensive spread of Islam in Africa, which advanced rapidly and achieved overall success, was because Muslims had access to many resources in the north. Hence, no other religion could compete with Islam. As a result, the number of Muslims keeps increasing and this religion is constantly growing.” (3)
“Islam, by attracting idol worshippers in central Africa and mobilizing them under the banner of the Qur’an, is demonstrating its strength and vitality. Likewise, in northeastern Africa and in Sudan, there is evidence of its astonishing power and momentum. Two powerful states—the Mahdist State and the Imamate of Jaghbub (Sanusi)—have been established for over fifty years following the model of the Prophet Muhammad’s religious governance. On the opposite side of these two states, and in their fashion, there is a third state in North Africa that still valiantly resists the assaults of Christianity: the Kingdom of Morocco.” (4)
“The Muslims’ refusal to convert to Christianity through the efforts of missionaries, and the impossibility of forcing their obedience, were two major barriers to their conversion. Christian missionaries were the first to recognize the necessity of abandoning direct preaching and exhortation. Yet they remain committed to their mission and did not grow weary in their struggle against the steadfastness of Islam. However, they avoided religious debate altogether. Though they were priests, they promoted secularism; and even though they failed to distribute the Bible among the Arabs, they still became the most effective tool for the expansion of French influence.”(5)
“Half a century passed over Islam in Algeria during which, because of the resistance of religious groups in that land, occupying France could not affect it. Had these groups believed themselves capable of casting us into the sea and establishing a widespread Islamic state with both religious and political authority, they would have risked everything to overthrow the Christian state. But they considered that goal distant and unattainable. Thus, they limited their efforts to keeping the spirit of rage and resentment alive among their followers… The most determined and steadfast of these groups in adhering to their principles is the Sanusiyya, who are feared more than others and are led by a wise and clever Shaykh, regarded by some as the unifier of Islam.
This man, seeing himself unable to openly confront the French government in Algeria, turned to other lands to establish Islam. That Sayyed Sanusi, aware of Muslims’ sorrow under Christian rule, called out to them: ‘Leave your homes, for God’s earth is vast…’ Then they migrated to the vast deserts of Libya, where, despite the harshness of the terrain, people joined them from all sides.” (6)
Etienne Dinet
Etienne Dinet says:
“It is neither bold nor presumptuous to think that if this dreadful uproar against Islam subsides, and Islam guarantees respect for all nations and religions, then the faith will see a bright future filled with the greatest and loftiest aspirations. If Islam, through its valuable participation in global events, enters European civilization, its true brilliance will be revealed. The various nations will come to know its truth—hidden from them for long ages—and will stretch out their hands in alliance, having experienced its worth and realized the immense and boundless power within it.
If the followers of Muhammad rise and awaken from deep slumber, their past glory and honorable history will return. They will become a nation that knows no oppression in dealing with others and will regain their rightful place befitting their legacy of honor.” [7]
Continues…
Previous Part/ Next Part
References:
[1] The Life of Muhammad, pp. 371–372.
[2] Islam: Thoughts and Reflections, pp. 87–88, quoted from Monsieur Dabry, The Muhammadan Religion in China and Eastern Turkestan, Paris, 1878.
[3] Ibid., p. 88, quoted from Journal of the History of Religions, May and January 1883.
[4] Ibid., p. 100.
[5] Ibid., p. 104.
[6] Ibid., pp. 113–114.
[7] Muhammad the Messenger of God, pp. 345–346.
