Author: Sayyed Musleh Uddin
The Present and Future of Islam from the Perspective of Orientalists (Part 7)
Harold Smith
Harold Smith states: “The Islamic world is in a position that allows it to cultivate its own outstanding and unique philosophy without being blindly compelled to follow communist methods or the individualistic political outlook of the West. We have seen that Islam acknowledges the intrinsic value of individuals, based on the belief that their existence is owed to God and that they are accountable to Him for their actions. This means that no individual can be fully absorbed into a dominant collective structure like communism. Communism (both in theory and in practice) renders the individual dispensable if he serves the state’s goals—something that cannot happen in an Islamic society.” [1]
“If it were possible to inspire Islamic solidarity toward positive goals and to gather the diverse Muslim nations into a living and dynamic union, this unity could become a constructive and positive force in the world. Moreover, if this unity operated within its own framework and reached a level of tolerance and forbearance, embracing all of God’s creations in its conscience and brotherhood like moths around a flame, it would be more influential than others. How beautiful it is when Pakistan protests oppression against a people geographically far from it, simply because they belong to the community of Muslim nations! Even more beautiful and worthy would be if, in our war-torn world, new paths were illuminated—paths founded on the values of truth guided only by God, and on the human bond uniting all children of Adam—so that a Muslim nation would rise in protest against injustice even when it occurs to a nation outside the Islamic sphere.” [2]
“In terms of international relations, the Muslim nations—or the broader Islamic community—should be at the forefront of those calling for and working toward the formation of a global community of nations, regulated and governed by international law.” [3]
Ahmad Susa
Ahmad Susa states: “I believe that if Islam had even a portion of the missionary support and propaganda that Christianity enjoys in America, its banner would undoubtedly now be flying over most parts of this vast land. Contrary to what is commonly believed about the failure of Christian evangelism, Islam would instead be welcomed and encouraged.” [4]
“The Arab world today is going through a difficult stage—a stage of transition and transformation. This rapid transition is terrifying and worrisome, because if we fail to compensate for it by adorning ourselves with lofty Islamic virtues before Western materialism takes hold and scatters us, stealing the confidence and hopes of Arab youth, we may lose not only our direction but our foundational values during this transitional period.” [5]
“Young educated people must keep a historical truth at the forefront: the West’s war against Islam has never ended. This war, initiated by Christian Westerners to destroy Muslims and eliminate the dignity and glory of Islam, continues. In their atheistic doctrines, Westerners have subtly encouraged Muslims—through various unscientific means—to adopt these views. The most dangerous and perhaps the most successful conspiracy aimed at obliterating the Muslim ummah was the targeting of their faith. By erasing faith, they sought to destroy the very Islamic force that the rebellious West has long plotted against. I wish Muslim youth would reconsider their path and reexamine the historical truths of their religion before selling their religious emotions cheaply to a lurking enemy.” [6]
“We must not forget that the West fears Islam whenever Muslims unite. Westerners see Muslim unity as a threat to their existence and civilization, and they make no effort to hide this feeling. On the contrary, they spare no effort or resource in obstructing understanding and unity among Islamic countries.” [7]
“I must say that the opposition incited against Islam by papal representatives, which triggered the Crusades, has deeply taken root in the Western psyche and still persists.” [8]
Joseph Schacht
Joseph Schacht observes: “Muslims cannot free themselves from the profound spiritual dominance and deeply rooted influence of Islamic law. This is because Islamic law involves relations with others and is inherently religious. Religion manifests as the core of this law to the extent that it encompasses the political and economic dimensions of society.” [9]
Laura Veccia Vaglieri
Laura Veccia Vaglieri states: “It is to the good fortune of Muslims that Islam considers rigidity and fanaticism to be a disease that must be cured. One must return to the Noble Book (the Qur’an)—a book that neither friends nor enemies, neither scholars nor laymen, have ever been able to corrupt. It is a book that never grows old with time and remains sovereign and authoritative throughout history, just as it was on the day it was revealed to the unlettered Prophet, the final of the prophets and bearer of the divine laws. The pure and ultimate reference for Muslims is this very book, and nothing else. Whenever Muslims drink deeply from this sacred and pure fountain, they will undoubtedly return to the strength they once had—and there is strong evidence that such a return has already begun.” [10]
Continues…
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References
[1] — Islamic Culture and Contemporary Life, p. 75.
[2] — Ibid., pp. 75-76.
[3] — Ibid., p. 77.
[4] — On My Way to Islam, Vol. 1, p. 53.
[5] — Ibid., Vol. 1, p. 62.
[6] — Ibid., Vol. 1, pp. 62-63.
[7] — Ibid., Vol. 1, pp. 333-334.
[8] — Ibid., Vol. 1, pp. 134-135.
[9] — Unity and Diversity in Islamic Civilization, p. 119.
[10] — In Defense of Islam, pp. 133-134.
