Modernisation, Westernisation and Islam
Background:
The core purpose of this research is to look over the issue in three aspects i.e.
• What is Islam’s stance over modernisation?
• What is Islam’s stance over westernisation?
• What is the prime difference between modernisation and westernisation?
I have been compelled to do this research because of several reasons. Firstly, the widely believed phenomenon that muslims are a backward creed and Islam in principle is against development in science and technology. Secondly, because muslims in recent times have not been able to achieve significant milestones in science and technology.
Now, this research aims to bring about all the aspects of this debate as to how far Islam supports modernization. To start with, I’ll start by dividing this debate into the following steps:
• Muslims contribution to science and technology
• Muslims contribution to infrastructure and architecture
• Islamic reforms in society
That being said, I hope that this research will open new horizons of thought for the fellow readers and bring about the hidden aspects. Not only this, but this research will also provide ample arguments to fellow readers that shall help them in any debate whatsoever on the topic and will ensure that no one who has read this article is not able to answer an argument that questions Islamic credibility and its stance over the ever changing world that has now turned into a global village.
I pray that by the grace of Allah(swt) this article doesn’t go in vain and serves its purpose well.
The oxford Dictionary defines modernisation as 'characteristic of present and recent time; contemporary; not antiquated or obsolete'. According to this definition, Modernisation is boon for it...
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...al exchange because however advanced we get, Core human values of integrity, honesty, concern for the less privileged people and balance between worldly and spiritual lives would always remain valid.
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...y by compiling a summary of Islamic history, and, by doing so, creates a complete Islamic history that can go toe to toe with European history. As a result, his argument stands to be thorough, suggesting that Islamic history indeed plays a role in today’s international world
Spears, J. (2002 , January 8). Federatoin of American Scientists. Retrieved September 10, 2011, from Muslim Brotherhood: http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/mb.htm
Islamic teachings that are followed by Muslims around the globe do not have same context and applicability like other religions of the world. Islam not only tells about the way of worshiping the Lord and behaving like a good human being but it also give a complete code of life. It includes political, military, social, financial, legal and governance systems. Non-Muslims normally con...
Esposito, John L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, 2d. New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN-13: 978-1-60927-041-4
The culture of Islam has its positive aspects, as well as its negative aspects. Islam bestowed many unfortunate people the opportunity to gain more knowledge about their surroundings, and the adversities that they may face on a daily basis. Islam also created alliances, and trade contracts with other surrounding countries, allowing them to receive resources that other religions and groups could not envisage. However, to gain these privileges, Islam had to first fester the lives of many civilians that dared step in its path. Islam not only ruined the lives of people, but it ruined whole kingdoms. Many people felt an...
In order to understand the issues at play and to propose various solutions, three main concepts would be examined. The focus would be on context of development, self and identity development and social development.
On the Harmony of Religion and Philosophy gives us insight to the philosophical views of a certain sect of Islam, and how it influenced it 's followers to view the world around them. Although it is helpful, this is written from a very biased position and it cannot be said that the views of the author are the views of Muslim culture as a whole. There is a constant attack on another religious group throughout the article that helps us to understand what this specific sect deems right and wrong through comparison of the groups.
“Islam: A Worldwide Religion and its Impact in Southeast Asia.” N.p., n.d. Web. 29 March 2014.
...writer starts the essay by stating the basic fudamentals of Muslim's beleif and action. Then she connects this idea with beleifs and actions shown and inplied through the media. After that, the media images are connected with the fact that the images cause fear and stereotypes; the teachings that correct the stereotypes are also linked. Next the teachings are connected with the Quran and the leaders and groups who misunderstand and violate the teachings. After that, the five pillars of Islam are explained, described and defined. Finally, it is explained how the pillars affect Muslims by defining their character and lives. All of these ideas are organized so that they are logically linked with the writer's strategy. The writer's strategy includes explainations, the use of examples, and comparison and contrast, to support each idea claimed and to define a "true" Muslim.
Gulevich, Tanya, and Frederick S. Colby. Understanding Islam and Muslim Traditions. Detriot, Michigan: Omnigraphics, Inc., 2004. Print.
G. Esposito, John L (2002) Islam; What Everyone Should Know. New York. Oxford University Press Inc.
Islam is a highly recognizable and one of the most practiced religions in the world. It is a religion that brings hope, a meaning for life, and ultimately peace to those who follow its teachings. The Western world sees Islam as a violent and threatening religion that produces terrorists and radicals. If such a religion brings so much meaning to the lives of those that practice it, why does the West see it with such suspicious eyes?
Religion is an important factor in many lives in today’s society. A particular western religion that is taken very seriously by many is known as Islam. Essentially, Islam means “submission”, or in other words a person is to abide by God and peace will follow. In order to comprehend the Islamic religion, it is consequential to view the major themes associated with this religion. By going through the central themes of Islam it could help others comprehend what is involved with this specific religion.
...e pluralistic market needed to establish and maintain a high percentage of religious participation within a population. The Muslim Brotherhood provides many social welfare services and benefits that has permeated throughout the Islamic world. This has led to many embracing the religious extremism and social programs of the Brotherhood, despite increased violence from the state against the Brotherhood’s leadership and organizations. Sufism, also, portrayed a much more diverse interpretation of Sunni Islamic practices and has proven to be an example of conversion that follows closely along the lines of religious familiarity. Even when comparing the Islamic world to the United States, it was clear that diversity in the religious marketplace exists and that social movements and religious schools of thought create a supply and demand environment to win over constituents.
Kenneth Jost. 2005. “Understanding Islam.” Annual Editions: Anthropology 11/12, 34th Edition. Elvio Angeloni. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.