Category: Americas, World Affairs Topics: Iraq, Muslim World, Saddam Hussein Views: 2976
2976
Political Islam May Yet Be The Answer
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In the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, Carly Fiorina, chief executive of Hewlett-Packard, addressing an information-technology conference in Minnesota, extolled the importance of innovation and ideas to the technology industry.
She spoke of a civilization whose language became the language of much of the world, whose multicultural armies encouraged peace and prosperity, whose commerce extended from the Americas to China and who, driven by invention, gave humanity algebra and algorithms.
The society cured disease, carried out complicated surgical operations such as the removal of cataracts, and laid the foundations for modern medicine while most of the world was steeped in ignorance and fearful of ideas.
This civilization kept knowledge alive and passed it on to others. That civilization, she told her audience, was Islamic civilization up until the 17th century. It's a civilization that was a long way from the corrupt, despotic regimes that rule over the Muslim societies of today - a civilization of societies steeped in intellectual stagnation and underdevelopment.
After leading the world for a thousand years in the arts and sciences, the Muslim world finds itself languishing at the bottom of world literacy rates. Whereas the Prophet Mohammed let the people choose his successor, those who rule over Muslims today are either presidents-for-life or monarchs.
The system of consultative government employed by the Prophet and his successors has been replaced by the systems of quasi-fascist authoritarianism that characterizes most every country in the Muslim world today.
Despite that, it has become fashionable in some circles to impugn Islam as the cause of all these problems. However, the thousand years of intellectual advancement, nurtured and supported by governments that were theocratic sharia-law states, refutes this idea. Another fact that refutes it is that the Muslim decline coincided almost exactly with an abandonment of the role of religion in public life, from the gradual corruption of the Ottomans to the socialist Saddam Hussein and the atheistic Baath Party.
Since the end of colonialism, the Muslim world has been looking for a savior to lead it back to its former glory. Arab nationalism died a humiliating death in 1967 when Israel ravaged the Arab armies. Baathism has died its death with the collapse of Saddam's neo-Stalinist junta.
Today, Muslims are increasingly looking to their history and realizing that their civilization's past greatness was intrinsically tied to the role of Islam in their societies. It's a vision that some may deride as "utopian" - an impossible dream like communism.
Yet, is not the possession of ideals to which we can aspire a feature of all societies? The U.S. Declaration of Independence, for example, deems all men to be created equal, and yet it is only recently (in broad historical terms) that women and blacks won the right to vote.
Naturally, Arab regimes view a resurgence of political Islam as a threat to their rule.
The Algerian government had a near-death experience when it realized that the 1991 election seemed certain to usher the Islamic party into power. The solution was to cancel democracy, plunging the country into bloody civil war.
The Turkish army had to oust the democratically elected Refah Party when it revealed a slightly Islamic hue - too much to stomach for the anti-religion Kemalists of the Turkish military establishment.
Other states, well aware of the likely outcome of any election, just don't bother with the veneer of democratic process.
Despite undemocratic, authoritarian and repressive governments in almost every Muslim nation, the West continues to enjoy a Faustian pact with these regimes: Keep the oil flowing and don't jeopardize our other interests, either, and we'll support you in the interests of "maintaining stability in the region."
Unfortunately, this unwavering support for despotic, unpopular regimes has come at considerable price to the United States: terrorism. It shouldn't be any surprise that the Sept. 11 hijackers were from Egypt and Saudi Arabia - two of America's closest allies in the region.
Muslim anger at the United States stems not from a hatred of Western values, but Western support for the dictatorships that oppress them. The crucial question now is whether the United States and its allies will begin to support real political pluralism, or just replace one dictatorship with another.
Amir Butler, executive director of the Australian Muslim Public Affairs Committee, wrote this for The Providence (R.I.) Journal. He is also a columnist for A True Word
Source: The Roanoke Times
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Older Comments:
MUSLIM FROM USA said:
To Hammer:
I would like to inform you that beating women is absolutely not allowed in Islam, whether by the husband or others. As a matter of fact a Muslim woman can divorce her husband on the bases of abuse whether physical or other. So it does not make any sense that Allah would permit this injustice and then turn around and make it a wrong doing.
Unfortunately, there are many Muslims and non Muslims who for whatever reason understand this erroneous concept and consequently believe Islam is unjust to women. The truth is far from it.
Hammer, please go to the nearest Mosque or ask for Islamic scholars to answer your questions on the injustices you believe Islam endorses. Otherwise, on your own you will never learn the true spirit of Islam which is justice and complete love for the Creator of the worlds, Allah.
I would like to inform you that beating women is absolutely not allowed in Islam, whether by the husband or others. As a matter of fact a Muslim woman can divorce her husband on the bases of abuse whether physical or other. So it does not make any sense that Allah would permit this injustice and then turn around and make it a wrong doing.
Unfortunately, there are many Muslims and non Muslims who for whatever reason understand this erroneous concept and consequently believe Islam is unjust to women. The truth is far from it.
Hammer, please go to the nearest Mosque or ask for Islamic scholars to answer your questions on the injustices you believe Islam endorses. Otherwise, on your own you will never learn the true spirit of Islam which is justice and complete love for the Creator of the worlds, Allah.
2003-07-03
MHAMMED ABDU FROM U.S.A said:
Please,lel tmem those Arebs&Muslim leaders if they
leten.........
thank you
leten.........
thank you
2003-06-30
HAMMER said:
Dear Akbar Khan,
Thank you for your reply. I know many Muslimahs but have spoken on this subject with two of them. One agreed with me that Islam suppresses women while the other did not. Obviously, I cannot with more than a handful of the 600 million Muslimahs in the world. What is more important is what the Koran and Hadiths have to say about it.
My translation of 4:34 came from Dawood, a respected translater. I noticed you selected Yusuf Ali's translation which in my opinion is the mildest. Here is Pickthall's translation:
"Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded. As for those from whom you fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High Exalted, Great." (Pickthall's version of the Koran, Quran, 4:34)
Notice that he used the word, "scourge" which is even worse than a simple beating. I selected Dawood because it was in-between. I wanted to be fair. On the subject of equality between men and women, I suggest you take a look at an Islamic web-site:
http://63.175.194.25/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=1105&dgn=3
I will quote a portion of it:
"Based on this, Islam does not regard men and women as equal in matters where regarding them as equal would result in injustice to one of them, because equality that is inappropriate is a severe form of injustice. "
Thank you for your reply. I know many Muslimahs but have spoken on this subject with two of them. One agreed with me that Islam suppresses women while the other did not. Obviously, I cannot with more than a handful of the 600 million Muslimahs in the world. What is more important is what the Koran and Hadiths have to say about it.
My translation of 4:34 came from Dawood, a respected translater. I noticed you selected Yusuf Ali's translation which in my opinion is the mildest. Here is Pickthall's translation:
"Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded. As for those from whom you fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High Exalted, Great." (Pickthall's version of the Koran, Quran, 4:34)
Notice that he used the word, "scourge" which is even worse than a simple beating. I selected Dawood because it was in-between. I wanted to be fair. On the subject of equality between men and women, I suggest you take a look at an Islamic web-site:
http://63.175.194.25/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=1105&dgn=3
I will quote a portion of it:
"Based on this, Islam does not regard men and women as equal in matters where regarding them as equal would result in injustice to one of them, because equality that is inappropriate is a severe form of injustice. "
2003-06-30
AHMEDABUL said:
There has always been a struggle between and Truth and Falsehood. There is seldom a need to prove falsehood. But usually the followers of falsehood, because there is no light of guidance yet in their hearts, try to prove they are right and that the Truth is not what it is. So many comments on this article show this.
Alhumdulillah I am atleast glad that the followers of the Truth do not try to denigrate what is falsehood.
Only ignorant and prejudiced minds find fault with the Truth, i.e., Islam. We have been instructed to reason with them in the best way possible but to say "salaam" (peace) to the ignorants and leave them alone when they continue to argue over religion. We should try to educate them. Those who seek the truth receive guidance from God. May Allah guide us all.
Yes, indeed, Islam is the best way of life. This also shows in our invitation to those who disagree with us to learn more about us. Yet some quote from the Quran and the Hadith out of context.
Finally, let us not be distracted by those who hurl abuse upon our religion. May Allah forgive us all for not following His religion, His straight path. We have no living example of a true Islamic system to substantiate our claims. The lives of the rightly guided in Islam are an example for us to follow.
Alhumdulillah I am atleast glad that the followers of the Truth do not try to denigrate what is falsehood.
Only ignorant and prejudiced minds find fault with the Truth, i.e., Islam. We have been instructed to reason with them in the best way possible but to say "salaam" (peace) to the ignorants and leave them alone when they continue to argue over religion. We should try to educate them. Those who seek the truth receive guidance from God. May Allah guide us all.
Yes, indeed, Islam is the best way of life. This also shows in our invitation to those who disagree with us to learn more about us. Yet some quote from the Quran and the Hadith out of context.
Finally, let us not be distracted by those who hurl abuse upon our religion. May Allah forgive us all for not following His religion, His straight path. We have no living example of a true Islamic system to substantiate our claims. The lives of the rightly guided in Islam are an example for us to follow.
2003-06-29
AKBAR KHAN FROM CANADA said:
This if for MC-Hammer:
When you come onto this website, showing verses of the Qur'an that talk about women, and certain hadith's that are mentioned in Sahih-Bukhari...do you think you are changing people's minds, or are you just puffing yourself up with pride, because you think you are right? I wonder, have you ever TALKED to a Muslimah in person (Muslim woman)? Have you ever asked her what rights she has? Have you ever ASKED or TALKED to an Islamic scholar about the rights and role of women in Islam? I can say that you cannot answer one question in the affirmative. Instead, you are *attempting* to defame Islam...unfortunately, it is a pathetic attempt, as you should know, Islam introduced moderation, and proper care for one-self into the world for Women, while Europeans went up until the 19th century without allowing women to even VOTE in the United States, or be constitutionally be considered as HUMAN BEINGS. How can you compare your man-made thinking with the teaching of Almighty Allah, Subhanawatallah, who states:
As far as your quote from Sura Al-Nisa (4) verse 34 goes, your translation is horrendously innacurate. This is the correct, and most popular English translation of the Qur'an in the world, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali:
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all)."
You must take Shariah into consideration to interpret this, and that is how it goes...
MC-Hammer, I know what you're going ot say, i'm waiting and ready :-D
When you come onto this website, showing verses of the Qur'an that talk about women, and certain hadith's that are mentioned in Sahih-Bukhari...do you think you are changing people's minds, or are you just puffing yourself up with pride, because you think you are right? I wonder, have you ever TALKED to a Muslimah in person (Muslim woman)? Have you ever asked her what rights she has? Have you ever ASKED or TALKED to an Islamic scholar about the rights and role of women in Islam? I can say that you cannot answer one question in the affirmative. Instead, you are *attempting* to defame Islam...unfortunately, it is a pathetic attempt, as you should know, Islam introduced moderation, and proper care for one-self into the world for Women, while Europeans went up until the 19th century without allowing women to even VOTE in the United States, or be constitutionally be considered as HUMAN BEINGS. How can you compare your man-made thinking with the teaching of Almighty Allah, Subhanawatallah, who states:
As far as your quote from Sura Al-Nisa (4) verse 34 goes, your translation is horrendously innacurate. This is the correct, and most popular English translation of the Qur'an in the world, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali:
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all)."
You must take Shariah into consideration to interpret this, and that is how it goes...
MC-Hammer, I know what you're going ot say, i'm waiting and ready :-D
2003-06-29
FATIMA FROM USA said:
I am definitely for the article but disagree with cc's absurd comments. He or she should know that the Taliban are an oppressive, despotic regime like that of the current "Muslim" countries, except for Iran. They do not represent an Islamic system, whereas Iran does.Why don't you try pointing out all the positive aspects of their society, such as human dignity on every street corner instead of pointing out meaningless examples of your ignorance.
2003-06-28
FATIMA AWAD FROM USA said:
I agree with the author. It is about time Islamic civilization has been given the kind of recognition it deserves as being the greatest system on earth. Islam is not only the greatest, most perfect religion, but it is also a political,social, and economic system that when practiced guarantees success to all its adherents. The once Muslim countries of today are in a major predicament because they have abondoned their religion and only pay slight attention to it. They endorse it halfheartedly and their major goal is to move away from it completely and adopt Western ways, thinking that only then can they be prosperous. But did not the west, in the past, adopt the ideas of Islamic civilization because of admiration for its perfection that cannot be achieved through human means but through the guidance of Allah SWTA? Islam is the answer to all of the "Muslim" world's current problems and only when they return to an Islamic system of government can their problems be solved. The power of the Muslims lies in their religion because unlike the West, we did not go through a man made renaissance, but instead were blessed with Islam. That is how we were taken out of the dark ages and into the light. Thus, experiencing a golden era of cultural, scientific, academic, and spiritual advancement extending to all mankind. We cannot rely on our so called "leaders" to bring about this change. The people themselves must demand that a resurgence of Islamic values be implemented in their governments. If this means a new Islamic revolution then so be it.We must not be afraid and we must educate ourselves with regard to studying the past so that we can govern our future. We must not let the labels of "terrorism" and "islamism" and "fundamentalism" deter us from practicing what we believe in, from standing up against the real "axis of evil". This is a jihad we fight individually because we are now living in a world that shuns religion altogether. Now is the perfect time to reintroduce Islam.
2003-06-28
HAMMER said:
Dear Muslim Woman Doctor,
Thank you for your reply. I am glad that you have a happy life as a woman doctor in the USA. Muslim women live varied lives. Some are oppressed. Others are not. I know that the wealthy Pakistani women live very well in a Muslim society. But I think the most fortunate women are those like you living in a western country protected by kafir laws.
Take a look at some of the verses in the Koran and Hadith. I will quote one from each.
Koran 4:34
Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart and beat them.
Sahih Bukhari :
Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."
I am afraid such verses have tendency to cultivate a mind-set that denigrates women. I suggest you take some time off from medicine to read the Koran and Hadiths more.
<
Thank you for your reply. I am glad that you have a happy life as a woman doctor in the USA. Muslim women live varied lives. Some are oppressed. Others are not. I know that the wealthy Pakistani women live very well in a Muslim society. But I think the most fortunate women are those like you living in a western country protected by kafir laws.
Take a look at some of the verses in the Koran and Hadith. I will quote one from each.
Koran 4:34
Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart and beat them.
Sahih Bukhari :
Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."
I am afraid such verses have tendency to cultivate a mind-set that denigrates women. I suggest you take some time off from medicine to read the Koran and Hadiths more.
<
2003-06-28
ALAIN JEAN-MAIRET FROM CH said:
The exchange between Hammer and muslim woman doctor reflects so well the situation that we have.
Both are right. Islam as a way of life, and especially when women do play a central role (as it was the case in Muhammad's life, btw) within the family and society, is a beautiful place to live. I always remember with pleasure and enlightenment the Muslim families I knew at the time.
But Hammer is right too, and even a bit more in this context, because we are talking here of "Political Islam", and there is really not much good to say of this one -- mostly, perhaps, because it is such a specific male domain? It is not by chance that muslim woman doctor is living in a free country.
Embedded in a society where individual freedom is basic, the Islamic body of thoughts can flourish and evolve. But put the political and social power in the hands of the Muslims scholars, and freedom vanish, sooner or later, as well as all its attributes. That is what history as well as present politics is teaching.
The friends of Islam should be struggling for democracy; they should emphasize the flaws of political Islam, the errors and absurdities of an "Islamic world". They should perceive and put in evidence the differences between the two things. If you want to live in Islam, you should start by cleaning it up.
Both are right. Islam as a way of life, and especially when women do play a central role (as it was the case in Muhammad's life, btw) within the family and society, is a beautiful place to live. I always remember with pleasure and enlightenment the Muslim families I knew at the time.
But Hammer is right too, and even a bit more in this context, because we are talking here of "Political Islam", and there is really not much good to say of this one -- mostly, perhaps, because it is such a specific male domain? It is not by chance that muslim woman doctor is living in a free country.
Embedded in a society where individual freedom is basic, the Islamic body of thoughts can flourish and evolve. But put the political and social power in the hands of the Muslims scholars, and freedom vanish, sooner or later, as well as all its attributes. That is what history as well as present politics is teaching.
The friends of Islam should be struggling for democracy; they should emphasize the flaws of political Islam, the errors and absurdities of an "Islamic world". They should perceive and put in evidence the differences between the two things. If you want to live in Islam, you should start by cleaning it up.
2003-06-28
AMAN FROM US said:
Lately I have seen quite a few articles such as this one. It seems that the effort is to educate Non-Muslims (and Muslims who don't know their history well), that the past glory was due to strong observance to Islamic principals and not vice versa. And while I am not arguing with that, I would like to see the next step. Articles addressed to Muslims on what could and should be done to regain that past in todays world. We've heard the past, now we long to hear about a future.
2003-06-27
MOHAMMED FROM USA said:
I totally agree with the point that this article brings up. i think no muslim will disagree here and as per the people who disagreed i must say they dont have any knowledge and understanding of islam. The editor, Alhamdulillah has given a good reply and good references for them to understand Islam first before making pointless arguments.
2003-06-27
ZEESHAN ANWAR FROM PAKISTAN said:
This is another good article which offers thoughtful insight about current islamic monarchies and bad governance of Islamic states and as a result political Islam as the solution. However how this political islam will exactly work is not much explained except for few guideline principles of initial days of Islam. Perhaps we can find details about it in some other articles already referred in reply to readers' opinion.
I however strongly feel that today we need a modern , well cohesive education system that educates muslims from their early days in school till majors in universities about not only basic principles of islam, but also the pillars of ijtihad in a way that provides a practical relationship between islamic ideology and its application in new modern environment. This applies equally to political islamic approach in today's world and how to make it work in today's environment.
First we need to educate ourselves and make a successful experiment by forming such government. This success itself would not only be convincing enough for the rest of muslim states to follow but would also portray true islamic image to rational non-muslim scholars as well.
I however strongly feel that today we need a modern , well cohesive education system that educates muslims from their early days in school till majors in universities about not only basic principles of islam, but also the pillars of ijtihad in a way that provides a practical relationship between islamic ideology and its application in new modern environment. This applies equally to political islamic approach in today's world and how to make it work in today's environment.
First we need to educate ourselves and make a successful experiment by forming such government. This success itself would not only be convincing enough for the rest of muslim states to follow but would also portray true islamic image to rational non-muslim scholars as well.
2003-06-27
OSMANLI FROM CANADA said:
Only small minded people will point to the Taliban and Iran as examples of "islamic states"
We need to underscore the part that muslims need to go back to the principles of the pasted muslim governments who rule justly for all peoples which included a myriad of ethnic peoples, cultures and religions.
We need to underscore the part that muslims need to go back to the principles of the pasted muslim governments who rule justly for all peoples which included a myriad of ethnic peoples, cultures and religions.
2003-06-27
JOHN NORMAN FROM UK said:
Hammer: I have to thank you for those comments. It is a great pity that the Editor, like so many millions of Muslims, adopts an entirely unself-critical view of Islam and its civilisation. He or she wants us to lull us to sleep in then hope that Islam can take over without much of a struggle. There are, though, enough of us around, to see that that will not be the case. Islami intolerance and close-mindedness is a huge problem, not only for themselves but for non-Muslims as well.
2003-06-27
MUSLIM WOMAN DOCTOR FROM USA said:
To Hammer. You don't understand islam. You don't want to understand islam. Science proves that the quran is correct. How could the word of God be wrong? Embryology is explained in the quran. Geology is in the quran. Astrological science is in the quran. Weather phenomenon explanations are in the quran. There is a whole chapter on the care and honor of women in the quran. There is a whole chapter on Mary, mother of Jesus, may peace be upon him, in the quran. Muslim elders are honored, not sent to nursing homes. Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him's first wife was an older wealthy businesswoman. Women wanted to marry him, because of his kindness, generosity, trustworthiness. If he were alive today I'd be honored to marry him, if I were not married myself. Even if he had three other wives. Islam forbids sex before marriage, and cheating after marriage. Marriage and women and family are sacred. People like you want to pass judgement and fuel the fire of hatred in this world. I am a muslim. I am a woman. I am married. I keep my husband happy. I save my beauty for my husband, and don't give eye candy to any other man. My family is full and I mean full of women doctors, scientists and business owners. Most of my friends are doctors and extremely well to do WOMEN. I am protected. I am a doctor. I cover my head. I pray to God 5 times a day. I live a righteous life. I don't need usury to earn my 200,000 dollars a year. I am a mother. I am loved. I believe in peace. I AM PROUD. And We all don't need negative people like you to make negative comments because.. YOU DON'T KNOW ISLAM!
2003-06-27
AKBAR KHAN FROM CANADA said:
Hammer-..:
The Arabs who were more realistic and practical in their approach adopted the experimental method to harness scientific knowledge than the Greeks. Observation and experiment formed the vehicle of their scientific pursuits, hence they gave a new outlook to science of which the world had been totally unaware. Their achievements in the field of experimental science added a golden chapter to the annals of scientific knowledge and opened a new vista for the growth of modern sciences. Al-Ghazali was the follower of Aristotle in logic, but among Muslims, Ishraqi and Ibn-iTaimiyya were first to undertake the systematic refutation of Greek logic. Abu Bakr Razi criticised Aristotle's first figure and followed the inductive spirit which was reformulated by John Stuart Mill. Ibn-i-Hazm in his well known work Scope of Logic lays stress on sense perception as a source of knowledge and Ibn-i-Taimiyya in his Refuttion of Logic proves beyond doubt that induction is the only sure form of argument, which ultimately gave birth to the method of observation and experiment. It is absolutely wrong to assume that experimental method was formulated in Europe. Roger Bacon, who, in the west is known as the originator of experimental method in Europe, had himself received his training from the pupils of Spanish Moors, and had learnt everything from Muslim sources. The influence of Ibn Haitham on Roger Bacon is clearly visible in his works. Europe was very slow to recognise the Islamic origin of her much advertised scientific (experimental) method. Writing in the Making of Humanity Briffault admits, "It was under their successors at the Oxford School that Roger Bacon learned Arabic and Arabic science. Neither Roger Bacon nor his later namesake has any title to be credited with having introduced the experimental method
The Arabs who were more realistic and practical in their approach adopted the experimental method to harness scientific knowledge than the Greeks. Observation and experiment formed the vehicle of their scientific pursuits, hence they gave a new outlook to science of which the world had been totally unaware. Their achievements in the field of experimental science added a golden chapter to the annals of scientific knowledge and opened a new vista for the growth of modern sciences. Al-Ghazali was the follower of Aristotle in logic, but among Muslims, Ishraqi and Ibn-iTaimiyya were first to undertake the systematic refutation of Greek logic. Abu Bakr Razi criticised Aristotle's first figure and followed the inductive spirit which was reformulated by John Stuart Mill. Ibn-i-Hazm in his well known work Scope of Logic lays stress on sense perception as a source of knowledge and Ibn-i-Taimiyya in his Refuttion of Logic proves beyond doubt that induction is the only sure form of argument, which ultimately gave birth to the method of observation and experiment. It is absolutely wrong to assume that experimental method was formulated in Europe. Roger Bacon, who, in the west is known as the originator of experimental method in Europe, had himself received his training from the pupils of Spanish Moors, and had learnt everything from Muslim sources. The influence of Ibn Haitham on Roger Bacon is clearly visible in his works. Europe was very slow to recognise the Islamic origin of her much advertised scientific (experimental) method. Writing in the Making of Humanity Briffault admits, "It was under their successors at the Oxford School that Roger Bacon learned Arabic and Arabic science. Neither Roger Bacon nor his later namesake has any title to be credited with having introduced the experimental method
2003-06-27
HAMMER said:
First of all, much of the glories of Islamic civilization was borrowed from earlier Roman, Persian and Indian civilizations. Don't forget that the tribes that emerged from Arabia were relatively primitive. Early Caliphs encouraged the translation of Greek and Roman works. These were done by non-Muslims.
Secondly, the lack of progress in the Muslim world is due to Islam itself. Here are a few reasons:
1)Islam's prohibition of usury inhibited the growth of a banking and financial industry. The Christians in Europe started banking earlier which encouraged savings and the accumulation of capital. This led to the emergence of capitalism.
2)Islam stifles women. For example, polygamy is officially sanctioned in the Koran. Don't forget that women constitutes 50% of the work-force. This means that Muslim societies operate at a handicap. Poorly educated women find it difficult to educate their own children. Women staying at home tend to have more children. High birth rates perpetuates poverty.
3)Islam stifles science. The mutazalites preached that human reason has a role to play in guiding human societies. But traditionalists like al ashari preached that only God's revelations though his Prophet (pbuh) is the sole guide to human societies. When the mutazalites lost the argument, Science also lost. Throughout Islam's golden age, learned men like Averroes were persecuted. If science flourished, it was inspite of Islam - not because of it. Traditionaly madrassahs emphasise memorization - not critical thinking.
In an Islamic state, mosque and state are not seperated. It also puts God's laws above man's laws. This means that democracy is difficult to emerge. After all, democracy means that man is soverign. A democracy passes laws according to the wishes of the majority of people - and not according to the laws supposedly lade down by God 1400 years ago.
The concept of jihad where matyrs go to paradise leads to intractable wars with others - waste o
Secondly, the lack of progress in the Muslim world is due to Islam itself. Here are a few reasons:
1)Islam's prohibition of usury inhibited the growth of a banking and financial industry. The Christians in Europe started banking earlier which encouraged savings and the accumulation of capital. This led to the emergence of capitalism.
2)Islam stifles women. For example, polygamy is officially sanctioned in the Koran. Don't forget that women constitutes 50% of the work-force. This means that Muslim societies operate at a handicap. Poorly educated women find it difficult to educate their own children. Women staying at home tend to have more children. High birth rates perpetuates poverty.
3)Islam stifles science. The mutazalites preached that human reason has a role to play in guiding human societies. But traditionalists like al ashari preached that only God's revelations though his Prophet (pbuh) is the sole guide to human societies. When the mutazalites lost the argument, Science also lost. Throughout Islam's golden age, learned men like Averroes were persecuted. If science flourished, it was inspite of Islam - not because of it. Traditionaly madrassahs emphasise memorization - not critical thinking.
In an Islamic state, mosque and state are not seperated. It also puts God's laws above man's laws. This means that democracy is difficult to emerge. After all, democracy means that man is soverign. A democracy passes laws according to the wishes of the majority of people - and not according to the laws supposedly lade down by God 1400 years ago.
The concept of jihad where matyrs go to paradise leads to intractable wars with others - waste o
2003-06-27
RICHARD FROM USA said:
I'm a new Muslim, but I was born and raised in the United States. One thing I have notice about democracy is that it only works for those with money, fame, or power or all three together. Frankly, the US form of government is falling apart slowly, but surely. I don't see any reason why we should question what was revealed in the Quran or stated in Hadith about government. The only reason people object to an Islamic Government is because they see the current dictatorships and monarchs in the middle east that are not the best examples of an Islamic form of government in the first place.
2003-06-27
LISAN FROM USA said:
One of the most serious ailments that certain Westerners suffer from is the notion that Islam has not gone through a period of "enlightenment". Therefore, anything that has any sort of 'Islamic' connotation is regarded by such as inferior and/or chauvinistic and/or worse.
2003-06-26
CC FROM USA/MEX said:
I have two words for the Author of this article.
Taliban and Afghanistan.
Yeah Right! the answer to the problems is the islamic countries is an Islamic State.
Oh! wait a minute, maybe Iran.... Yeah where people get the death penalty for disagreen with the current religous powerhouse.
Taliban and Afghanistan.
Yeah Right! the answer to the problems is the islamic countries is an Islamic State.
Oh! wait a minute, maybe Iran.... Yeah where people get the death penalty for disagreen with the current religous powerhouse.
2003-06-26
AHMEDABUL said:
One wise muslim scholar when asked about why muslims have lagged behind in all spheres of life while the non-muslims (the West) have advanced way ahead, replied that when the non-muslims (mainly the christians, the europeans) distanced themselves from their religion (which contradicted scientific knowledge; earth is the centre of the universe; killing of scientists, etc.) they advanced and made a lot of progress whereas when the muslims distanced themselves from their religion they lagged behind.
Islam is a natural way of life. It does not contradict science and technology. Islam is for all ages and is equipped to meet all challenges of all ages.
Islam is a natural way of life. It does not contradict science and technology. Islam is for all ages and is equipped to meet all challenges of all ages.
2003-06-26
ALAIN JEAN-MAIRET FROM CH said:
Contrarily as what is often said or implied, the sense of the term democracy is not entirely contained in its wording (governance by the people) -- it is not enough to bring a majority of people to vote in a specific way. Democracy also is a set of basic rules -- freedom of opinion, of expression, of press, of religion, of establishment, of commerce, of association; free access to information, individual rights, equal rights, etc. -- that makes it genuinely possible in the first place.
When the basic tenet of a civilization is a common belief, a legal base which cannot be touched, a series of daily rules everyone must follow, the absolute respect in the wisdom of some members of the population, the general organization naturally orients itself in a leader-follower scheme which efficiently prevents the rise of any real democracy.
Democracy makes sense only if all members involved in the decision-taking process (i.e. here the whole adult population) are indeed able and willing to think by themselves and to take their decisions in their own conscience. Even political parties, supposed to give guidance to their members and supporters, do function that way, and what they are giving to the ruler (the people) is only recommendations. People who just follow instructions (of whatever leader) cannot be democrats in the real sense of it. Hence people living in a democratic country can very well be practicing Muslims, but I'm afraid there is no place for true democracy (i.e. with all its legitimate attributes) in a country which is basically ruled by Islam.
When the basic tenet of a civilization is a common belief, a legal base which cannot be touched, a series of daily rules everyone must follow, the absolute respect in the wisdom of some members of the population, the general organization naturally orients itself in a leader-follower scheme which efficiently prevents the rise of any real democracy.
Democracy makes sense only if all members involved in the decision-taking process (i.e. here the whole adult population) are indeed able and willing to think by themselves and to take their decisions in their own conscience. Even political parties, supposed to give guidance to their members and supporters, do function that way, and what they are giving to the ruler (the people) is only recommendations. People who just follow instructions (of whatever leader) cannot be democrats in the real sense of it. Hence people living in a democratic country can very well be practicing Muslims, but I'm afraid there is no place for true democracy (i.e. with all its legitimate attributes) in a country which is basically ruled by Islam.
2003-06-26
