Note: This article does not aim to spread hate against Muslims or Islam as a religion. Instead, it critically examines Islamic ideology to evaluate its merits and challenges.
Historical Context of Islam
Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It is a monotheistic religion, meaning it advocates belief in one God.
The Golden Age of Islam (8th–13th Century)
The Islamic Golden Age, spanning roughly from the 8th to the 13th century, was a period of remarkable intellectual and cultural growth. Some scholars argue this era extended into the 16th or 17th centuries, but most agree it ended around the 13th century. During this time, many Muslim scholars made groundbreaking contributions to various fields, including science, literature, art, philosophy, architecture, and mathematics. Luminaries such as Al-Khwarizmi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and Al-Ghazali emerged as pivotal figures. The Islamic tradition’s emphasis on knowledge is highlighted in numerous hadiths, including one attributed to Muhammad: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”
Contemporary Islam and Its Disengagement from Science
Today, Islam is often not associated with modern scientific endeavors. Despite a global Muslim population of approximately 1.6 billion and 46 Muslim-majority nations, contributions to science remain minimal. Only two Muslims have received Nobel Prizes in scientific disciplines: one in physics (1979) and another in chemistry (1999). As physicist Steven Weinberg observed, “While talented scientists of Muslim origin thrive in the West, I have not come across a single noteworthy paper from a physicist or astronomer based in a Muslim country in the last four decades.”
Why Did Islam Turn Away from Science?
The decline of scientific inquiry in the Muslim world can be traced back to the rise of the Ash’arite school of thought. This philosophy marked a shift away from intellectual pursuits that were not directly related to religious doctrine. The Ash’arite school emphasized occasionalism, a belief that natural causality does not exist, asserting that every event is directly willed by God. This worldview rejected the concept of inherent natural laws, undermining rational inquiry and the intelligibility of the natural world. Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2006 Regensburg lecture, cited philosopher Ibn Hazm, who argued that if God willed it, even idolatry could be permissible. Such dogmatic perspectives stifled free exploration in science and philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of the Muslim world.
Extremism and Terrorism
The U.S. Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of—or threatened use of—force or violence against individuals or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives.”
While not all Muslims engage in extremist activities, incidents of extremism and terrorism linked to Islamic ideologies cannot be ignored. Examples include forced religious conversions, the imposition of burqas and hijabs on women, and events like the 9/11 attacks.
Proposed Solutions
1. Atheism and Free Thought
Ex-Muslim atheists such as Javed Akhtar, Armin Navabi, Waleed Al-Husseini, and Ali A.Rizvi have initiated movements to question orthodox beliefs. Muslims are encouraged to explore the works of prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. For additional insights, Indian ex-Muslim YouTube channels like Ex-Muslim Zafar Heretic and Ex-Muslim Sahil provide critical perspectives on Islam.
2. Reform and Reinterpretation
Extremists often misinterpret the Quran to justify their actions. Reforming the interpretation system is essential.Shia Muslims traditionally believe that only an imam can interpret the Quran. Sunni Muslims rely on scholars (ulama) as religious authorities. A reformation of these systems could pave the way for more liberal and less conservative practices. While religious reform has successfully modernized other faiths, achieving this within Islam remains a challenge.
3. Education
Education is the most effective weapon against extremism and terrorism. Children should be taught about diverse cultures and religions, fostering an understanding that their faith and culture are not the only ones. Exposure to modern science and global perspectives can instill empathy and discourage superiority complexes rooted in religion or ethnicity.
Conclusion
Addressing contemporary Islamic extremism and terrorism requires a multifaceted approach involving education, open dialogue, and critical engagement with traditional ideologies. Only through knowledge, reform, and mutual understanding can we combat extremism and foster global harmony.
Solution to Contemporary Islamic Extremism and Terrorism