The modern world has been shaped by Western civilisation, influencing political structures, economic models, technological progress, and cultural ideals. Muslim perspectives on Western civilisation vary significantly, ranging from admiration to scepticism. Some view it as a model for progress, particularly in science, technology, and governance, while others criticise its secularisation, cultural intrusion, and political interference in Muslim societies. Striking a balance between adopting beneficial aspects and preserving Islamic identity is essential. This editorial explores these perspectives and evaluates their impact on Muslim societies in the age of globalisation.
Understanding Western Civilization and Its Key Features
Western civilisation refers to the intellectual, political, and cultural traditions that originated in Europe and have significantly shaped the contemporary world. It is characterized by secularism, democracy, capitalism, individualism, scientific progress, and human rights. Rooted in the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, it prioritizes free markets, technological innovation, and rational thought. Although it has contributed to economic growth, governance, and education, its secular ideals often conflict with Islamic teachings. Understanding these features is crucial in assessing their influence on Muslim societies and the responses they generate.
Muslim Perspectives on Western Civilization
Favorable Views
- Scientific and Technological Advancements
A significant portion of the Muslim world acknowledges the benefits of Western scientific and technological advancements, particularly in fields such as information technology, engineering, and medicine. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) report of 2022, Western countries account for over sixty percent of patents and scientific research worldwide, influencing global technological progress. Moreover, countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have actively incorporated these advancements to foster economic and educational growth. However, scholars argue that while embracing scientific progress is essential, it should align with Islamic ethical and moral values to ensure that development remains balanced.
- Democratic Values and Human Rights
Many Muslims appreciate democratic values and human rights, often associated with Western civilization. Principles such as political participation, equality before the law, and individual freedoms are considered essential for good governance. The Arab Barometer Survey of 2021 revealed that nearly seventy-two percent of respondents from the Middle East and North Africa supported democracy, believing it fosters accountability and development. Furthermore, aspects of Islamic teachings align with human rights frameworks promoting justice and equality. Nevertheless, critics argue that Western interpretations of democracy and human rights are often selectively applied, sometimes contradicting Islamic governance models and ethical principles.
- Economic and Educational Opportunities
Western civilization is also praised for its economic and educational opportunities. Many Muslims value the high-quality educational institutions, research facilities, and economic models that have driven global advancement. Seven of the ten largest economies and most of the world’s leading universities are in Western nations, attracting thousands of students from Muslim-majority countries seeking higher education and professional growth, according to the World Bank in 2022. Furthermore, globalization, driven largely by Western economies, has facilitated trade, investment, and innovation, creating economic prospects. However, concerns remain regarding dependency on Western economic systems, which may compromise Islamic financial principles.
Critical Views
- Secularization and Weakening of Islamic Values
Many Muslims believe that Western civilization promotes secularization, leading to the erosion of Islamic values in society. Western influence is often blamed for separating religion from politics, law, and education in some Muslim-majority nations. In countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia, a large segment of the population expresses concerns that Western secular ideologies prioritize consumerism, individualism, and moral decline over faith and family values, as indicated by a Gallup Poll conducted in 2021. Additionally, the rise of liberal lifestyles influenced by Western media and globalization has contributed to a decline in adherence to traditional Islamic practices. While modernization is necessary, critics argue that it should not come at the cost of undermining the deeply held Islamic values that define Muslim identity.
- Cultural Invasion and Intellectual Decline
Moreover, many Muslims perceive Western civilization as a force of cultural invasion, undermining core Islamic principles and fostering intellectual and moral decay. The widespread presence of Western fashion, entertainment, and media has introduced lifestyles that contradict Islamic values, encouraging materialism, immodesty, and moral relativism. The philosopher Allama Iqbal warned against the blind imitation of Western ideologies, asserting that such influences weaken the spiritual and intellectual strength of Muslims. In his work, Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam, he criticized Western consumerism, arguing that it leads to an identity crisis and distances individuals from their spiritual roots. Additionally, the dominance of Western-centric educational institutions has sidelined Islamic scholarship, weakening indigenous knowledge systems. While cultural exchanges are inevitable, unchecked Western influence, critics argue, erodes Islamic identity, values, and intellectual traditions, creating a crisis of self-perception in Muslim societies.
- Denouncing the Colonial Mindset
Furthermore, Western civilization is often criticized for fostering a colonial mindset that continues to shape intellectual, political, and economic systems in the Muslim world. Allama Iqbal strongly opposed this mentality, contending that colonial rule not only exploited Muslim lands but also instilled an inferiority complex, causing many to adopt Western values uncritically. In his poetic works, including Bang-e-Dra and Bal-e-Jibril, he cautioned against the psychological subjugation of Muslims, emphasizing that true progress requires self-reliance and the revival of Islamic thought. Although colonial rule has formally ended, many Muslim-majority nations remain influenced by Western political structures, economic policies, and educational frameworks. Critics argue that such dependence stifles local intellectual traditions and weakens independent governance, reinforcing the notion that progress can only be achieved through Westernization. In response, Iqbal advocated for a spiritual and intellectual awakening, urging Muslims to reclaim their cultural heritage and establish governance models rooted in Islamic principles.
- Economic Exploitation and Dependency
Another major criticism is the perception that Western civilization perpetuates economic exploitation and dependency, keeping Muslim nations reliant on Western financial systems. The Qur'an warns against economic injustice, stating, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers” (Al-Baqarah 2:188). Despite this, numerous Muslim countries remain burdened by debt, with multinational corporations extracting their resources without fair compensation. Critics argue that institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund enforce economic models that prioritize Western interests over local development. They stress the importance of self-reliance and the adoption of Islamic financial principles, such as interest-free banking and equitable wealth distribution, to regain economic independence.
- Islamophobia and the Loss of Identity
Additionally, many Muslims believe that Western civilization has contributed to Islamophobia, undermining Muslim identity and fostering discrimination. The Qur'an warns against external influences that seek to weaken Islamic principles, stating, “And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion” (Al-Baqarah 2:120). Islamophobia has led to restrictions on religious practices, biased portrayals of Muslims in the media, and systemic discrimination in Western societies. Furthermore, many Muslim nations continue to rely on Western legal, political, and educational structures inherited from colonial rule. Critics argue that this cultural and psychological dependence erodes confidence in Islamic traditions, creating a sense of inferiority among Muslims. To counter this, they emphasize the need to reclaim religious, cultural, and intellectual identity, as highlighted in the Qur'an,
“In fact, the honor belongs to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers” (Al-Munafiqun 63:8).
In conclusion, Muslim perspectives on Western civilization encompass both appreciation and criticism. While advancements in science, technology, and governance offer valuable opportunities, concerns about cultural erosion, economic dependency, and secularization persist. A balanced approach, integrating beneficial aspects while safeguarding Islamic identity, is crucial. Muslim nations must invest in independent media, strong educational institutions rooted in Islamic values, and self-sufficient economies. The Qur'an reminds believers that change begins from within, stating, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Ar-Ra'd 13:11).
