Introduction
Orientalists’ biased criticisms of Islamic civilization, history, and religious beliefs have continued for centuries. In this context, Jurji Zaydan’s (1861–1914) book
holds a prominent place, which was apparently written in a research-oriented manner about Muslim civilization and culture, but in reality, it contains various types of misrepresentations and biased attacks on Muslims and their beliefs. Allama Shibli Nomani exposed the truth of this book and unveiled Zaydan’s deceptions through
.
Jurji Zaydan’s Writing Style
Zaydan wrote his book in such a way that it seemed he was praising Muslims, but in reality, he launched severe attacks on them. He resorted to such arrangement and distortion of events that the truth was distorted.
Objectives of the Book
- Contempt for Arabs: Attempt to portray the Arab nation as ignorant and uncivilized.
- Defamation of Muslim rulers: Especially labeling the eras of Banu Umayyah and Banu Abbas as times of religious and moral decline.
- Incidents of disrespect towards Islamic symbols: False accusations such as disrespect towards the Kaaba by the Caliphs.
- Propaganda of racism among Muslims: Attempts to prove Arabs as racists.
Zaidan’s Accusations and Their Analysis
1. Defamation of Banu Umayyah
Zaidan targeted Banu Umayyah specifically and leveled numerous false accusations against them, such as:
- Banu Umayyah insulted the Quran and the Two Holy Mosques.
- They oppressed the people of non-Arab and conquered regions.
- Arabs considered non-Arab new Muslims as inferior.
Analysis
- Distortions in Narrations: Zaidan distorted historical references to prove his point. For example, in the book
Reference: “Al-Kharaj”
, citing Qadi Abu Yusuf, Zaidan narrated an incident that was not related to Banu Umayyah but attributed it to Banu Umayyah.
- Respect for Religious Scholars: The fact is that during the era of Banu Umayyah, non-Arab scholars such as Imam Hasan al-Basri, Imam Ata ibn Abi Rabah, and others were recognized as religious leaders by the Muslims.
2. Allegations of Desecration of the Kaaba and the Two Holy Sanctuaries
Zaidan claimed that Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and Hajjaj ibn Yusuf attacked the Kaaba with a catapult, set it on fire, and killed Abdullah ibn Zubair inside the Kaaba.
Analysis
- Misrepresentation of Facts: According to historical records, Hajjaj targeted only the addition made by Abdullah bin Zubair, not the entire Kaaba.
- Political Reasons: This conflict was purely political, which Zaidan presented as religious blasphemy.
- Role of Abdul Malik: Abdul Malik bin Marwan, who was a devout worshiper and ascetic before the caliphate, was attempted by Zaidan to be portrayed as irreligious, which contradicts historical facts.
3. Propaganda of Arab Racism
Zaidan wrote that Arabs considered other nations, especially non-Arabs, as inferior, did not give them religious positions, and did not prefer to pray behind them.
Analysis
- Status of Scholars: During the Umayyad era, non-Arab scholars like Imam Ata bin Abi Rabah, Imam Hasan Basri, and Tawus Yemeni were honored and recognized as religious leaders.
- Worship and Leadership: The Umayyads appointed non-Arab scholars as prayer leaders and judges, which invalidates Zaidan’s claim.
4. Calling the Abbasid Era the Iranian Era
Zaidan claimed that the Abbasid Caliphate was not Arab but an Iranian government because it included Iranian ministers and advisors.
Analysis
- Fallacy: The Abbasid caliphs, their language, and religion were purely Arab. If Iranian advisors were included, it is evidence of the Abbasids’ inclusiveness and justice, not that it was an Iranian government.
Zaidan’s Literary Tactics
- Blatant lie: Presenting historical references incorrectly, for example, using unrelated excerpts from Qadi Abu Yusuf’s book against the Umayyads.
- Distortion: Twisting historical events.
- False inference: Presenting personal opinions as historical facts.
- Generalization: Applying the actions of a few individuals to an entire nation.
Allama Shibli Nomani’s Rebuttal
Allama Shibli exposed all of Zaidan’s flaws in
and proved that the purpose of this book was not scholarly research but the humiliation of Muslims.
Summary
Jurji Zaydan’s book
is based more on bias and misrepresentation than scholarly research. Through this book, an attempt was made to distort the history of Muslims and portray them as morally degenerate, with the aim of defaming Islam and Muslims.
