◈ The Ancient Attitude of Orientalists
Since the 12th century CE, the attitude of Orientalists towards Islam and the Prophet of Islam ﷺ has been antagonistic. During the medieval period, Christian scholars openly leveled vulgar accusations against the Noble Prophet ﷺ and portrayed Islam as a political threat.
◈ Changing Circumstances
In the modern era, circumstances have significantly changed:
① Islam is no longer perceived as a political threat to Europe.
② Arab Muslims no longer dominate international trade.
③ Following the industrial, scientific, and intellectual revolutions in Europe, people have begun to view Christianity with skepticism.
④ The religious zeal of Christians has weakened.
These developments have led to a transformation—at least to some extent—in the style of Orientalist writing. Now, rather than making vulgar and blatant accusations, they adopt a more cautious and academic tone. However, the question remains: Have their objectives changed?
◈ The Modern Approach of Orientalists
✦ Change in Language and Style
Contemporary Orientalists such as Muir, Margoliouth, and Watt have altered the vocabulary of their predecessors, but their fundamental goals remain the same. For example:
✔ They acknowledge the virtues of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, but simultaneously offer interpretations that undermine his greatness.
✔ They present the principles of Islam from a distorted perspective in an effort to weaken the truth of Islam.
✔ R.A. Nicholson and other Orientalists accepted the sincerity of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, but labeled it a “psychological necessity.”
(Reference: Islam, The Prophet of Islam, and the Intellectual Approach of Western Orientalists, p. 164)
Professor Denis Sourat acknowledged the greatness of the Qur’an, yet attempted to suggest that the retention of the Black Stone was a political expediency.
(Al-Mustashriqun wa al-Islam, Cairo Edition, 1965)
◈ Strategically Crafted Allegations
Orientalists have repackaged old accusations in new words and from new angles. In modern times, Islam and the Noble Prophet ﷺ are being targeted through films, dramas, and cartoons in a coordinated propaganda effort.
◈ Causes Behind the Hostile Approach of Orientalists
✦ Lack of Integrity
Orientalists fail to acknowledge the truth of Islam because:
① If they present the truth about Islam, their own audiences (Jews and Christians) might feel compelled to accept Islam.
② They cannot reasonably compare Islam with their own religions, as contemporary Christianity and Judaism lack appealing elements in their current forms.
✦ Fear of Islam
Orientalists are afraid that Islam might influence their societies. They are well aware that if the true essence of Islam is presented, it will become impossible to deny its veracity.
✦ Psychological Motivations
They also fear that if their co-religionists draw near to Islam, the current religious and social systems may collapse.
◈ Objections by Orientalists and Their Consequences
✦ Method of Raising Objections
Orientalists have raised objections against Islam from various angles and have attempted to distort facts. Their objections are often laced with cunning precision aimed at misleading the general public.
✦ Muslim Response Strategy
The objections from Orientalists have compelled Muslims to adopt a defensive approach. Some Muslims, while refuting these accusations, have resorted to compromise, which was the intended goal of the Orientalists.
◈ Europe’s Attitude Towards Islam
According to Allama Muhammad Asad:
“Europe suffers from a pathological hatred of Islam and is incapable of adopting a rational and balanced approach towards it.”
(Reference: Muhammad Asad, Islam at the Crossroads, 1968, p. 46-47)
❖ Conclusion ❖
✦ Motivation Behind Orientalist Hostility:
Orientalists not only understand the truth of Islam but are also aware of the threat posed by its growing popularity. That is why, rather than accepting the truth, they try to obscure it.
✦ The Need to Defend Islam:
Muslims must respond to the objections of Orientalists and, at the same time, present the true image of Islam to the world.
