A critical reflection on the influence of Western civilization and the internal cultural conflict in the Muslim world
❖ Initial Discourse: The Power of Words
In earlier times, people often spoke of jinn that would overpower individuals. In the modern era, certain words play a similar role. One such word is “civilization” (تہذیب), which seems to have possessed our minds like a jinn.
This term first gained popularity through Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and later became widespread through Aligarh’s education and the spread of modernity. Today, it is used interchangeably with “culture” (ثقافت) and “Western culture”, but in truth, all such terms reflect a psychological conflict within us. This conflict arises from a tension between our own traditions and the influences of the West.
❖ Western Civilization: A Trinitarian Concept
According to René Guénon, the concept of “civilization” emerged in the late 18th century, deeply tied with the ideas of progress and materialism. These three formed a trinity in Western thought. Western civilization was proclaimed the “only true civilization”, built on the foundation of science.
Based on this notion, Western nations sought to assert dominance over the rest of the world. Thinkers like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan internalized this belief and began to see local cultures as uncivilized.
❖ Sir Syed and Iqbal: Two Contrasting Perspectives
◉ Sir Syed Ahmad Khan:
- Accepted the superiority of Western civilization.
- Encouraged Muslims to imitate the West in order to be considered advanced and civilized.
- Embraced Western rationalism, while disregarding traditional Muslim heritage.
◉ Allama Iqbal:
- Criticized Western civilization, yet in response attempted to present Islamic civilization as its equal.
- Claimed that Western science originated from Muslims, and had Muslims avoided past errors, they too would have progressed.
- Rejected materialism and rationalism, yet ironically, his ideas were influenced by Western philosophers like Nietzsche and Bergson, indicating a new form of Westernism cloaked in Islamic terminology.
❖ Progressive Movement: The Third Phase of Westernization
This movement fully embraced “civilization”, “progress”, and “materialism”, while appearing to stay connected to indigenous traditions.
- For Sir Syed, civilization meant Western social norms.
- For Iqbal, it meant adopting science with Islamic ethics.
- For Progressives, it signified unquestioned materialism.
❖ The Reincarnation of Westernism
Westernism has appeared in many disguised forms throughout history. The “neo-Islamism” and “neo-Easternism” of Iqbal and his contemporaries are simply new manifestations of Westernism. Though adorned with Eastern language and attire, they preserve the Western soul. Thus, opposition to Westernism often becomes another version of it.
❖ Analysis by Ananda Coomaraswamy
Ananda Coomaraswamy writes that Western civilization destroyed other civilizations, and to hide this destruction, it preserved their symbols as superficial displays. This is exactly what is happening to our own civilization today.
We have abandoned our traditions in real life, yet attempt to preserve them through festivals and exhibitions. This is not love for civilization—it is mockery of it.
❖ Summary
✔ The term “civilization” carries a deep psychological impact rooted in colonial and Western dominance.
✔ Whether accepting, opposing, or redefining Western civilization, many responses in the Muslim world have remained within the framework of Western thought.
✔ The true revival of indigenous civilization requires genuine internalization of tradition, not symbolic gestures or rhetorical defense.
