A Review of Western Civilization and the Intellectual Misguidance of Muslims
Written by: Shāhnawāz Fārūqī
Criticizing Western Civilization… with a Hidden Admiration
No matter how much we criticize Western civilization, the reality is that deep within, many of us still harbor a hidden admiration for it.
This hidden weakness is often reflected in our thoughts and actions, though many among us mistake it not for a thief but for a harmless peddler calling out in the streets.
In reality, the thief cries out “hand over your valuables,” while the peddler says “come buy my goods.” Unfortunately, many of us fail to distinguish between the two voices.
The Superficiality of Western Critique
Muslim intellectuals have written extensively in critique of Western civilization.
But within the minds of the general public—and even political leaders—only the surface-level criticisms have been retained.
The foundational concepts of critique are either forgotten or deliberately ignored.
Those who do understand these deeper issues often seek justification for the Western lifestyle, attempting to reconcile it with Islamic principles.
The Common Man’s Perspective
Ask an average person, and they might say that Western civilization is evil because it promotes nudity, vulgarity, and the breakdown of family structure.
If slightly more aware, they might also criticize democracy and quote verses from ʿAllāmah Iqbāl.
This same approach is mirrored by intellectuals, politicians, and even religious scholars—indicating little difference in depth of understanding between the general public and the elite.
The Shame of Being Muslim in a “Developed” Society
A story is mentioned involving Khālid Isḥāq, where a Western lawyer praised Islam but refrained from embracing it—saying that accepting Islam would make him part of a backward society, which he could not accept.
This incident reflects the mindset of many Muslim thinkers today:
Muslims must become materially “developed” so that people are not ashamed to accept Islam.
The Intellectual Misguidance of Western Civilization
One major philosophical problem in the evolution of Western civilization is that it began evaluating everything through the lens of present circumstances, thereby disregarding the past.
As a result, permanent values vanished, and every idea or behavior was judged solely according to temporary and changing conditions.
The Foundations of Civilization: Three Core Questions
Every civilization is shaped by its answers to three fundamental questions:
◄ What is the Ultimate Reality? — Belief or disbelief in God.
◄ What is the relationship between God, man, and the universe?
◄ What is the essence of man and the purpose of life?
Without clear answers to these, no cultural or civilizational attitude can be truly understood.
The Western answers to these questions are examples of philosophical decline.
From the Beginning to the End of Western Thought
Western civilization began with the denial of God, placing man at the center of the universe.
This led from Humanism to Individualism, and eventually to the absolute authority of Reason.
But once the limits of reason became clear, the world shifted to instinct-worship, and finally to Relativism.
Philosophers have declared this end point not a sign of intellectual progress, but a collapse of thought.
Islamic vs. Western Model of Development
Unlike the West, Islamic civilization is founded on faith and ethics.
The society of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Rightly Guided Caliphs was not built on scientific or technological advancement, but on Divine guidance and spiritual light.
Hence, the standard of progress in Islam is not material gain, but faith and moral excellence.
On the Day of Judgment, Allah ﷻ will not ask about scientific achievements, but about deeds and character.
Learning from the Western Experience
It would be incorrect to say that nothing can be learned from the West.
We should, in fact, learn from their mistakes, and avoid those experiments that led the West into turmoil.
As Socrates said:
"I learned wisdom from fools."
If we try, we too can benefit from the foolishness of the West—but only after freeing ourselves from our own ignorance.
