Friday, 30 January 2015

Globalization’s Challenge On Islamic Revival


Since the beginning of the 20th Century there have been brilliant intellectuals who did a lot of work, aiming to revive Muslim nations from their backwardness caused by their obscurity and lethargy. In Afghanistan there was Jamaluddin Afghany. In the Indian peninsula there was Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Iqbal then Mawdoodi, Mohammad Ilyas, Ali Mian (Abul-Hasan Nadwy). In Shaam (Syria, Palestine and Lebanon) there was Rashid Redha, Shakeeb Arsalan, then An-Nabhany and Ahmad Yasin. In Libya Omar Almokhtar. In Algeria: Bin Badis, Albashir Alibrahimi and Malik Binnabi. In Egypt: Mohammad Abduh, then Hasan Albanna. In Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. In Indonesia Kiai Haji Ahmad Dahlan, Omar Said Tjokroaminoto, then Mohammad Natsir. There were pioneers in almost every corner of the world.

But by the time all those activities and work started to show results and the awareness began to grow, the world societies also started to witness the beginning of what we now call globalization.

Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of worldviews, products, ideas and other aspects of culture. Factors that have contributed to globalization include increasingly sophisticated communication and transportation technologies and services, mass migration and the movement of people.

So the beginning of the awakening of Islamic identity among Muslim nations came together with the Cultural globalization, which refers to the transmission of ideas, meanings and values around the world in such a way as to extend and intensify social relations.

Throughout human history there always have been innovations in ideas and tools that can be used positively or negatively. And what is happening with this globalization is the same; only that with the globalization things go faster then before. So it is for each person or group to accept or refuse it, or to use the innovations positively or negatively. Each will react according to his own mentality.

This process of globalization impelled the creation of three kinds of mentalities (the process of forming the intellectual ability) among young Muslim generations.

Although the evaluation of these mentalities can be argued for and against from different perspectives, we are more concerned here by its broad acceptance in the Muslim society.

There are Muslim people who can perceive the Islamic teachings and directives deeply and broadmindedly, however with firm attachment. They observe God’s order carefully: “.. Say: To God belong the East and the West. He guides whom He wills to a straight Path. Thus We have made of you an Ummah justly balanced, so that (with your life) you might be witnesses over all nations, and that the Messenger might be a witness to you ..” (2:142-143).

But there are two other kinds of Muslim people opposing one another: The ones who perceive the Islamic teachings and directives rigidly and literally, so that they cannot benefit enough from the positive elements and norms of globalization. And others who are deceived by the glittering of what they see in the West without thinking deeply about the many bad outcomes it may bring, nor thinking about the richness of the Islamic values and broadmindedness they could benefit from, with a fair perspective.

The essence of Islam is to avoid all extravagances and extremes. It is a sober, practical Religion or Way of Life: “Therefore stand firm (in the Straight Path) as you are commanded – you and those who, with you, have turned unto Him; and do not behave in an overweening manner, for, verily, He sees all that you do” (11:112).

All messengers of God taught their people to behave justly and to avoid all extravagance in ideas and conduct:
“We have verily sent Our messengers with clear signs, and We revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that mankind may uphold justice..” (57:25).

God also said in the Qur’an: “And He has raised the heaven and set up the Balance; in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So observe the weights with justice and do not skimp the balance” (55:7-9).

Abu Hurairah (one of the Prophet’s companions) reported that the Prophet (peace and God’s blessings upon him) said:
“The Religion (of Islam) is easy, and whoever makes the religion a rigor, it will overpower him. So follow a middle course and be sure you will be satisfied. And seek God’s help by prayers at morn and at dusk and some part of night” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari in his Collection of Hadith).


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