Book Review-III 

Muslims And The West 

Zafar Ishaq Ansari & John L. Esposito, "(Editors), Muslims and the West's Encounter and Dialogue",
Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad Research Institute, Islamabad  Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA, 2001, Pages: 353.
 

he book under review is a collection of twelve  papers presented in a seminar held at Islamabad in 1997 under the auspices of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and the Centre for Muslim‑Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, Washington DC. These papers go a long way in understanding the complex relationship of Muslims and the West spanning over fourteen centuries. In the process, an attempt has been made to explore the Western perception of Muslims and the Muslim perception of the West. This understanding is necessary for building bridges of understanding and friendship across the two civilisations.

In their introductory note, the editors hold that if the two civilisations could develop mutual understanding, respect, goodwill and the magnanimity to let others live as they deem fit, they could actualise the enormous possibilities that seem tantalisingly close, but just out of reach at the moment. By a judicious and wise use of human resources and available technical prowess, they could build a peaceful a world wherein a variety of civilisations would not simply coexist, they could flourish and enrich one another. Conversely, if goodwill and sanity failed to prevail; the world might spiral uncontrollably into yet more misery, bloodshed and unimaginable destruction.

The learned editors are convinced that those who predicted a "Clash of Civilizations" had no solid arguments for  such a prophesy. There is nothing inevitable about historical events. The editors feel that what happens tomorrow will depend primarily on how leaders act in the two civilisations today. If they demonstrate wisdom and tolerance, then the problems besetting mankind can be addressed in a rational frame of reference. If they succumb to chauvinism, the results are likely to be horrendous. If Muslims and the West could learn the obvious lessons dictated by common sense, pragmatism and prudence, both civilisations could pool their resources to build a much better world.

Ismail Ibrahim Nawwab in his paper “Muslims and the West in History,” maintains that East and West, South and North, Muslims, Christians and people of all faiths and persuasions could live peacefully and cooperate for the benefit of mankind in a multi‑ethnic, multi‑religious world. In an age in which revelation is treated as an aberration, it is incumbent on Muslims and Christians to work together. This is the call of the hour. They must join hands to serve God and man in a world currently characterised by "sickness, hurry and divided aims". The challenges of modern times provide abundant areas for cooperation between the West and the Muslims.

Next, Abdul Raheem Kidwai carries out an in‑depth study on, "Perceptions of Islam and Muslims in English Literature". He holds that while discussing Western notions about Islam, literary writings can serve as a mirror of popular perceptions and misperceptions. Furthermore, literary writings reflect, reinforce and occasionally rectify these perceptions. The author makes an attempt to study images of Islam and Muslims with pointed illustrations from English literature. He states that Literary Orientalism in the Romantic Period, represents a significant advance both in range and quality. It is neither tethered to religious or theological dogma as in earlier periods, nor does it betray a paucity of authentic information as in the pre‑Romantic period. Far from being merely exotic, it often reflects a genuine interest in the Islamic world, which is articulated creatively and imaginatively. Writers of this period appear to be more confident about their knowledge of Islam, partly owing to the presence of a large body of relevant literature, and partly because of greater and easier access to Islamic lands. In a multi‑faith, pluralistic world, we stand in, a need for better understanding; fostered by knowledge and nurtured by the spirit of tolerance; can put an end to misperception about one another.

While discussing Western perceptions of Islam and the Muslims, Hussain Mutalib reveals that the gulf between the two worlds is as wide as ever, despite sincere efforts on both sides to bridge the gap. By and large, Islam and its adherents continue to be ridiculed, scorned and demonised by many Westerners. The result is the moulding of a mindset coloured by mutual suspicion in the Muslim‑West relationship. This is at variance with new emerging world realities, as humanity has recently crossed the threshold of a new millennium, characterised by a more integrated and inter‑dependent world.

In her paper, "Modernity, Islam and the West", Tamara Sonn convincingly brings out that there is a pronounced discontent in the Western world with the current state of things - excessive emphasis on material goods, consumption and power. This discontent is evident in a renewed emphasis on spirituality. People in the West yearn for the clear articulation of goals and the author believes that this is a good time for Muslims to make a significant contribution to the modern world in the form of a forthright, confident articulation of the Islamic vision of progress, which embraces religious and intellectual freedom, and promotes the value of progress. Once the West recognises that Islam is not anti‑rational, and once Muslims accept that the West is not anti‑religious, Muslims and Christians could engage in a productive dialogue on both the value and pitfalls of technological development.

In the next essay, "Islam and the West in the Emerging World Order", Muzzaffar Iqbal asserts that a growing concern for security and peace has already brought an element of sane reflection into the equation between Islam and the West on both sides. Several initiatives have been started to produce an environment which may result in a mature relationship between Muslims and the West. Viewed in this context, what is needed is a new, large scale effort in the study of the Quran (ulum‑al‑Quran) - an effort which will help Western readers of the Quran to gain from the Divine Book. Such an effort should take into consideration prevailing conditions in the West, including the intellectual make up of readers and their social and moral condition. Likewise, meaningful avenues should be opened for understanding the life and practices of the noble Messenger.

To conclude, the common denominator of these papers indicates that there is an urgent need for the establishment of research­ oriented institutions.  Such institutions will produce a generation of scholars able to address issues most likely to cause a clash in the next century between Muslims and the West – and help to avert it.

Col (R) Ghulam Sarwar