Modernity within Islam?

Submitted by fenley fearon (Canada), May 8, 2003 at 09:43

In reference to the comment from the recent newsletter...


"Pipes believes Muslim civilization must modernize, and that it can only do so if it embraces Western democratic values and the rule of law: "

The west was in the middle of the "dark ages" when Islamic society's were experiencing scientific, mathematically and commercial success around the world. The west didnt emerge as a dominant force because it adopted Islamic societal or political structures. The west re-emerged as a sophisticated civil society by reflecting on elements of its more glorious and prosperous past. It emerged from a contruct that felt natural and inherently "European".

Similarly, Arab, African and in some instances Asian society's will continue to be lesser contributors on the world stage until they embrace their more glorious pasts and reckon a way to utilize constructs that feel more culturally "normal" to them as a building block for the future. The idea that democracy and by extension, modernity are absolutely connected is absurd. The American experiment is still very young and although its very advanced doesnt give it a lock on what it means to have a civil society.

Enlighten, dont impose.

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