Muslim Ummah in Facing the Challenges of Globalization (Presented in Tehran)
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This presentation on globalization among others discusses the nature and differences that exist between the modern and Muslim concepts of globalization. Since it is not possible for the Muslims to live in total isolation from the things that are happening in a globalized world, they can at least come up with a strategic plan in how to position themselves in dealing with the issues and problems related to globalization. Besides that, this presentation also highlights the ideal scenario that should be prevalent in the Muslim world that can be beneficial for the Muslims as well as for others who share the space with them in this world. In realizing how the internet and social media have been wrongfully used in a globalized world, the presenters suggest on how the Muslims can use them in a productive and ethical manner. The last thing that this presentation intends to highlight is the philosophy of co-existence which should be given due consideration by people of different civilizations that live on this planet. It is the conviction of the presenters that people of different civilizations can learn all that are positive from one another and can live in peace and harmony.
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Muslim Ummah in Facing the Challenges of Globalization (Presented in Tehran)
- 2. Muslim Ummah in Facing the Challenges of Globalization By: Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak ([email protected]) Dr. Abdul Salam @ Zulkifli B.Muhamad Shukri (Usul al-Din & Comparative Religion) Department of Inter-Disciplinary Studies Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences International Islamic University Malaysia Presented to: Academic Centre for Education, Culture & Research Tehran, Iran March, 2017 © ACECR & maarji
- 3. This presentation on globalization among others discusses the nature and differences that exist between the modern and Muslim concepts of globalization. Since it is not possible for the Muslims to live in total isolation from the things that are happening in a globalized world, they can at least come up with a strategic plan in how to position themselves in dealing with the issues and problems related to globalization. Besides that, this presentation also highlights the ideal scenario that should be prevalent in the Muslim world that can be beneficial for the Muslims as well as for others who share the space with them in this world. In realizing how the internet and social media have been wrongfully used in a globalized world, the presenters suggest on how the Muslims can use them in a productive and ethical manner. The last thing that this presentation intends to highlight is the philosophy of co-existence which should be given due consideration by people of different civilizations that live on this planet. It is the conviction of the presenters that people of different civilizations can learn all that are positive from one another and can live in peace and harmony. Abstract
- 4. Globalization is a Buzz Word • Close to three decades already people are still debating on modern globalization • Modern globalization is mainly coming from the West • A lot of people are interested in this topic • A favourite topic among politicians, policy-makers, business people, academicians ,NGOs’, etc • There are people who favour and against modern globalization
- 5. During Muslim Era of Globalization • Activities: scientific research, exploration and expedition • Utilized Ideas taken from earlier civilizations • Approach: Adopt, Adapt and Assimilate new knowledge & scientific ideas • Globalization is used for knowledge sharing & spread of the religion • No oppression on the non-Muslim minorities • A philosophy of co-existence was observed in dealing with other civilizations • The decline of Islamic Civilization started with the fall of Baghdad in 1258 • Muslims were caught in the internal problems (Mohd Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011
- 6. • One after another all the Muslim empires fell • The Ottoman empire was the last to fall • Failed to contribute during the Industrial Revolution • Muslim countries were colonized. This created dependency on the West • After independence Muslims countries were faced with the Knowledge & Technological Gaps • After independence, Muslim countries have to face neocolonialism, disunity, sectarian violence, foreign occupation, western globalization, war on terror and the latest Islamophobia Decline of the Muslim Civilization after 1258
- 7. What is Western Globalization • Globalization first appeared in the Webster’s English dictionary in 1961 • Roland Robertson coined the word in his ‘Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture’ (1992) • Globalization also means Internationalization , Liberalization, Universalization, Westernization and Deterritorialization (Jan Aart Scholte,2011) • Western colonization of the East & Africa is also seen as a form of globalization (Mohd Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011
- 8. Globalization in the Modern Era • Globalization means free flow of capital, people, news and information via electronic media • The process of globalization is being sped up by internet & social media usage • Globalization explains the scenario whereby people of the world live in a borderless world without any geographical restrictions and the world is transformed into a single ‘global village’ • One sided; mainly dominated by the West • Ethical & Moral principles are missing
- 9. Aims of Education in the Past In the olden days, education was seen: • As a means of transferring, transmitting and inculcating beneficial knowledge, information, culture, heritage, positive values, good thinking, skills, expertise, civilization, language, customs and religion from one generation to the other • Ultimate aim of education is produce a good citizen(Western) and Good Man/Insan Soleh,Insan Kamil(Perfect Man) (Islamic perspective) (Mohd Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011
- 10. Changing Aims of Education • In modern times, education is seen a passport for achieving good life • Education has been sought for material gain • The process of commodification of education has taken place all over the world • The learner has become less concern of the community and the well-being of the nation state • The learner has become individualized and egocentric • Education is to cater for the job market • Education is losing its moral & spiritual emphasis
- 11. Impact on Education • Learning by using VCD, CD-Rom, Email, E-Chat, LMS, Facebook, digital library, LCD & other technology-mediated learning • This development also brought changes in the way Islamic studies are being taught • Teachers are not seen as providers of knowledge, but as facilitators in the learning institutions • Nowadays, the face-to-face interaction with a teacher is deemed less important as there exist others means of learning for a student
- 12. Eric Fromm • Modern man is alienated from himself, from his fellow men, and from nature. He has been transformed into a commodity, experiences his life forces as an investment which must bring him the maximum profit obtainable under existing market conditions. (Eric Fromm(1995), The Art of Living. London: Thorsons,p.67)
- 13. We live in a human space where proximity between teacher and students make tangible communication possible. Body language, tone of voice, personality and emotion are all indispensable elements in the formal activity of instruction. More than the facts, we need the elusive intimation of how they are being received, comprehended and evaluated. Teachers convey more than the subject matter under discussion. No matter what the topic they also embody something of what it means to be a human being (David Walsh,1999,p.A29) David Walsh
- 14. English as a Dominant Language • The publishing house in the UK and US are making huge profit by producing books and software • Greater usage of English in the underdeveloped and developing countries • Marginalization of local languages in Asia and Africa
- 15. Impact on Culture • People in the developing countries are in the habit of imitating foreign culture. • The way they dress, eat and entertain all reflect Western culture • They eat fast food like KFC, McDonald, Pizza and drink Coca-Cola • Watch American movies • Crime and violence happening in one part of the world influences people living the other parts of the world
- 16. Today’s Reality in the Muslim world • Colonization has created dependency on the West • Politics dominates the hearts and minds of people • Muslim countries are lagging behind others when it comes to technology • Critical & creative thinking, innovative and progressive thinking are all missing in the Muslim world • Muslims have become one of the largest consumer society in this planet. All branded items in science & technology are produced by non-Muslim countries • Development in the Muslim countries are held back due to over politicking
- 17. Cont. • Left behind compared to the rest of the world due to war, sectarian violence, illiteracy, tribal culture, etc. • War has caused humanitarian crisis in many parts of the Muslim world • The conflict among different sects in Islam is a never ending one. No permanent solution has been found to put a stop to this age old problem • Brain drain phenomenon. Muslim countries lose talented scientists and scholars to the West • Refugee and asylum seekers going to the West • Muslim countries and organizations have passed on the Muslims problems to the West to deal with
- 18. Cont. • Disunity among Muslim countries is a major issue • Some try to change the world into Islamic by violent means • Expecting others to solve dispute among Muslim countries (U.S., UN, EU, Nato, etc) • Wealth generated from oil and gas is not put into productive means to improve the pathetic conditions of the Muslim Ummah
- 19. The Way Forward • Muhammad Iqbal, Jamaluddin Al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh believe that the Muslim Ummah can be productive if they can make a marriage between the Zikr(spirituality) and Fikr (knowledge & scientific investigation) mentioned in the Qur’an • All Muslim countries must allocate large amount of their national budget for education, scientific research, sustainable development and at the same time reduce the percentage spent on the purchase of armaments
- 20. Cont. • Prevent ‘brain drain’ by introducing ‘brain gain’ and ‘brain retention’ • After electing a new government, Muslim countries must go on with their agenda on nation building and stop over politicking, slander campaign, character assassination, etc • All conspiracies to overthrow a legitimately elected government, undemocratic means of grabbing power, coup d'état , should be avoided • Invest and produce new technology of their own • Muslims must be prepared to learn and co-exist with others
- 21. Cont. • Following the path of moderation preached in the Qur’an and Sunnah • Promulgate Islam with beautiful preaching and good character • Muslims must be prepared to learn the good and useful things that come from others • Stop all uncalled wars and sectarian violence. Learn from those nations that were into war in the past. After two World Wars Europeans started to respect human lives. The Japanese too stopped going into war. At the moment, all these countries are into science and technology and their countries are developing at a rapid pace
- 22. Dangers of Globalization • Perverted sexuality promoted through internet • Act of terror, extremism propagated through social media • Internet, Facebook, Smartphone and other social media addiction • Anti-religious, gossip, hate campaign, character assassination, Islamophobia, etc. are all coming through the internet
- 23. How should Muslims Respond to Globalization • Since globalization is irreversible, Muslims must strategize to face the situation • Muslims should use globalization for a good purpose. • The internet should be used to propagate the true knowledge on Islam • Muslim countries should collaborate and work together for a common goal for the Ummah.
- 24. Internet and social media provide information & good communication tools. But our lives should not be enslaved to them. At times we have to pause and see the world through our own eyes and not through a borrowed vision. Seeing things as they are promises the birth of wisdom. (Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak) IIUM Social Media
- 25. Response to Globalization Facing the challenges of globalization with all the negative impacts of Americanization, secularization, materialism, neo- imperialism, debt-bondage to World Bank and IMF, unilateralism, militant liberal capitalism, global media conglomerates’ manipulation and deception, impoverishment and homogenization of culture, bullying by the powerful, imposed liberalization, dominance of the global market, international and regional competition, commodification of education, environmental degradation, moral decadence, high tech crime, violence and war-all these and more at a time when the Muslim world is divided, weak and poor (Mohd Kamal Hassan, 2003)
- 26. Response to Globalization Muslim countries and Muslim governments have a duty to ensure that globalization will not result in the marginalization of their countries as happened with the Industrial Revolution and Industrial Age. We cannot afford it this time. If once again we miss this opportunity to keep pace with the radical and rapid advances now being made with technology and the sciences, and the changes they cause to the world’s perceptions of things, the new ideas and concepts in human and international relations; if we miss all these and fail to handle them, then we will not only be marginalized, but be dominated and hegemonized permanently (Mahathir Muhamad, 2003)
- 27. Is Globalization Equal to Colonization If colonization is to suppress and oppress others to make one nation to stay high and mighty, definitely globalization shares a lot in common with colonization. Globalization is an idea and ideology that comes from the West, is mainly intended to make them rich and to put them high above the Asians, Africans and others (Mohd Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011
- 28. Cont. Globalization is in fact colonization in disguise. Using it as a tool and a means, the West intends to control the hearts and minds of the young and old in the underprivileged countries of the world. They control us with a press of a button using the internet, international media and other modern and sophisticated ways of telecommunication (Mohd Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011
- 29. What makes the rainbow beautiful and interesting are the different shades of colours. What makes humanity interesting is the variation of our race, colour, language, culture, etc. So, why fight and kill one another (Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak) IIUM Humanity
- 30. Clash of civilizations brings disharmony. Co-existence of civilizations inspires us to see beauty and acceptance of one another (Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak) IIUM Civilization
- 31. Conclusion • Globalization has some good and bad effects on the Muslims • Education should not be separated from its lofty ideals • Good and healthy culture that comes from the West should be imitated • Leave the bad & immoral culture that can be detrimental to the Muslims (Abbas) World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization, 1 (1): 59-69, 2011 ISSN 2225-0883 © IDOSI Publications, 2011