Why the modern Muslim world is lagging behind

Why the Modern Muslim World Is Lagging Behind: An Analysis in the Context of Colonization, Politics, Education, and Culture

In world history, Muslims were once symbols of progress. They led in almost every field: knowledge, civilization, medicine, science, architecture, philosophical consciousness. Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Samarkand were cities of knowledge where Muslim thinkers developed algebra, the foundation of medicine, the art of translating philosophy, and the beginning of modern science. Yet today, the Muslim world lags behind in almost every indicator of human development. A large part of the Muslim world is lagging behind in terms of economy, education, technology, democracy, human rights, and even basic services. Why? How did a glorious civilization fade away like this?

The answer to this question is multifaceted. Behind it lies history, the long shadow of colonialism, political misrule, the inertia of the educational system, and a dullness of cultural thought. This discussion seeks to address the deep-seated malady that has long weakened Muslim societies.

The Long Shadow of Colonialism

One of the most influential causes of the decline of the modern Muslim world is European colonialism. Almost the entire Muslim world—from the Middle East to Africa, from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia—was subjugated by British, French, Dutch, and other Western empires between the 18th and 20th centuries. This colonialism not only robbed Muslims of their wealth, but also completely destroyed their self-confidence, cultural foundations, administrative structures, and their own educational system.

To maintain their rule, the British created a class in Muslim society that they educated in their own style—people who knew English but had forgotten their own traditions. As a result, Muslim society became divided. A divide emerged between ancient Islamic learning and modern intellectual pursuits. Muslims became a nation suffering from a crisis of identity, who did not know whether to return to their former traditions or find their place in the new modernity.

Political misrule and tyranny

Although colonialism ended, real independence did not come to most countries in the Muslim world. In the post-independence period, many Muslim states were led by military governments, one-party regimes or monarchies, who considered the preservation of their own power rather than the development of the people as the main thing. Democracy or participatory governance was the exception here. These statesmen remained in power with the help of Western powers, protected the interests of the West and brutally suppressed internal conflicts. As a result, politics became corrupt, and the lives of ordinary people became insecure and dreamless.

The development of free thought in Muslim society was hampered by the repressive policies of these rulers and the lack of freedom of expression. Those who wanted to ask questions and bring new ideas became suspicious. As a result, a kind of intellectual stagnation was created.

Crisis in the education system and famine of knowledge

Where Muslim societies were once at the forefront of the world in terms of knowledge and research, the rate of research in the Muslim world today is very negligible. Many Muslim countries do not have modern research institutions, and even if they do, they lack funding, qualifications and independence. The education system has become rote, test-based, and indifferent to analysis or thoughtfulness. There is also a crisis in Islamic education—there is almost no thought of modern context, training in logic or scientific dialogue between ancient fiqh and hadith education.

As a result, Muslim society today is in such a state of flux—where they are unable to restore the glory of the past, nor to keep pace with the present world. This weak foundation of education has also affected employment. Muslim youth are lagging behind in terms of technology, medicine, engineering and entrepreneurship. Although there are exceptions, the number is very small.

Crisis of culture and fractured traces of identity

Modern Muslim society is suffering from a cultural crisis. Between Western cultural aggression on the one hand and the promotion of an intolerant, narrow-minded ideology on the other, ordinary Muslims are confused. Many see Islam as nothing more than a list of prohibitions, while Western consumerist culture attracts their attention. As a result, a kind of cultural identity conflict arises among Muslims. They do not know who will be their role models? Al-Ghazali, Al-Rushd, Salahuddin, or a Hollywood star, a footballer or a YouTube celebrity?

Two types of extremist groups take advantage of this crisis—on the one hand, so-called Islamic terrorist groups, who spread violence in the name of religion and defame Muslims worldwide, and on the other, Islamophobic propagandists, who portray Muslims as backward and violent. Between these two extremes, the ordinary Muslim loses his true identity—a balanced, just, thoughtful and liberal human being.

The solution: self-criticism and revival

The only way to overcome this backwardness of the modern Muslim world is self-criticism and a new self-revival. The true teachings of Islam—which call people to thoughtfulness, science, justice, and tolerance—must be returned to their roots. We must raise our new generation to be proficient in modern science while at the same time being firm in their religious and moral values.

Research, innovation, and freedom of thought must be encouraged. The education system must be reorganized in such a way that there is not only knowledge, but also the joy of learning. Muslim countries must reform themselves internally on the issues of political participation, accountability, and human rights.

Most importantly, Muslims must regain the courage with which they once lit the light in Europe during the Dark Ages. We must understand that Islam is not just a glorification of the past, but a living philosophy that can liberate humanity in every age, if we understand it properly.