Note: The following is merely an observation of what I’ve seen referred to as the Islamic Revival. These are concepts promulgated from a range of sources, and considering the circumstances we find ourselves in today, this topic has become increasingly relevant to both the scholar and laymen alike. It admittedly isnt as detailed as I’d like (very high level) and is probably an oversimplification of what has become an increasingly complex issue, but I wanted to post it due to its relevance. Enjoy.
To begin, I’ll start with what I see as the fundamental premise upon which all of these conceptions ride on, and that is the idea that the ummah – as we see it today- is in dire straights. Muslim countries are politically weak, socially corrupt, morally deprived, intellectually lacking, and religiously impotent. Indeed, the worldview is posed as a bleak one, and though the suppositions for why range from the totally secular to totally religious (with many shades of gray in between), the dispute is typically not about what we are in, but rather why we find ourselves in whatever the heck ‘in’ is (which, for the purpose of the following observations, we will accept as the aforementioned worldview).
The Secular-Religious Revival: In my mind, this is perhaps the most commonly espoused theory for bringing about the Islamic Revival, and at the same time, one of the most problematic methods by which we can seek to bring it about (imho). Though many have written extensively on this topic, it can be summed up simply by understanding which area of the going premise it sees as most worthy of rectifying- that being the fact that our ummah is in need of education.
Education here refers primarily to secular education, and the thought is by producing more engineers, doctors, scientists, and nobel prize winners, we can out-engineer and out-doctor the rest of the world into prominence. In a sense, this revival, though founded on education, ultimately seeks to revive the ummah as a political entity, because by making this investment in its intellectual capital, you equip it to become a political superpower.
This idea is further substantiated by questioning the feasibility/practicality of a religiously-founded revival. Hypothetically, if the entire ummah were to start praying 5 times a day and stick to the fundamentals of tawheed, what would it do towards progressing Islam on a world scale?
In a very real sense, although the individuals espousing this position would never admit it, religion and the ummah’s commitment to it is not seen as an overtly critical part of this campaign. I’m probably misrepresenting this position in certain aspects, but the gist of it is something I’m sure many have heard before (usually starts with statistics of our illiteracy, engineers, doctors, etc.).
The Conglomeratory Revival: Here the idea is that, considering the multitude of problems facing the ummah, focusing on one aspect will invariably cripple us in another, equally important, aspect of bringing about revival. So here it is said we need education, yes, but we also need religion, political authority, and social rectification.
The common argument against this ideology is two-fold- firstly, it is said that by trying to focus on everything, you eventually end up focusing on nothing. You become a jack-of-all-trades, and master of none.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it is said that this approach lacks any change of the status quo. Practically speaking, how can you focus on everything, and if you are focusing on everything, what you are asking for people to do is continue doing what they were doing, but to try and do it better.
The Religiously-Focused Revival: This conception narrows in on our adherence to our faith- or lack thereof- as the primary reason for the ummah’s decline. Therefore, those adhering to this worldview tend to direct their efforts on areas that will benefit the ummah in a spiritual sense- and this is done on a mass scale by returning to the fundamentals of our faith (tawheed, basic pillars, etc.).
From my perspective, I think this view can also be considered the ‘trickle up’ method of bringing about reform. Start with society, those around you, and trying to better yourself. This approach for revivalism has a very practical component in which the masses can engage (encouraging religious commitment and practice) and undoubtedly brings about benefit.
That said, this approach is not one without critics. Adherents to this worldview are often seen as pacifists, out of touch with the reality around them, and ‘too wrapped up’ in an unachievable ideal.
Closing Thoughts: The above notes are merely a selection of what is fast becoming a large pool of thoughts and views on how to bring about an Islamic Revival- and we pray that Allah increases us in all aspects of good and adherence to what pleases Him.
Though each vision for how to bring about massive change and the steps for doing so are different, the practical implementation of each are not mutually exclusive, and in reality involve much of the same work. As always, these views aren’t completely black and white, but are important because they drive many of our organizations and communities, and contribute to our state, in both the good and the bad. And Allah Knows Best.
Resources:
Children of a Mixed Message by Amer Haleem
We need to Progress, but where to? by Abu Aaliyah
Alternative Visions by Abu Noor
JazakAllahu Khayrun.
-MT