1- History verifies the fact that Islam was able to establish a great
civilization in a very short period after its advent. This civilization was one
of the most lasting civilizations in history. Proof of this can still be
witnessed in the various branches of the Islamic heritage which is manifested
in the arts and literature that exist up to this very day .Libraries all over
the world exhibit thousands of Islamic manuscripts written in Arabic which
illustrate the extent of the great civilization that was inspired by the Faith
of Islam and which extended from the Eastern boundaries of Persia bordering on
India in the East to Andalusia which is known as Spain in the West . The
influence of the grandeur of the Islamic civilization in Spain can still be
seen and cannot be denied in the twelfth and thirteenth century Europe
initiated an organized movement of translating Islamic works in all subjects
and these works which were the outcome of the Islamic civilization formed the
foundation upon which Europe’s modern civilization was established .
2- The Quran contains many verses which express the greatest respect for
knowledge and those who acquire knowledge. The Quranic verses urge Muslims to
look at the universe and meditate upon creation and how the earth was prepared
for habitation. The very first five verses inspired to the prophet emphasized
the importance of knowledge, reading and meditation. This matter was understood
by the Muslims to be of the greatest significance and they accordingly followed
the Divine Command .
3-
The backwardness of some Muslims today cannot be blamed on Islam, since Islam
is against all forms of backwardness. When Muslims fail to understand the true
spirit and teachings of Islam they will be unable to keep peace with the
progress of the world that increases daily. The reason for this situation was
explained by the famous Algerian intellectual, the late Malek ben Nabi who said
that the backwardness that Muslims suffer today is not any way caused by Islam
but that it is a penalty deservedly inflicted by Islam upon Muslims for
forsaking its teachings and not for adhering to it, as is believed by many
people who are ignorant of the truth of the matter. Thus there is absolutely no
connection between Islam and the backwardness of some Muslims.
4- Islam keeps peace with every aspect of the development of civilization and
will continue to do so for the benefit of mankind. When Muslims search for the
real cause of their backwardness, they shall realize that no way Islam is to
blame. There are many other factors, which date back to the aftermath of
colonization which hindered the development and progress of the Islamic World.
This factor, in addition to the internal problems of these lands, led the
Muslims to neglect and forget the constructive elements that are essential for
development and progress as advocated by Islam.
5- Under no circumstances should Islam be held responsible for the backward
state of some Muslim countries in the world of today. This can be considered a
stage in the history of these nations which will not continue for ever.
Likewise Islam cannot be accused of being responsible for the backwardness of Latin America. Academic objectivity in judging Islam's
attitude towards civilization should be based on a fair and unbiased study of
the principles of Islam and not upon rumours, false allegations and preconceived
opinions that have no bearing whatsoever on the truth of the matter.