Islam and the West: A principled opposition

Abstract

"Islam and the West" is the sensation of our times. The two apparently dissimilar sides of this expression are commonly framed in terms of a socio-political opposition, hostility, and clash. However, the real roots of this opposition can be found to lie in the metaphysical foundations of the worldviews of both Islam and the modern West. When these roots are properly understood, the opposition becomes more profound and the nature of the two sides is laid bare. The article in hand makes this foundational comparison and concludes by seeing the West to be an embodiment of shirk, which is the counter pole of tawḥīd that is the essence of Islam. Such a profound revelation of natures and realities increases the discernment of the seeker of truth in our time, helps in making religion, in general, and Islam, in particular, relevant in the modern world, and facilitates the establishment of a traditional and integral Muslim community.