The Historical roots of Occidentalism in the Islamic heritage

Abstract

This research aims at uncovering the roots of Arab and Islamic knowledge in the West in terms of the scientific establishment of the astonishing science that reflects the scientific efforts of orientalism, which contributed at all its stages to helping Western policy hold on to the Islamic East. I adopt inductive and descriptive historical approaches to look in depth into the pre-Islamic heritage, the Holy Quran that is full of guidance as to how to know the other, the noble Sunnah that is rich in guiding Muslims to invite others and thus to know them and finally the broad Islamic experience in understanding the West, as addressed by artists, travelers, geographers, traders, business intelligence persons, theologians, and the Diwans’ notetakers. I conclude that occidentalism should be based on previous writings about the relationship between Islam and the West, particularly those dealing with jurisprudential cases, international relations and the achievement of Muslims in knowing the other. Special attention should be paid to the impact of such knowledge on shaping the Islamic legislative literature.