Islamic response to the modern world

Adapted from Sayyid Hossein Nasr’s Young Muslim Guide to the Modern World
I’ll just share what has been summarized by the author;
The response is categorized nn to 4 parts, namely,

1. Religious, spiritual and intellectual
2. Social, economic,, political
3. Arts
4. Lifestyle

1. There needs to be a strong faith in the tenets of islam, for many modern ideologies seek to destroy faith in youths, acquaint yourselves with intellectual defense against what unbelievers purport, familiarize with the Islamic response to its criticisms. Study Christianity , Judaism, modernity from the point of view of Islam, many westerners have studied islam but not many can be said about the reverse. Be aware of the magnanimity of muslims during most of history to religious minorities, ie the golden age for Jews in the medieval times was in Islamic Spain aka Andalus, persecuted Jews found refuge in Ottoman Empire etc. Distinguish between modernism and what remains of authentic religious traditions in the West.

2. Tradition of islam or cultural tradition? Or both? Know that many of the Islamic injunctions have roots in the Christian texts , ie wearing of the veil, abstinence from pork, wine, alcohol, praying with face place on the ground. Know that the West is not an absolute yardstick in the measure of the standards of civilization, for Western civilization faced many changes in standard so frequently, hence they are never infallible or immutable. Do not feel inferior with regards to Islamic principles. Just consider the role of women in the West just 200 years agon in the 19th century. Oppose bigotry and injustice. Study Islamic economics ie muamalat, ie Islamic finance banking etc. even democracy has different standards across Western Nations.

3. Have a first hand knowledge that art in islam is never solely for art’s sake, rather it is for worship ie calligraphy and architecture, recitation of the quran, mystical poetry. Art has a certain influence to the soul, so surround yourself with Islamic elements be it at home or outside. Create an Islamic ambience.

4. Islamic lifestyle requires discipline, which ultimately involves surrender to God, where as modern lifestyle lets you do whatever you want to do, that is their perception of freedom. Be mindful of the manner one dresses, the use of language, kinds of entertainment, social relations etc

Wa minalLah at-taufiq, wa bihi nasta’in