[8Uxtkz7F]

In the past fifty years, many countries have caught up with the rich and developed Western World. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, with virtually no natural resources, have created advanced, urbanized and prosperous societies, complete with world-class technology that often exceed that which is found in the West. India, Brazil and China, although not yet fully developed, now all possess large and affluent middle classes that did not exist just a few decades ago. There is no reason to believe why their economic and social progress of all of these countries will not continue for the foreseeable future.

The Muslim world, on the other hand, has struggled during this era of unprecedented global wealth creation. These countries have profited almost solely, by happy geological accident, from oil and gas extraction. Beyond these activities, economic activity in Muslim countries remains scant, low tech and strictly oriented towards local consumption. Despite trillions of dollars in oil revenue over the past sixty years, Muslim progress in many other areas, such as scientific research, social issues and education, lags badly behind the rest of the world.

How could this be the case? The answer, which the major media dares not touch, lies in the very culture of Muslim countries themselves. Consider the following cultural traits which are all typically found in majority Muslim countries:


Lack of meritocracy. The West has thrived not only because they have learned to hold people responsible for their actions, but also they have learned to give out rewards based on individual achievement. Hence higher–performing individuals tend to be eventually in charge and reap the most rewards (in prestige, rank, money, etc.). Westerners do not always manage to live up to these ideals, but the concepts themselves are not questioned. In the Islamic world, however, what counts is personal loyalty, personal connections, and tribal/sect membership. Incompetent leaders are preferable to competent ones, so long as they are properly loyal. Such a state of affairs makes for incredible inefficiency on a normal day and catastrophic consequences when any sort of crisis arises. Muslims are fond of saying “it’s God’s will” at difficult times, which for Muslims seems like most of the time. Actually, it’s not so much “God’s will” but more like the inevitable consequences of their dysfunctional culture.


Lack of empowerment of women. The future, no matter what form it may take, is almost certainly going to involve more technology, not less. How well equipped is a society for this future if half of its members are only (at best) grudgingly given their rights? In many Islamic countries, women are often illiterate and have no rights in essential critical life decisions, such as those involving child-rearing, marriage or education. And why should they? Various Quranic verses, age-old Islamic traditions, and core Islamic teachings render women as nothing more than chattel and the property of their male relatives—never the equal of men.


Belief in conspiracies. Muslims take it as an Article of Faith that various groups of so-called infidels or other outsiders are engaged in various conspiracies to keep Muslims down, make Islam look bad, or are otherwise up to No Good. The lack of evidence means little to a society where ‘skepticism’ is already an unusual and foreign concept. For instance, even well-educated Muslims will tell you, with total earnestness, that the 9-11 terror attacks were actually perpetrated by Zionists, or the CIA, or the U.S. Government, or some other nefarious group. Never mind the vast amount of evidence to the contrary. When presented with rebuttals from non-Muslims, Muslims will usually just shrug it off and carry on with their nonsensical conspiracy theories.


Lack of innovation. Here in Malaysia, it is telling that the word in the Malay language for innovation (“inovasi”) did not exist until it came from English, quite recently, as a loan word. Innovation, meaning to create something without precedent, is a risky and therefore dangerous business in the Islamic world. The reason for this is because Islam already has a word for innovation, “bid’ah”. In Islam, this word is essentially the same in meaning as ‘heresy’, which is yet another capital crime under Islamic law. Hence creativity and individuality are utterly stifled in a totalitarian fashion, even in Muslim countries where Islamic law has not yet been fully implemented. Improvisation is also discouraged for similar reasons. This is a major reason why Islamic countries are usually characterized by a near-total lack of scientific research and reluctance to embrace technology in general.


Lack of devotion to non-family/non tribal/non-clan organizations. In most Muslim societies, loyalty often runs no farther than one’s tribe or sect. People from the far-off central government, or those from the next valley over for that matter, are foreigners to be met with suspicion or hostility. Afghanistan is a perfect example of this sort of chaos. Even if these differences are eventually papered over, so to speak, by the force and coercion of a dictatorship, the lack of cohesion and distrust remain. Muslim leaders usually come into and stay in power by exploiting this very characteristic, by playing one tribe or group off another. Patriotism amongst the general public is another foreign concept, taken for granted in the West. Muslims may remain loyal to Islam in general, but more importantly, to the tribe in particular.


Lack of personal responsibility. Muslim leaders often lie to or deceive their own people, to subordinates, or to allies in order to advance their own personal agendas. Remember that most Muslim countries are a patchwork of tribes who barely tolerate one another in the best of times. Loyalty to one’s country as a whole is next to non-existent. So, the main objective of these leaders, whether at the top, middle or bottom, is to steal as much as they can, while they can, in order to enrich themselves and their families, clans or tribes—'national interest’ be damned. If you’re one of the rare incorruptible types, or are otherwise too stupid to steal when presented with the opportunity, then more the fool you are. Other tribes or groups are useful as scapegoats when the need arises or when blame must be deflected.


Lack of skilled labour. Rich, developed and successful countries like Germany, Japan and others do not just spring into existence. It takes the efforts of millions, skilled specialists toiling endlessly in dangerous and/or monotonous drudgery for decades, to build and also maintain the ever-growing complex web of systems that modern nations depend on to function. But Muslim countries, even the ones with trillions from oil revenue, have consistently failed to create large enough castes of technical specialists that modern nations must have. As there are never enough people willing or able to work within their own borders, Muslim nations are forced to outsource their labour needs. In Saudi Arabia and most Arab states, for instance, cleaners and maids come from India or the Philippines, while engineers and others in the technical trades come from America, Europe and increasingly east Asia. This trend is accelerating, paradoxically enough, at a time when the governments of the burgeoning Arab world are having an increasing problem just feeding their exploding populations.

Belief in magic. State-owned Malaysian newspapers and television stations routinely run breathless stories about witch doctors (‘bomoh’), evil spirits and other forms of the supernatural. Visitors to Malaysia get a good laugh out of such quaint cultural practices, until they realize with a shock that Malaysian belief in such superstition is absolutely sincere. But it’s not just here in Malaysia where this happens. In Saudi Arabia, witchcraft is considered very real and a capital offence. In Iran, laws are on the books that make 'sorcery' a crime. And in Iraq, many of the locals are absolutely convinced that American soldiers wear sunglasses that can see through clothing and have bases protected by force fields. A culture that is eager to embrace the supernatural takes a giant step away from rationality and deceives itself fundamentally. Self-deception is always, sooner or later, the path to failure.

If you’ve read up to this point, no doubt that you could add a few more things to this list. But remember, political correctness dictates that all cultures are somehow ‘equal’, and Muslims are convinced their cultures are somehow superior; never mind the reams of evidence to the contrary. So while I want to be optimistic, the smart money is not riding on the would-be reformers of the under-performing societies of the Muslim world. At least not yet.

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Though this article is written by some so called 'anti-Jihadist' Islam hater , who is exaggerating by putting in his **** , but I was wondering that he hits on some good points and this article should make us think ...

Lack of women empowerment , Muslim belief that 'women are not equal' , belief is conspiracies , no real intent to progress , and a severe lack of meritocracy is what hurting Ummah the most. People need to realize that Islam will grow when political power of Ummah is strong! Remember , how Prophet (SAW) built his political power and united Arabia under one banner? Today , political power lie in your economic muscle...and your economic progress lies in technology , innovation , production of high quality science , empowerment of women , your highly skilled labor force , world-class education , good governance and so on .... So in order to spread Islam ...Muslims MUST get these things right! If Muslim Ummah is strong, Islam is stronger Inshallah! We will have more resources for dawah ...

What you guys say?

[Blacksheepaalredy]

Muslims have mostly been suffering under tyrants who have been the be all and end all of their problems and who have been the greatest cause of the Ummah's lack of development.

I guess that most Muslims would agree with one or two things written, but a lot (most) of this article is just biased anti-Muslim rubbish if you ask me.

Also Muslims with an understanding of their religion cannot agree with the materialist capitalists as to what is appropriate development, as they favour many economic and social goal that are contrary to Islam.

I think you could have found a better articles on a similar theme brother.

[replrobin]

i would give you the answer Auzer but it is useless arguing with you. im sorry.

[Scukonahuy]

i would give you the answer Auzer but it is useless arguing with you. im sorry.

No one is arguing here. Just posted to hear what 'Muslims' believe about the issue.

As I stated ...the author is anti-Islamic bigot ... but he certainly touch of some points that are exaggerated by him , but true...

So I will look forward to your answer , sir ...

[nintenda]

Lack of women empowerment , Muslim belief that 'women are not equal' , belief is conspiracies , no real intent to progress , and a severe lack of meritocracy is what hurting Ummah the most. No, disobedience to Allah and his Rasul is what is hurting the Ummah the most. We are an Ummah of open and hidden sinners on a massive scale, in a state of constant heedlessness and ignorance, with an extreme lack of taqwa, and you think these trivialities are important? a'udhu billah.

People need to realize that Islam will grow when political power of Ummah is strong! This Ummah is huge. Islam is growing, at an incredible pace, if the statistics are correct. This is irrelevant.

"Thauban reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “It is near that the nations will call one another against you just as the eaters call one another to their dishes.” Somebody asked: “Is this because we will be few in numbers that day?” He said: “Nay but that day you shall be numerous, but you will be like the foam of the sea, and Allah Will Take the fear of you away from your enemies and will place weakness into your hearts.” Somebody asked: “What is this weakness?” He said: “The love of the world and the dislike of death.” [Abu Dawud]"

Remember , how Prophet (SAW) built his political power and united Arabia under one banner? Yes, I remember, he did it by obeying Allah.

Today , political power lie in your economic muscle...and your economic progress lies in technology , innovation , production of high quality science , empowerment of women , your highly skilled labor force , world-class education , good governance and so on .... So in order to spread Islam ...Muslims MUST get these things right! Complete garbage. Do you know what "la hawla wa la quwatta illa billah" means?


What you guys say?

[luffyplayaz]

No, disobedience to Allah and his Rasul is what is hurting the Ummah the most. We are an Ummah of open and hidden sinners on a massive scale, in a state of constant heedlessness and ignorance, with an extreme lack of taqwa, and you think these trivialities are important? a'udhu billah.

Offcourse. Allah says to respect your women..we don't. Rasul (SAW) say that gaining knowledge is OBLIGATORY on Muslim...we don't. Allah commands us to see his beautiful universe and search for the secrets...we don't. Kuffr are doing all these things and hence they are ahead.


This Ummah is huge. Islam is growing, at an incredible pace, if the statistics are correct. This is irrelevant. Wrong. Which new geographical Area Islam gained? Christians sent thousands of missionaries in Africa..where were the Muslims? Sleeping? Why don't Muslims start an 'organized' dawah in these lands and get huge number of converts Inshallah! Saudis can EASILY fund these activities...

Just producing more babies isn't the 'spread' of Islam...

Yes, I remember, he did it by obeying Allah. Yup..getting political power , so others can't harm you , is Allah's command..and I already mention how you can get political power in today's world.. So in order to go on the path of Prophet (SAW) and get political power..Muslims will have to go by THIS formula :

Today , political power lie in your economic muscle...and your economic progress lies in technology , innovation , production of high quality science , research and development empowerment of women , Industrialization , your highly skilled labor force , world-class education , good governance and so on .... So in order to spread Islam ...Muslims MUST get these things right!

If Muslims become economically independent and politically powerful...then Islam will grow even further...

[TyncTyncSah]

Yup..getting political power , so others can't harm you , is Allah's command..and I already mention how you can get political power in today's world.. So in order to go on the path of Prophet (SAW) and get political power..Muslims will have to go by THIS formula :

Today , political power lie in your economic muscle...and your economic progress lies in technology , innovation , production of high quality science , research and development empowerment of women , Industrialization , your highly skilled labor force , world-class education , good governance and so on .... So in order to spread Islam ...Muslims MUST get these things right!

If Muslims become economically independent and politically powerful...then Islam will grow even further...

Again, this is complete garbage. Do you know what "la hawla wa la quwatta illa billah" means?

No one is arguing here. Just posted to hear what 'Muslims' believe about the issue.

What happened to this?

[Anfester]

Again, this is complete garbage. Do you know what "la hawla wa la quwatta illa billah" means?


What happened to this?

Yeah, if anyone talks about how the Muslims would get power if they advanced technologically or politically or any such thing IS WRONG. The reason is simple- the Messenger told us that we would rise back once we return to our deen

Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud (this is the version of Abu Dawud) recorded that Ibn `Umar said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah saying,

إِذَا تَبَايَعْتُمْ بِالْعِينَةِ وَأَخَذْتُمْ بِأَذْنَابِ الْبَقَرِ وَرَضِيتُمْ بِالزَّرْعِ، وَتَرَكْتُمُ الْجِهَادَ سَلَّطَ اللهُ عَلَيْكُمْ ذُلًّا لَا يَنْزِعُهُ حَتَّى تَرْجِعُوا إِلَى دِينِكُم»

(If you transact in `Iynah (a type of Riba), follow the tails of cows (tilling the land), become content with agriculture and abandoned Jihad, Allah will send on you disgrace that He will not remove until, you return to your religion.)''

So as we can see, Auzer says one thing, yet the Messenger told us something completely different. I know who I believe

[Ternneowns]

Btw, just to show what the scholars have understood from the hadith (I have taken this from a different forum the link to which is banned here):

Al-Manawi says in Faydh al-Qadir 1/403:

“…until you return to your Deen” means ‘placement of the affairs of your Deen first and foremost’; and that is exhibited in this amazing form of increased rebuke and scolding where that is placed in the position of apostasy and expulsion from the Deen.'

Ibn Baz says in his Majmu’ al-Fatawa 2/435:

'This proves that aversion for al-Jihad and the absence of encouraging ones’ self in it is from a branch of hypocrisy; (its proves) that being distracted (from al-Jihad) towards employment, agriculture, and usurious customs are among the reasons for the humiliation of the Muslims and the unleashing of the enemies upon them like what is happening today; (it proves) that the humiliation will not be lifted from them until they return to their Deen with integrity upon His command and al-Jihad in His path…'

As-Suyuti places this narration in his ad-Durr al-Manthur 1/499, as a Tafsir for the Ayah:

{And fighting has been proscribed for you though you may dislike it...}[2:216]

And many scholars have said that 'until you return to your Deen' refers to both the matters of the Deen and al-Jihad.

Allah knows best

[secondmertg]

Allah commands us to see his beautiful universe and search for the secrets...we don't. Kuffr are doing all these things and hence they are ahead.

What is your education level? Are you a scientist? What is stopping you from making advancement in science to uplift the ummah?

[Rchzygnc]

Yeah, if anyone talks about how the Muslims would get power if they advanced technologically or politically or any such thing IS WRONG. The reason is simple- the Messenger told us that we would rise back once we return to our deen

Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud (this is the version of Abu Dawud) recorded that Ibn `Umar said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah saying,

إِذَا تَبَايَعْتُمْ بِالْعِينَةِ وَأَخَذْتُمْ بِأَذْنَابِ الْبَقَرِ وَرَضِيتُمْ بِالزَّرْعِ، وَتَرَكْتُمُ الْجِهَادَ سَلَّطَ اللهُ عَلَيْكُمْ ذُلًّا لَا يَنْزِعُهُ حَتَّى تَرْجِعُوا إِلَى دِينِكُم»

(If you transact in `Iynah (a type of Riba), follow the tails of cows (tilling the land), become content with agriculture and abandoned Jihad, Allah will send on you disgrace that He will not remove until, you return to your religion.)''

So as we can see, Auzer says one thing, yet the Messenger told us something completely different. I know who I believe

[ringtonesmannq]

What you guys say?

I have repeatedly said that the lack of our progress is in our disunity. I am actually very surprised by tolerance on sunni forum which has given me new hope about how Muslims can trust each other and not be too accusatory and seperatist and at the same time committed to uplift the Ummah's condition. To be honest many of the issues the blogger has mixed truth with falsehood. For example belief in destiny and putting trust in Allah is an immense blessing for Muslims. Whilst at the same time some of his opinions of lack of meritrocracy and how we sideline our women appear to be true. Also we are probably the least superstitious people on the face of this earth. The rest of the people either dont believe in a God, worship idols, worship a man or go around with traditional animist beliefs. If we unite and form an Islamic union the 50 or so muslim countries will progress, flourish and advance at an unprecedented rate. And as Master Harun Yahya has said Turkey will play a leading role in calling for this union. It's government is taking steps to make this a reality. It is easy to see that the way religious revivalism has occured in all Muslim lands that we are on the right track. We will soon in the next few decades have some of the best hospitals and insititutions of higher learning. Our cities will be craved for both spiritual and material satisfaction. Even right now to be honest with all the backwardness in development we still have spirituality which is better than being materially successful without spirituality. So if you see even though we have been materially deficient in the last 300 years compare to the rest of the world it would still be better being a Muslim because we have not given up on our spiritual affairs. We should be thankful to Allah, he gave us nearly 1000 years of material supremacy. The West started uplifting itself in the last 500 years and caught up and outdid the Muslim world in the past 250-300 years. But the potential within us is a fountain of success waiting to go off. Once we learn to live with each other with intent of communal welfare instead of separatism, selfishness, irreligiousity and the disease of pharisee-ism(inherent in a few people of this forum and other groups like the taliban, some salafis) we will become successful. Muslims in the west are probably in my opinion having the best quality of life living in secular democracies where they can practice Islam relatively unhindered and at the same time enjoy the material joys and freedoms of western civilization.

[WaysletlyLene]

What is your education level? Are you a scientist? What is stopping you from making advancement in science to uplift the ummah?

It is not "me" and "you" ... It is WE and US !

[cialesxtr]

It is not "me" and "you" ... It is WE and US !

QUOTE=Auzer;790736]It is not "me" and "you" ... It is WE and US ![/QUOTE]

The problem is you! And everyone else who sits behind a computer and criticizes without himself attempting to even become something. Why don't you become a scientist and also live a wholesome Islamic life? Why don't you become a model for us and show us how it is done? Chances are you don't have the patience or the will to make the sacrifices required to become a scientist. It starts with a PhD. Why don't you start there. It is become increasingly difficult to make scientific contributions at the PhD level. Sometimes you need years of post-doc training. People don't understand how much time and sacrifice research demands. It takes your life. It even requires sacrifice from your whole family in terms of time you can spend with them.

Most Muslims flock towards lucrative careers instead. They shy away from research because it is hard work and not lucrative.