Besides the fanatical frenzy, …, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy,” he wrote. “The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist where the followers of the Prophet rule or live. … The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to a sole man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. … Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities – but the influence of the religion paralyzes the social development of those who follow it.”
Winston Churchill
Note the expressions:
"Fanatical frenzy". "The religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it". "Fatalistic apathy" "slavery"
Paralysis
Over a 100 years later, these words ring true to many and those who ignore history do so at their peril. Ignorance of the main facts cannot be set aside just to be PC.
For the first 4 centuries Islam had the components of a fairly advanced civilization, Philosophy, arts, science... All of which was transferred over to Europe, which triggered off a quest for knowledge, that remains true to this day. Initially Muslims were not backward as a whole in many fields. No progress has been made since. Instead, to this day, Islamic states have heavily relied on European technology and knowledge and indeed some Muslims blame the west for all of their woes.
Apathy
There is definitely a sense of inferiority and an unwillingness to accept self-criticism in many Islamic entities, even more so if we take into consideration the strong influence of a psychological complex of being unable to achieve success. As Churchill succinctly put it ' apathy'.
Innovation, being self-confident, being to produce different ideas, being able to freely discuss issues are all elements of society which then can "socially develop". This begs the question: why is this missing in predominantly Islamic societies?
Frenzy
The clue is hypersensitivety. There is an Islamic right-wing and it is increasing in strength. Yet, if the media in the West shouts, fascist, neo-nazi, everyone pays attention. If the same is said about the Islamic right, the silence is defeaning. There is an atmosphere of hypersensitivety in many non-Muslim as well Muslim spheres. There is a siege mentality at work, aided and helped by a great number of 'appeasers'.
This situation is clearly shown by the complete lack of rationality expressed by vast segments of the Islamic society and a tendency to over react to the smallest of incidents. One of the most 'startling" incident has to be the one in Sudan over a teddy bear in 2007, (see Article ). There scenes of angry crowds demanding the death penalty). Compare to this to the usual reaction of a Christian to a similar sort of incident, well, you simply can't, as there a much greater level of tolerance and acceptance.
To sum up
Lack of meritocracy/ personal responibility - just simply saying "Inshallah" does not absolve of the responsibility to hold people accountable for their actions. Many of the Islamic state are autocratic and / or significant tribal influence. Dysfunctionality is the end result.
Strong conspiracy tendencies - these undermine any potential to discuss, inquire or investigate the facts at hands. No debate to be had. A closed mind is the end result. Scapegoats are usually found to support unsubstantiated claims.
No innovative stimulus. It is akin to bid’ah. Creativity is restricted to a few 'enlightened' individuals and not as a result of the wider Islamic community. Despite the geological 'blessing' of having oil and gas, many of the Islamic states readily and heavily depend on non- Muslim skills and manpower.
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