Europe introduced into Eastern world the concepts and ideologies that were based on the denial of the fundamentals of spiritual belief and the rejection of an All Powerful Being controlling the entire universe; A Supreme Authority who created the world and who is overseeing and managing its all affairs.
Problems with Western Education
The common feature of all the branches of thought brought by the West whether they dealt with biology and evolution or with ethics, psychology, politics or economics was that Western Education had their origins in the denial of the Unknown, the Supernatural, Divine Revelation, Prophethood and the transcendental values.
However varied may have been their field of study; they all had as their meeting ground the materialistic approach to man and his world and the interpretation of the all phenomena along the materialistic lines.
These ideals and concepts invaded the Eastern world and penetrated deep into its soul. Consider the following disturbing facts about western education:
- This Western materialistic philosophy was undoubtedly the greatest religion preached in the world after Islam.
- It was the greatest religion from the point of view of the extensiveness of its scope.
- It was the profoundest religion from the point of view of the depth to which its roots went.
- It was the strongest religion from the point of view of the capacity it possessed for conquering the hearts and minds of men.
Western Fine Arts – A Revolt Against Islam
Simplicity and sobriety is another characteristic of the Islamic Civilization. In the matter of fine arts it adopts a balanced temperate attitude.
Islam does appreciate beauty and refinement, yet at the same time it frowns severely upon certain forms of self-indulgence and sensuality to which the West has given the imposing label of ‘Fine Arts‘. Some of these are dancing, painting and photography (of living beings) and sculpture.
Similarly, there are certain things in which Islam has advised caution and moderation. For instance, a Muslim is permitted to enjoy music, but within certain limits.
Absorption in fine arts in any case is contrary to the spirit and social destiny of Islamic Civilization and inimical to the generation of the fear of God, solicitude for the Hereafter and the high ethical standard that are expected of a Muslim.
Had the check and control of the Islamic Shariah and Civilization not been there, it would not have been possible for Muslims of India to maintain their moderation to some extent even in India which has been so strongly attached to fine arts from the ancient times that some of its aspects have become a part of popular worship.
Adherence to Islamic regulations will generally be the rule where Islamic Civilization is present in its true, unpolluted form, and where it is not so, it will be a sign of social and moral degeneration.
Impact of Western Education on Educated Muslims
The educated and intelligent section in the Muslim countries were simply bewitched by western education and they delightfully drank from it and assimilated it eagerly.
These Muslims became following this materialistic mindset almost in the same way as a Muslim follows Islam or a Christian follows Christianity to such an extent that they now adore it with all their heart and revere its ideals and swear by the greatness of its founders and torchbearers.
Muslims blinded with ideas of western education propagates western teachings, rejects the ideology that may run counter to it and establishes relations of brotherhood and fraternity with the other followers of the materialistic mindset.