Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 1

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society

Richard M. Wannall

Norwich University

SOCI 401L

Professor Tracey Poirier

August 19, 2017

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 2

Abstract

Arab Muslim and the West include two groups of different natures, religions, ideologies, and

cultures that are opposed to each other in the rapidly globalizing world today. The modern

western influence of the Arab world brought in conflicts in political, social, economic and

cultural areas. The well-functioning of the relations between the West and the Arab Muslims has

both economic and political importance internationally, and therefore the following article

attempts to analyze the cultural struggle between Islamic traditionalism and the western

influence of modernity on Arab society. This research formulates from the hypothesis that Arab

society can modernize and accelerate human development without critically disrupting the

Islamic cultural tribe. The reading begins by introducing the cultural struggle between the West

and the Islamic traditionalism before delving into the historical perspective and background. The

historical context involves the description of historical information, cultural norms and recent

developments in the Arab world. This research paper also encompasses explanations and

solutions proposed to the problem under study.

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 3

1.0 Introduction

Modernization emerged in the 19th century and became popular among scholars in the

20th century. The most prominent tension exists between tradition and modernity. Many of the

young population in the Arab world go through the struggle between Islam and modernity as

they try to put together their family expectations and growing up in an increasingly globalizing

world in which their parents fail to understand. Some Muslims perceived the replacement of the

indigenous culture with a modernized culture as extremely offensive. As such, the advocates of

modernization, not only viewed the western society as truly modern, but they also argued that

others were unevolved by comparison and primitive. Research indicates that many Muslims

perceive Islam not only as a religion, but also as a heritage, and cultural identity (Ansary, A

Destiny Disrupted, 2009). The Arab Muslims and the west are not the only communities of

different nature, but they also vary in cultures, ideologies, and religions. The current economic

globalization worldwide enables the two communities which include the West and the Arab

Muslim to confront each other. Mutual misunderstandings and prejudices between the Arab-

Muslim and the West result from disparities and the significant contrast between the two

communities. Islam is an essential and active entity of the Arab world due to its influence on the

economic and political behavior of the Arab nations. The Muslims had different forms of

response to European colonialism the forms of Muslim reactions, namely; the reformists, and the

fundamentalists. The reformists responded to the western imperialism while the fundamentalists

reacted against westernization (Lewis, 2009).

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 4

The European modernity was facilitated politically by the dominant sectors of the economy

while the Arab’s quest for modernity got championed by intellectuals. Additionally, the

intellectuals who championed Arab’s quest for modernity, not only anticipated for the factors

that caused the Arab World to lag behind, but they also contemplated the causes of western

superiority that left the Arab World vulnerable for colonization. There existed intellectuals who

rejected the Ottoman legacy and therefore decided to adopt the tradition of thought which led to

the western superiority even though they still maintained ties with the cultural particularities of

their societies. Research indicates that those intellectuals who adhered to the thought of

traditional religion insisted on returning to their Islamic roots while putting claims that the defeat

of Arab society by the Europeans resulted from the members drifting away from their Islamic

roots (Armstrong, 2002). Additionally, those intellectuals launched a project of religious revival

to respond to the foreigners. Moreover, the intellects suffered from internal tension. For that

reason, neither those who advocated for the revival of Islamic culture nor the supporters of the

European model could fulfil their promises.

The projects of Arab modernity were in crisis from the beginning, and the intellectuals who

supported the European model to some extent did not enjoy appropriate socio-cultural settings

meant for their schemes. The academics who advocated for the traditional authority fared no

better because the past they wanted to reinstate could not get revived since their societal needs

had changed. The traditionalists, consequently, got trapped in a vicious circle as they could

neither implement the old Islam nor come up with a new Islam equipped to join the modern age.

The Arab intellectuals who backed the European model, on the other hand, embraced the

European culture which had smoothed the growth of the West. Further, those scholars supporting
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 5

the western modernity branched out into several European schools of thought, and consequently,

opened fresh horizons for the Arab Society (Lewis, 2009). The Arab society did not experience

the image promised by the Arab Modernity. The Arab community instead experienced

unpredicted shifts, such as the dwindling of the separation between the mosque and the

university and expansion of the cleric authority at the expense of the intellectuals. The Islamic

tradition helped in the production of arts by the Arab modernists, for instance, the visual arts had

links with the Arab Nahda. The Arab society can, as a result, accelerate and modernize human

development without critically disrupting the Islamic tradition. (Ansary, A Destiny Disrupted,

2009).

2.0 Historical Perspective

The crusades included a sequence of religious wars between Christians and Muslims,

which started with the aim of safeguarding control of the holy places that both groups considered

sacred. Ansary (2009), indicates that the crusades began in 1095 after the call to the first crusade

by Pope Claremont at the Council of Claremont. The movements included significant military

voyages that Christian countries of Europe undertook primarily to rescue sacred places of

Palestine from the control of Mohammedans. The crusades consisted of four main campaigns

and four minor with the first movement occurring between 1096 and 1099. The bloody and

frequently ruthless conflicts boosted the European status, and therefore, they evolved into major

players fighting for land in the Middle East. Western European Christians organized the

crusades, military expeditions to respond to centuries of Muslim expansion wars. The objectives

of the European Christians included checking the spread of Islam, conquering pagan areas and
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 6

retaking control of the Holy Land in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, the Europeans

aimed at recapturing previously Christian territories. The military campaigns also envisioned to

halt the development of Muslim power and get the better of pagan areas. The continued growth

of Islamic states eventually reversed the gains enjoyed by the European Christians as a result of

their success during the causes (France, 2006).

The crusades not only kept Europe in a commotion for two centuries, but it also cost

Christendom a million lives. The effects of the movements influenced politics, social

development, material growth, discoveries as well as Commerce, Feudalism and intellectual

development (Sabry, Arab Cultural Studies, 2011). Additionally, the crusades also played an

essential role in the enlargement of Feudal Europe. European Christians had pushed back at

Muslim lands on the edge of Europe for some decades. The arrival of the first crusade extremely

divided Muslims of the near east in the case of the former among themselves. The Crusaders also

come across opponents who were concerned with their political squabbling rather than the

outside threat. The response of Muslims to the crusades at the end of the 11th century was

accustomed by the fragmentation and the disunity of the Muslim world during that period. The

crusades were therefore among the first clashes between the emerging West and the Arab world.

The Ottoman Empire

According to Ansary (2009), the Ottoman Empire, which was constructed by Turkish societies in

Anatolia was among the largest and most lasting Empires in history. The Ottoman Empire is a

geographical and political entity ruled by the Muslim Ottoman. Islam and Islamic

establishments inspired and sustained the Ottoman Empire. The fourth crusade played a vital role
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 7

in weakening the Byzantine Empire and therefore allowing young Ottoman state to take over the

Byzantine lands. The Ottoman Empire replaced the Byzantine Empire, which was previously the

dominant power in the eastern Mediterranean. The Ottoman Turks haven’t only established

themselves in the Balkans, but they also infiltrated deeper into Europe notwithstanding, the

persistent efforts to reject them. The Ottoman period which lasted for more than 600 years ended

in 1922 after its replacement by the Turkish republic and several successor nations in the Middle

East and southeastern Europe. The term Ottoman includes a hereditary name derived from

Osman I who included a nomadic chief from Turkmen and the founder of the dynasty and

Empire about 1300. Moreover, the Ottoman Empire achieved military conquests with ease which

in turn created fear among the western Europeans that the constant success of Ottoman would

facilitate not only the downfall of the social and political infrastructure of the West but also

cause the collapse of Christendom (Kia, 2011).

Research shows that the Ottoman Empire had included it in the European great powers’ affairs

and therefore the European powers drew the Empire into war in 1914 (Ansary, A Destiny

Disrupted, 2009). The Ottoman state had risen to become a world empire, which lasted to 1923

from the late 13th century. Additionally, the Ottoman Empire had not only suffered an extended

period of cultural and economic decline, but it also faced severe internal conflict. Despite the

suffering, Ottoman Empire still managed to control most of the Middle East and all of the

modern-day Turkey, and it continued to put in the field a million soldiers. The success of the

Ottoman Empire resulted from the state run the judicial and educational system, highly

centralized structure, the alliances created across racial and political groups, powerful military

and the loyalty encouraged from other faith organizations. Moreover, the Ottoman Empire
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 8

incorporated religion in the structure of the state, and it regarded the sultan as the protector of

Islam. The Ottoman Empire joined the First World War in 1914, and it sided with Germany and

Austria Hungary. Research reports that the dream of the Young Turk revolutionary movement to

liberate Central Asia’s ethnic Turk related groups from Russian rule and Pan-Turkic nationalism

turned into a nightmare after getting defeated in the war collapsing the Ottoman Empire.

Additionally, Ottoman suffered about five years of social upheaval and regional conflicts before

its replacement in 1923 by the modern Republic of Turkey (İhsanoğlu, 2003).

European Colonialism

Colonialism includes the process whereby several European countries explored, conquered,

exploited and settled in many areas worldwide. European nations began to explore and seek

domination of the rest of the world in 15th and 16th centuries due to their ability to control sea

routes and American continent discovery. Colonialism also includes the territorial expansion of

industrial powers from Europe, especially after 1870. The European countries not only colonized

and expanded throughout the world, but they also spread their culture and European institutions.

The European expansion led to the formation of several large empires overseas. The European

launched a new period of colonial expansion in the 19th century facilitated by the rapid growth of

the population and the industrial revolution. The territorial expansion also got stimulated by the

desire of the Europeans to civilize barbarian countries and the discovery of new markets and

areas of the settlement of the poor migrants from European. Additionally, the emigration of

Europeans to new worlds in the 19th century contributed towards the spread of their economic,

cultural and political influence to the rest of the world. European powers also distributed
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 9

explorers, military forces, and scientific expeditions throughout the remainder of the world

during the 19th century to establish their presence as colonial powers (Lehning, 2013).

Examples of European powers include Britain, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, and

Portugal. There exist political, cultural and economic factors that motivated the colonial

expansion. Some of the economic factors that prompted European colonialism include new

markets and search for raw materials while one of the political factors include national prestige.

Extension of western culture and thirst for knowledge are examples of cultural factors that

motivated European colonization. The European powers entered into extraordinary career

expansionism after 1870 that laid many tensions in parts of the world for instance in African

countries. The resolution made at the Berlin conference of 1885 that a nation would have rights

to a territory after comprehensive exploration accelerated the process of colonization. European

countries based their colonialism on violence and the colonial system also based on

discrimination and racial oppression. Other consequences of European colonization included loss

of culture, economic exploitation and foreigners becoming the ruling social class. Additionally,

European colonialism also led to the subjection of the victims to foreign control. On the other

hand, westernization also had direct and indirect benefits to the colonized nations, for instance,

improved health conditions, railway and port constructions and native elite access to education

(Ansary, A Destiny Disrupted, 2009).

Stagnation in the Arab world

Stagnation refers to a state whereby development or growth stops. The societies in Arabia are

getting crippled by the repression of women, lack of political freedom and that smothered
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 10

creativity. Additionally, despite oil incomes transforming the landscapes of some Arab countries,

the region still tends to be richer more than the present developments. For instance, the

productivity of Arab society is declining, research and development are non-existent or weak,

and per capita income has shrunk in the last few years. Moreover, the Arab society also denies its

women's advancement and most of them cannot write or read. Additionally, the maternal

mortality rate in the Arab community is high. Further research also confirms that the Arab world

deprives itself of most of its citizens’ creativity and productivity (Sabry, Cultural Encounters in

the Arab world, 2010). One of the biggest obstacles in Arab’s nation building includes their

legacy in sectarianism and tribalism.

Industrialization influence from European/Christian to Arab/ Islam

Industrialization refers to a constant development of the economy based on the concentration of

industries, factory production, division of labor and urbanization. Industrial revolution which

occurred between 18th to 19th centuries also includes the process that involves a change from a

handicraft and agrarian economy to one subjugated by machine manufacturing and industry.

Industrialization started in Britain in the 18th century, after which it spread to other parts of the

world. The production phenomenon began to creep into the Arab world through the contact of

Europeans with the Arab countries. Additionally, industrialization, which is a form of western

civilization was a consequence of the Berlin conference in the quest of Europeans for Imperial

grabbing of African resources and later facilitated by globalization. With the Arab world

dominated and conquered by the Europeans, the western culture, including industrialization

began to flourish in the Arab society. Some of the features of the industrial revolution include the

use of new basic materials such as steel and the iron, new sources of energy like electricity and
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 11

the steam engine, the invention of new machines and increased division of labor and

specialization. Another characteristic of Industrialization included the development of

transportation and communication systems such as an automobile, steamship, and a steam

locomotive (Hamdar, 2015).

While there existed abundant mineral resources in the Arab world, it was the European

imperialism that paved the way for industrialization. The introduction of industries by the

Europeans and the desire to exploit oil for practical reasons caused significant success among

Arab countries. Moreover, the oil industry unprecedented wealth. Industrialization not only

changed how members of the Arab world worked and acquired goods, but it also altered the

economic relationship between nonindustrialized and industrialized regions. Despite industrial

revolution, bringing about increased variety and volume of manufactured goods and improved

living standards for some individuals, it also caused grim employment and unattractive

conditions of life for the working class and the have-nots. Industrialization disrupted family

lives in the Arab world by promoting urbanization. Other disruptions caused by industrial

revolution include harsh labor conditions and social instability as a result of increased

population. Political economists of the industrialization period argued that having a favorable

balance of trade required large scale production with the high input of capital and technology

accompanied by the importation of cheap agricultural goods and raw materials. However,

industrialization had significant contributions towards economic success in the Arab world.

Additionally, other aspects of western influence such as infrastructure development and

amenities such as banks, communications and telegraph lines also accompanied industrialization

(Armstrong, 2002).
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 12

The Challenges and dilemmas facing the Middle East today

Most nonwestern societies in the modern age have received and rejected the cultural elements

transmitted by the western culture. Confrontation of cultures and information age in the Middle

East has caused rapid changes in the arena of conflict between the Western communities and the

Middle East since the geographical boundaries are no longer adequate to separate the two

cultures (Kamrava, 2013).

Rapid population growth in the Middle East has led to unemployment, increased the cost of

subsidies and difficulties in accessing to services and therefore spelling serious political

consequences. Modernization in the Middle East has caused a disproportionate increase in the

urban population since rural inhabitants move to cities in search of improved conditions. Urban

migration as a result of westernization puts a huge straining on urban infrastructure (Ansary, A

Destiny Disrupted, 2009).

Conflicts in the Middle East are causing many people to migrate from their homes. Most of the

individuals displaced in the Middle East are a result of civil wars in Libya, Syria, and Iraq and

the long running conflict in Israel and Palestine. Economic upheaval in the Middle East has also

sent many individuals looking for better lives abroad (Mårtensson, 2011).

Marketization and liberalization in the Middle East resulted in substantial socioeconomic

changes. Examples of social activism in the Middle East include collective protest, social

movements, and survivalist struggles. Islam has represented a significant means that enables the

disadvantaged groups in the region not only to survive hardships but also to better their lives.

Islamist movements also contribute to social welfare by compelling rival social institutions and

organizations such as state agencies and NGOs to provide services and assistance to the needy.
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 13

The growth of social activism in the Middle East coincides with the relative decline in traditional

class-based movements. Middle East countries view social NGOs as a real means of grassroots

involvement in development (Sabry, Arab Cultural Studies, 2011).

The cultural fault line dividing the Muslim world and the West also include sex. Conducted

research indicates that despite their need for democracy, the Muslims and their western

counterparts still differ regarding their attitudes towards abortion, divorce, gay rights and gender

equality which may in turn not augur well for the impending democracy in the Middle East

(Choueiri, 2008).

3.0 Cultural Examples

Tribalism in The Middle East previously appeared as a dying phenomenon receding

before modernity forces. Tribal values in the Middle East have, however, survived both

modernism and statehoods and also enjoyed a revival. Tribes in the Middle East shape the future

direction of Middle East nations. For instance, the Al Saud family successfully designated

willing tribes by marriage during the establishment of The Saudi Kingdom in the Middle East

since they knew they would require support from other tribes. Tribes in the Middle East also play

important roles in wars, and they also influence politics (Hamdar, 2015).

Most people define Arabs by their culture which constitutes both Arabism and Islamism. Islam is

an indigenous civilization to all the Arabs and a native religion to most of the Arabs. Arab is, for

that reason, a culturally defined identity. Arabism nurtured by Islam is cultural, rational and

ethical. The culture and the religion in Arab merged to provide humankind with the great

civilizations (Mårtensson, 2011).

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 14

Customs and Traditions

There exists a connection between the cultural heritage of the Muslims and their identity.

Civilization in Islam emanates from the value of education, and adherences to the Islamic faith.

Despite the unification of Arab politics of language and cultural attributes, Arabs have been

divided politically since the first Islamic centuries. Islam originated and developed in Arabic

culture, and therefore, their culture is influenced by Islamic customs (Parker, 2011).

Arabia has a highly collectivist culture. For example, in Saudi, individuals prefer the

establishment of confidence and trust with one another before working together. Additionally,

loyalty in most of the Arab states is the principal value and in most cases, overrules other social

rules. The collectivist Arab culture expects members of the society to overlook their desires for

the community’s sake. Arabians share small tasks, for instance, recreational activities and meals

communally (Kia, 2011).

Language

People in the Arab world communicate using a common language. Arabic is the most commonly

spoken language of the Middle East, and it developed beginning in the 8th century B.C. Persian is

the second most widely spoken language in the Arab world despite being the national language

of Iran. Arabic not only helps in business, but it is also a compulsory second language in most

schools (Parker, 2011).

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 15

Arts and Literature

Western art began to influence Islamic lands as a result of European colonization of the Middle

East and Arab Renaissance. Arab Renaissance represented a revival period of traditional poetry

and literature and also complete Westernization in the visual arts. Colonialism caused Middle

East artists to adopt the artistic traditions and aesthetics of the west. Islamic artefacts began to

cater for tourist markets. Additionally, the creation of educational institutions, salons and arts

societies supported Western art promotion in the Middle East (Parker, 2011).

Music in the Middle East depends on the maqam system which unevenly resembles the Western

musical scale. Music in the Middle East mostly comprises overlapping rhythms and

ornamentation. Middle Eastern music also involves a call-and-response form and musicians

perform the art of improvisation (Lewis, 2009).

Traditional society in the Middle East is held together by religion. Islam is the dominant religion

in most Middle Eastern states. Many governments in the Middle East use religion to justify their

reliable systems. Furthermore, religious legacies in the Middle East leave a distinct imprint on

contemporary values (Armstrong, 2002).

4.0 Solution

Islamic modernization refers to the reformation of Islamic institutes of politics, law, and

learning in light of western values and ideas. Classical Islamic modernists of the 19th century

foresaw Islamic reforms as an all-inclusive venture. The advocates of modernism in Islam not

only hoped for the compatibility of the region with western concepts, but they were also in favor
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 16

of women rights and constitutionalism. Islamic modernity dealt with the lady status, legal

questions of evidence, constitutional reforms, modern education, man’s freedom and rights and

the nature of the universe. Sabry (2010), explains that modernity experienced in Muslim society

has moved from a view of disruption of the Islamic world in recognition of improvement and

progress in the political economies. The perception of Muslims on what constitutes the main

ideas of modernity seems to revolve around how western modernity conforms to the experience

of Islam. Theology as a methodological framework had developed historically in Islam with the

aim of finding solutions to intellectual challenges. Islamic modernity, however, posed problems

that the old faith had no ability to respond. Despite its inability to give a response to the

problems, the old religion rejected modernity and declined to identify the problems posed.

Islamic modernity, therefore, called for a new Islamic theology (Sabry, Cultural Encounters in

the Arab world, 2010).

Some of the significant developments in the late 18th and early 19th century that influenced the

growth of Islamic modernism include liberation movements that popularized oppositional and

hostile attitudes towards western modernity and the rise of national identity movements that

introduced subjectivism rather than objectivism. Additionally, the quick scientific discoveries

and knowledge progress also influenced Islamic modernism since it led to dynamic instead of

mechanical perception of the universe and nature. Muslim thinkers such as Al-Afghani

developed high regards to the concepts of modernity such as liberty and constitutionalism. Even

though some Muslim scholars hesitated about territorial nationalism, most of them appealed to a

sectional view of the homeland. Parker (2011), asserts that the Islamic freedom movements

bitterly opposed the West but at the same time admired the concepts of modernity such as
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 17

Republicans and democracy, liberty and constitutionalism. Islamic modernism after

independence associated with the reform of the Muslim society and acute examination of

colonialism. Fundamentalist movements opposed to modernity succeeded in ending of Islamic

modernism even though their interaction produced some new interpretations of traditional. For

instance, secularism, law reforms, and human rights remained centrally debated issues between

Islamists and Islamic modernists. The discourse of Islamic modernists joined more refined

discussions concerning self-knowledge, Islamic subjectivism and post-colonial epistemology

(Mårtensson, 2011).

The success story in Tunisia

The citizens of Tunisia drafted a new constitution that would be a new social contract for the

entire society. Even though the process was not smooth, Tunisia’s leaders, despite their

differences, managed to share a common need of maintaining stability after observing the chaos

in Yemen, Syria, and Libya. The leaders of Tunisia’s constituent assembly used precise language

in the Constitution to come up with principles that brought the citizens together after renewing

their understanding of the need to reach an agreement with the aim of avoiding violence and

chaos that troubled other spring nations in Arab. Drafting of the constitution also provided an

opportunity for all the members of the country to discuss the importance of liberty, dignity and

the meaning of rights. Tunisia is a civil state grounded on citizenship, law supremacy and the

will of the people. Citizens of Tunisia also developed rules of religion within the country to

balance citizenship values for the individual with Islamic tradition carefully. The Constitution

not only declared equal rights for men and women, but it also enabled Tunisia to maintain its

democratic process (Kia, 2011).

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 18

Modern communication and interaction among Arab cultures

The Arab cultures surpass space and time for instance through language and Islamic faith which

is the world’s second largest after Christianity. A common culture that developed in the Islamic

religion links the Arab world. Islam tends to be the only religion in the world that provides rules

that govern a state and a set of spiritual beliefs. The Koran comprises of admonitions, stories,

verse and prophetic segments, and political, social and economic laws. The Koran also embraces

all sectors of human affairs, including international and most personal relations. Muslims

questions some of the dominant cultural patterns of the West, for instance, the role of technology

and modernization, the role played by morality in human affairs and how God relates to

humankind. The worldview of Arab is derived and expressed in the language of Islam which

does not distinguish temporal life aspects and religion. Islam not only views earning a living

through labor as a duty and virtue, but it also respects all kinds of works as far as there exists no

wrongs involved nor indecency. The Arab culture is group oriented, and it organizes its social

life around family and the ethnic line (Sabry, Arab Cultural Studies, 2011).

Hyper Urban growth, technology and cultural revolutions in the Middle East.

The Middle East is presently encountering a transformation where youth population growth and

urbanization trends allow most individuals to migrate to the cities. Urbanization pace has

accelerated in the Middle East, therefore, pressurizing on infrastructure, economic and social

structures and the environment. The increasing population in the Middle East has not only

presented challenges such as the provision of housing, healthcare, and jobs, but it has offered

opportunities, for instant transformation of some cities such as Dubai into a global city and a
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 19

regional tourism and business hub. The Middle East has also transformed into an investment and

economic center. Additionally, the Middle East has encountered several technological

revolutions such as ICT strategies and the launch of a Dubai internet city. Developments in the

Middle East have brought both challenges and unprecedented opportunities to cultural industries.

The digital revolution in the Middle East has brought about the need for democracy, personal

freedom, environmental preservation, and respect for human rights and condemning of cultural

practices (Sabry, Cultural Encounters in the Arab world, 2010).

Pluralism

The political and cultural behavior in Arab has lacked pluralism. Additionally, a predisposition

towards uniformity in the Arab world major contributed towards their stagnation in the last few

decades. Arab citizens can, therefore, realize their dream of opportunities and freedom only

through the inclusion of tolerance and pluralism in their day to day activities. Additionally,

secular and Islamic forces in the Arab world should guarantee the right of every individual to

function in a democratic system by working together despite their disagreements with the

opinions of others (Lyons, 2010).

Education

Quality teaching in the Arab world is necessary for both economic and social development.

Notwithstanding the fact that the levels of human development in the Arab world are lower

compared to most other regions and some recent gains jeopardized by numerous conflicts, the

Arab region presently enjoys greater levels of improvements in the educational achievement of

women. Additionally, although there exist relentless pressures in most nations in the Arab world,
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 20

civil society has matured significantly and therefore indicating that the spirit of the Arab

uprisings still exists to some extent (Kia, 2011).

5.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, Arab society can modernize and accelerate human development without

critically disrupting the Islamic cultural tribe. Preservation of traditional religious principles is a

major challenge confronting several organizations as the world rapidly continues to globalize and

get interconnected. Patterns of modern works and competitive pressures sometimes clash with

traditional relationships grounded on personal ties and trust. Additionally, economic and social

progress gets accompanied by wider choices and greater freedoms that pose challenges to social

values that are not only deep rooted but also highly cherished by the society. The rapid growth of

the economy and population in some Middle East countries have also created extreme strains

between the new and the old in many aspects of life. Research, however, indicates that it is

possible for the Middle East countries to combine values and cultures with the modern life

(Sabry, Cultural Encounters in the Arab world, 2010). Correspondingly, societies can mold

modernization around traditions and local culture. Apart from the social and economic gains and

political change in the Middle East, some countries still maintain their traditions and cultural

values as Islamic and Arab nations. Some nations in the Middle East such as Qatar continue to

come up with initiatives to enable full propulsion towards a developed nationhood and

strengthen the roles in the international community. The Arab world and the West should not

only interact, but they should also improve their relations with the aim of having an international

relevance both for the present and the future of the world we live in (Parker, 2011).
Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 21

Countries in the Arab world are complex and diverse, and there exists cultural diversity

manifesting in multiple dimension. The ethnic diversities present in the Arab world include

immigrant groups and the native minorities. Religiously distinct clusters in the Arab world, on

the other hand, include Muslims, Jews, and different Christian groups. It is essential for Arab

world societies to regard their cultural, ethnic and religious diversity as a strength instead of

weakness. Additionally, the governments of the Arab states should aim at fostering citizenship

that prioritizes diversity and avoids the promotion of small forms of nationalism that would

emphasize the supremacy of some groups over others. Governments in the Arab world should

also understand ethnic, cultural and religious diversity challenges in their national framework

and wider setting of economic and social globalization. Fostering open-minded and respectful

behaviors towards diversities in the Middle East is possible through education. Moreover,

governments in the Arab region should also consider revising the citizenship courses while

emphasizing on the inclusive values of civil citizenship based on the constitution of each nation

(Sabry, Arab Cultural Studies, 2011).

Islamic Traditionalism and the Western influence of Modernity on Arab society 22

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