Reflections on our Shared Human Heritage: A Reflective Journey
Upon reflection, when contemplating the question “What are your thoughts on Muslims?” My initial response delves into the deep roots of civilization, tracing back to the fertile lands of the Tigres and Euphrates, known as Mesopotamia, where the foundation of our shared human heritage was laid some eight thousand years ago.
The Sumerians, pioneers of civilization in Mesopotamia, established a network of city-states by the third millennium BCE, governed by centralized administrations yet surrounded by suburban settlements. Eannatum, King of Lagash (c. 2455-2425 BCE), notably initiated the first Mesopotamian empire, albeit its eventual ruin due to regional conflicts, with the rise and fall of empires, a recurring theme throughout history.
Under the benevolent leadership of King Hammurabi, Babylon was transformed into the dominant power of ancient Mesopotamia. Hammurabi (reign: 1792 – 1750 B.C.) is best remembered for the Code of Hammurabi inscribed on human-sized stone, whose principles and ideas are still applied today. During his reign, Hammurabi served as a model for combining military power, diplomatic finesse, and political skill to build and control an empire stretching from the Persian Gulf inland for 250 miles along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Reflecting on the intricate tapestry of civilization, it becomes evident that the West owes much to the East, particularly Mesopotamia, whose contributions have enriched our collective heritage far beyond our initial advancements. They were the first to master the wheel, utilize wind for sailing boats, develop concepts of number and weights, and establish some of the earliest social structures, including large public hospitals and the first universities. Babylon’s power fluctuated over time, but it retained its influence as a cultural, religious, and political centre for over four thousand years, a debt often overlooked.
My subsequent reflection leads me to conversations with elderly individuals in various Muslim societies, revealing a nuanced history marked by secularism and moderation a century ago, offering a counterpoint to contemporary narratives. This leads to acknowledgment that, like in other major religions, Islam has grappled with fundamentalism, a reaction to the challenges posed by modernity.
As noted by Karen Armstrong, fundamentalist movements in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam often perceive a threat to their existence from liberal, secular societies. This distorted interpretation of religious scriptures has led to atrocities perpetrated by extremists, who hijack Islam for their own agendas, to the horror of the majority of Muslims who seek to reclaim their faith from such perversion.
The majority of Muslims are appalled by the atrocities committed by extremists who have distorted the tenets of Islam for their own purposes. The wanton destruction of cultural heritage, exemplified by the pillaging of archaeological sites in Iraq and Syria by groups like the Islamic State, echoes historical instances of religious zealotry, from the decapitation of pagan statues by Christian zealots centuries ago to the desecration of ancient structures in Palmyra. This cycle of iconoclasm underscores the destructive potential of religious extremism.
Emmanuel Macron’s assertion of Islam’s contemporary crisis, particularly within Salafism, echoes concerns voiced by Islamic scholars themselves. The recalibration away from harsh Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia signifies a reckoning within the broader Islamic tradition.
Islam, beyond being a religion, is one of the world’s greatest cultures, enriching humanity through its contributions to various fields. Scholars like Ibn Al-Haytham, Ibn Sina, and Al-Kwarizmi significantly advanced mathematics, civil engineering, astronomy, law, and medicine, laying the foundation for the Western Renaissance and Enlightenment. They paved the way for Western luminaries like Newton and Copernicus.
In acknowledging the golden age of Islam from the leadership of Mohammed to Suleiman the Magnificent, we recognize a period of profound enlightenment, characterized by religious tolerance, intellectual curiosity, and artistic flourishing.
After European civilization was plunged into darkness for almost a millennium by Christianity, only to be awakened by the kiss of Descartes, the Arab world served as a bridge for the transmission of Greek knowledge, fostering remarkable progress in various fields.
However, historical interactions between the West and the Islamic world have not always been harmonious, marked by colonialism, ideological conflicts, hegemonic aspirations, and interventions that have exacerbated tensions and instability. The Palestinian question, the consequences of Western foreign policies, and the rise of extremist ideologies underscore the complex interplay between global powers and regional dynamics. Addressing the root causes of extremism requires a concerted effort to address grievances, promote dialogue, and foster inclusive societies.
In essence, my thoughts on Muslims encompass a nuanced understanding and appreciation of history, culture, and contemporary challenges. It’s a reflection on the interwoven tapestry of human experiences, shaped by shared aspirations, conflicts, and aspirations for a better future.
WJJH – 3.3.2024
Reflections on the history of Mesopotamia, emphasizing its influence on human heritage and citing the contributions of Islam’s golden age and acknowledging challenges of fundamentalism. I encourage a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and history, and the need for deeper understanding and respectful dialogue on this subject, which can bridge cultural divides.
In what kind of world do we wish to live 