Why Muslims Declined and Why Other Nations Progressed — Shakib Arslan [French]

Why Muslims Declined and Why Other Nations Progressed

The Conditions for Revival Despite the Delay of Muslims

Shakib Arslan

Preface by Taqiyud-din Al-Hilali - Abd Al-Hamid Ibn Badis - Muhammad Rashid Rida

Why Muslims Declined and Why Other Nations Progressed is a book in French by Shakib Arslan, written in a time of deep crisis for the Muslim world. The work appeared after the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and during the colonial domination of many Muslim countries. Based on a question that came from Southeast Asia, the author studies the causes of Muslim decline as well as the reasons behind the progress of other civilizations. Thus, this text stands as a major reflection on what would later be known as the question of Islamic revival.

From the opening pages, the author adopts a methodical approach. He examines the state of the Islamic world with precision and identifies the deeper causes of decline. According to him, this decline does not come from Islam itself. Rather, it results from Muslims moving away from the authentic principles of their religion. Indeed, faith, work, sacrifice, and discipline once formed the foundations of Islamic civilization. However, their weakening encouraged division, intellectual dependence, and the loss of the spirit of effort.

• Why Muslims Declined and Why Other Nations Progressed: An Analysis of Decline

Shakib Arslan’s analysis highlights several decisive factors. The author particularly emphasizes the disappearance of the spirit of sacrifice and commitment. In addition, he points to ignorance, moral weakness, and internal divisions. Consequently, these elements contributed to the political and civilizational weakening of Muslim societies.

At the same time, the book examines the causes of the progress of other nations. Arslan shows that European, American, and Asian peoples reached power through constant effort and significant sacrifice. Thus, he defends the idea that progress depends on action, perseverance, and collective responsibility. Muslims can therefore regain their place without abandoning their religious identity.

• The Causes of Muslim Delay and the Progress of Nations

The author also criticizes two opposing deviations. On one side, he rejects the idea that progress requires abandoning Islam and blindly imitating the West. On the other side, he criticizes those who reject every useful novelty under the pretext of preserving religion. Indeed, both attitudes lead to lasting intellectual stagnation.

In this perspective, the work connects with certain analyses developed in The Invasion of the Muslim Worl. This book sheds light on the mechanisms of intellectual, cultural, and political domination exercised over Muslim societies. This connection helps the reader better understand the interaction between internal weaknesses and external pressures.

• Why Muslims Declined and Why Other Nations Progressed: The Paths to Renewal

Finally, the author does not limit himself to a simple observation. He presents several conditions needed for an authentic Islamic revival. He notably calls for a return to the values of Islam as a driving force for work, dignity, and responsibility. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of useful sciences, solidarity among Muslims, and moral reform.

Through its direct and structured style, this book remains an important reference in Muslim reformist thought. It allows the reader to understand the causes of the decline of the Islamic world while presenting concrete paths toward renewal. Thus, this reading retains a lasting intellectual and historical relevance.