THE IDEA OF THE MUSLIM WORLD Book Review - UIII Library Podcast | Moch Dimas Maulana

Summary

In this episode of the Triple IU Library podcast, a master’s student from the Faculty of Islamic Studies reviews Jamil Aydin's book, *The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History*. The book challenges the concept of a unified Muslim world, arguing that it is a modern political construct rather than a historical reality. Aydin explores how this narrative emerged in the 19th century through political ideologies like Pan-Islamism and colonial racism. The review highlights the book's opposition to the clash of civilizations theory and its relevance to modern global discussions about Islam and the West.

Takeaways

• 📚 The podcast is hosted by a Master's student from the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Indonesian International Islamic University.
• 📖 The episode reviews the book *The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History* by Jamil Idin, published by Harvard University Press in 2017.
• 👨‍🏫 Jamil Idin is a professor of international/global history at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, with a focus on the historical processes shaping identities like Muslim, Asian, and African.
• 🌍 The book questions the concept of the 'Muslim World' and whether it is a real, unified entity, noting the diversity of languages, cultures, and political interests within the Muslim community.
• 🕌 Historically, the idea of a unified Muslim world never existed until the 19th century, and it emerged as a political narrative during the European colonial period.
• 🗓️ The concept of pan-Islamism, popularized by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in the 1870s, is seen as a response to European colonialism and led to the development of Islamophobia in the West.
• ⚔️ Jamil argues that the idea of a unified Muslim community was politically motivated, serving geopolitical purposes on both the Muslim and Western sides.
• 🤝 The book refutes the concept of a 'clash of civilizations' between Islam and the West, as promoted by scholars like Samuel Huntington, emphasizing that these conflicts were more about politics than theology.
• 📢 The rise of Islamist groups today is also discussed, with the book urging readers to view these movements as part of a broader political context rather than religious conflict.
• 📚 The book is recommended for both academic and non-academic audiences and is available at the Triple IU Library.

Q & A

What is the title of the book being reviewed in the podcast?

The title of the book is *The Idea of the Muslim World: A Global Intellectual History* by Jamil Aydin, published by Harvard University Press in 2017.

Who is the author of the book, and what are his academic credentials?

The author, Jamil Aydin, is a professor of international or global history at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He is interested in historical processes that shape international racial and civilizational identities such as Muslim, Asian, and African identities.

What is the main focus of Jamil Aydin's book?

The main focus of the book is to question the existence of a unified 'Muslim World.' Aydin argues that the notion of global Muslim unity is a modern construct and was historically non-existent.

What argument does Jamil Aydin make about the 'Muslim World' narrative?

Jamil Aydin argues that the 'Muslim World' is an illusion, a fabricated concept created by political actors in both the Muslim and Western worlds, beginning in the 19th century. It was not a historical reality but emerged as part of geopolitical objectives.

How does Jamil Aydin challenge the notion of a unified Muslim world?

Aydin challenges the notion by pointing out that Muslims have historically lived in different regions, spoken various languages, and had distinct cultures, traditions, and political interests. There was no global Muslim unity, even during the peak of Islamic empires.

When did the idea of the 'Muslim World' start to emerge, according to the book?

The idea of the 'Muslim World' emerged in the 19th century, particularly after 1878, during a time of European colonization and the decline of Muslim empires like the Ottoman Empire.

What role did pan-Islamism play in the development of the idea of a 'Muslim World'?

Pan-Islamism, promoted by Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire in the 1870s, played a significant role in promoting the idea of a unified Muslim community. This idea sought to rally Muslim support against European colonizers.

What is the significance of the historical event in 1878 mentioned in the book?

In 1878, Sultan Abdul Hamid II promoted pan-Islamism to unite Muslims after the Ottoman defeat by Russia. This effort strengthened the narrative of a global Muslim unity, which also contributed to the rise of Islamophobia in the West.

How does Jamil Aydin's book challenge the concept of a 'clash of civilizations'?

Aydin's book opposes the idea of a clash of civilizations, such as those proposed by scholars like Samuel Huntington and Bernard Lewis. He argues that the narrative of conflict between Islam and the West is more about political power struggles disguised as religious or civilizational differences.

What conclusion does Jamil Aydin draw about the relationship between Islam and the West?

Aydin concludes that the grand narrative of a clash between Islam and the West is false. The conflict is rooted in political and geopolitical interests, rather than a fundamental religious or civilizational divide.