“Backward Muslims”: An Oxymoron

“Backward Muslims” is a contradiction in terms. It is an oxymoron. If it is really ‘Muslims’. It is like some of the other oxymorons. For instance, Muslim extremists, Muslim fanatics, incoherent thoughts and disorganized ideas etc. In “Backward Muslims” – as in others – only one or the other of the compound will be correct. Why ‘backward Muslims’ is an oxymoron, though? It is an oxymoron because the one who is Muslim i.e. has Qur’an in his Right Hand cannot be backward. It will be illogical, otherwise. Let us look at the following two verses:

“Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our Signs, but who then cast them to one side: so Satan overtook him, and he went astray. If it had been Our Will, We should have elevated him with Our Signs, but instead he inclined to the earth, and followed his vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you chase him away, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject Our Signs; so relate the story; perchance they may reflect.” (Al A‘raaf, 7: 175-176)

When challenged from outside it causes the ‘lolling out of tongue’ – may be due to comparative weakness – and still understandable. Why does he ‘loll out the tongue’ even if there is no threat from outside? Due to internal weaknesses. It applies to the situation of Muslims in the world today.

Why do we need to go back to this Book? Because this is the only manual which is of cosmic view and available in its pristine form. Which could be applied to all times and climes. The major issues are the issues for it. Not the minor ones. Guidance and inspiration for eternity.

Going back does not mean merely reciting it numberless times as it is especially going to happen during the forthcoming month of Ramadan. If we go back to this Book we will find that it describes its upholders as a “middlemost people” (al-Baqarah, 2: 143). How could a “middlemost people” be on the extremes is not understandable. How will they allow one more oxymoron is beyond comprehension.

We cannot change the laws of nature. However, by utilizing those very laws of nature we may bring about some betterment in our situations. This is why we need to turn the searchlight inward – in order to address the internal weaknesses. In order to get rid of the oxymorons.

As for the IDEAS, they cannot be incoherent. If they are incoherent, they are not ideas. It is only one or the other. Not both at the same time.