From Skin Scratches to Civilizational Clashes: Islam and the Clash of Civilizations

A new century is upon us and civilizations are almost on a collision course. As Muslims we are confronted with attacks and accusations, which have already destabilized our fragile socio cultural, political and economic structures. With hardly any indigenous technology, economic strength and moral reserves we are exposed to the catastrophes of huge destructive enormity that brings us nearer to the stage of breakdown and disintegration. The questions of clash of civilizations, fundamentalism and ideological confrontations have become the core issues of modern age. Since they concern directly the Muslim world, and allegations are directed against the Muslims extremists, the above book has been produced to discuss the gravity of the situation and urgency to survive the pernicious effects. How to face the challenges and evolve a strategy of principled and rational discourse is the main theme of “Islam & the Clash of Civilizations”. As a result of inadequate understanding, confusion and despair the dynamics of dialogue on which depends the process of peace has become bereft of the essential elements of reasoning and rationality. There are more attacks, more discrimination against Muslims, and there is increasing occupation with subjects that earn the neo-cons and fanatics more hostility and combat. In a mood of despair and disillusionment we find people talking about the ‘Clash of Civilizations’. There have been some scratches ob their skins which have become produced ulcer in the form of conflicts and clashes. A terrifying scream emerges from the orgy of violence and terrorism prompting more humiliation and persecution. There is a dearth of thinking men who can stop the process of decline to extricate the decadent segments from impending extinction. In the form of this book we have made a modest attempt to restore the values that might sanctify the sanctity of religions and civilizations. For the reason we have high-lighted new horizons in order to expand the scope of our understanding and cooperation. At the same time we need to revive the spirit of global renaissance that was the essence of our collective civilizational heritage.