The recent violence in the region has dealt a blow to efforts to improve relations. Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran had been making progress in bridging their sectarian divide, and Muslim states were starting to accept Israel. However, the war in Gaza is now radicalizing and horrifying the Muslim world, and many blame Hamas for exacerbating the situation. This raises questions about the future of Islam and whether Hamas’s actions will reverse the depoliticization of the faith.
In the years leading up to the recent attacks, Muslim attitudes towards religion had been shifting. Religious practice was becoming more of a personal quest for spirituality rather than a political mobilization. This trend could be seen in Iran, where an online poll claimed that half of its respondents had lost or changed their religion. Interest in non-Muslim faiths was also increasing, with Christianity reportedly growing faster in Iran than in any other country.
Clerics, who were once untouchable, have also faced criticism in recent years for greed and hypocrisy. Some have tried to adapt or remain relevant, and institutions like the Saudi royal family have loosened their ties to strict religious doctrines. There is a growing desire among the younger generation for religious institutions to modernize, as seen in a survey conducted last year.
There have been significant social reforms alongside the decline in Islamist fervor. Saudi Arabia, for example, has seen mosques competing with entertainment events, and men and women are no longer segregated in various settings. Women have also taken up traditionally male jobs, and there have been changes in marriage and divorce laws.
Political Islam has faltered in recent years, with protests in various countries demanding a civil state. Economic malaise and poor governance under Islamist rule led to disillusionment and a rejection of political Islam. Violent jihadism has also declined, with Western governments waging a “war on terror” and the destruction of the Islamic State’s caliphate. Other Islamist movements have curbed their behavior to survive.
The war in Gaza could potentially give rise to a new generation of extremists, especially in countries that are economically unstable or experiencing poor governance. The Middle East already has failed states like Libya, Lebanon, and Yemen, and countries like Egypt and Iran are economically unstable. The Gaza war could also revive the Muslim Brotherhood, and jihadists continue to thrive in various regions.
Governments in the Middle East are trying to suppress any resurgence of political Islam, as they see it as a threat to themselves as well as to the West. Many Muslim rulers have banned protests and sermons in solidarity with Palestinians, and some have even offered to expel Islamist groups if asked by their ally, the United States. However, silence should not be mistaken for acquiescence, as Islamism has a history of bouncing back.
In conclusion, the recent violence in the region has set back efforts to improve relations and has raised concerns about the future of political Islam. The war in Gaza has radicalized the Muslim world and could potentially lead to a resurgence of extremism. However, there have been significant shifts in Muslim attitudes towards religion, with a trend towards depoliticization and a desire for modernization. The outcome of this critical juncture in the evolution of Islam remains uncertain.
The recent violence in the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza, has disrupted efforts to improve relations in the region. Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran had been working towards bridging their sectarian divide, and Muslim states were beginning to accept Israel. However, the war in Gaza has radicalized and horrified the Muslim world, potentially reversing the progress made in the region. The question now is whether Hamas’s attack will fuel a resurgence of Islamism, leading to increased anti-Israel and anti-Western sentiments.
Before the recent attacks, there had been a shift in Muslim attitudes towards religion. Religious practice had become more depoliticized, with a focus on personal spirituality rather than political mobilization. This trend is evident in Iran, where a significant number of people have reportedly lost or changed their religion. Interest in non-Muslim faiths, such as Zoroastrianism and Baha’i, is also on the rise in Iran. Additionally, religious tolerance has increased among Muslim countries, with Pope Francis being welcomed by over a dozen nations in the past decade.
Social and cultural reforms have accompanied the decline of Islamist fervor. Countries like Saudi Arabia have undergone significant changes, with increased entertainment options and greater gender equality. Divorce rates have risen, and pre-marital sex has become more prevalent in the region. The rejection of political Islam has been seen in various countries, with demands for civil states and the ousting of Islamist leaders. Economic malaise and failure to address societal issues have contributed to this disillusionment with political Islam.
While political Islam and violent jihadism have declined in recent years, the war in Gaza could potentially lead to the emergence of a new generation of extremists. Economic instability, poor governance, and despotism create fertile ground for a comeback. Failed states like Libya, Lebanon, and Yemen are already facing these challenges, while Egypt and Iran are economically unstable. The Middle East’s most populous countries may be vulnerable to an Islamist revival.
However, governments in the Middle East, including those that have normalized relations with Israel, are attempting to suppress any resurgence of Islamist movements. Many Muslim rulers see an Islamist revival as a threat to their own power. While some Gulf states have banned protests and sermons in solidarity with Palestinians, it is important not to mistake their silence for acquiescence. Islamism has a history of bouncing back, and the calm could be a precursor to future explosions of violence.
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