Why Muslim Countries are Becoming Poor?

Introduction

Today, many Muslim countries around the world are facing poverty. Out of the 57 Islamic countries, 45 are considered poor, and even the remaining 12 countries are only moderately wealthy due to their oil reserves. This raises the question of why this is happening to Muslim nations. When we look at the world map, we can see that most of the major conflicts and wars are taking place in the Middle East and North African regions, which are predominantly Islamic. Furthermore, these countries are also facing high levels of hunger, inflation, and unemployment. However, it is not correct to blame terrorism or wars as the root cause of poverty. Terrorism is just a symptom of a deeper problem, and understanding the root cause is essential.

The Influence of Religious Ideologies

Some might argue that religious ideologies, particularly in Islam, are the cause of the problem, as extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda use religion to spread terrorism. However, it is not fair to blame non-Muslims either, as Muslims themselves agree that these terrorist organizations are tarnishing the image of Islam. If religious ideologies were the root cause of poverty and terrorism, then how did the Golden Age of Islam flourish for 500 years, during which Muslim civilization was the most advanced and modern? In countries like Iraq and Iran, where Muslim extremists roam with guns, Muslims used to roam with books, and the concept of secularism originated from the Islamic teachings of the Golden Age. Monotheism, which believes in one god, is the foundation of Islam, as well as the reason behind Judaism and Christianity. However, these religions do not have the problem of terrorism. Even the Old Testament of the Bible and the Christian theology promoted many violent aspects, yet the Jewish population represents only 0.2% of the world, but they have won 25 Nobel Prizes in the last 100 years. This suggests that religious ideology alone is not the cause of poverty or terrorism.

The Decline of the Islamic Empire

The decline of the Islamic Empire can be traced back to a specific incident. During the Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled over a large area, they established the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, which served as a grand library where scholars from different religions and civilizations were invited, and their knowledge was translated into Arabic. This was similar to the Nalanda University in Bihar, India. Mathematics, medicine, philosophy, art, and culture flourished during this era. Scholars like Ibn Rushd brought Aristotle's philosophy to the forefront, which emphasized the importance of logic and rationality and rejected blind faith. However, after the fall of the Abbasid Empire, the region was transformed into a hub of terrorism, which exports terrorism to the world. This change is primarily due to the political motivation of Saudi Arabia and Iran, who want to control the Muslim world. The ongoing war between Sunni and Shia Islam in almost all Arab countries is a result of this power struggle, causing immense suffering and poverty.

The Role of War

War is one of the major factors that play a significant role in the decline of Islamic countries. Two leaders, Saudi Arabia, representing Sunni Islam, and Iran, representing Shia Islam, are the main contributors to the conflicts. Saudi Arabia wants all Islamic countries to follow Sunni Islam, while Iran wants them to follow Shia Islam. This power struggle has led to wars and conflicts in nearly all Muslim countries, causing immense suffering and poverty. However, it is important to note that war is just a symptom, and the root cause lies deeper.

The Role of Democracy

In many cases, when democracy is demanded in Islamic countries, it often leads to chaos and protests. Yemen, Libya, Syria, and Egypt are just a few examples where protests resulted in a downfall of governments, causing political instability and making way for extremist groups. Democracy does not seem to work effectively in Islamic countries as it does in densely populated nations like India. If democracy can work for India, which has a significant Muslim population, why can't it work for Islamic countries? The story of democracy in these countries began on December 17, 2010, when a revolutionary named Mohammed Bouazizi set himself on fire in front of a government building in Tunisia. This act ignited a revolution against corruption and oppression in Tunisia, which then spread throughout the Arab world, leading to the Arab Spring. However, the Arab Spring resulted in authoritarian regimes being replaced by chaos and civil wars, pushing these countries into poverty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the root cause of poverty in Muslim countries is a complex issue. It is not solely due to religious ideologies, terrorism, or wars. Rather, it is a combination of factors, including political conflicts, power struggles, and the failure of democracy in these regions. It is crucial for us to move away from divisive politics and focus on uniting the Muslim world for the betterment of their nations. By understanding and addressing these major factors, we can work towards rebuilding the Golden Age of Islam and creating a prosperous future for all.