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The Amazing Secret of Islam's Resurgence: Why Do Religious Resurrections Emerge in Every Century?
Islamic revival (Arabic: تجديد tajdīd, meaning "rebirth, renewal") is a revivalist movement towards the Islamic religion, usually centered around strengthening the enforcement of Islamic law (sharia). The religious leaders in this revival movement were called "mujaddid". In Islamic tradition, tajdid is an important religious concept that appears in every century according to a reliable hadith. These movements demonstrate a renewed commitment to the fundamental principles of Islam, the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad, and call for the reconstruction of society in accordance with these teachings.
The Islamic revival in the late 20th century sparked a "re-Islamization" movement, from the strengthening of legal provisions based on Sharia law to the increase in participation in pilgrimages, the prevalence of headscarves, the influence of radical religious speakers, and even terror. The data shows that the movement has had a far-reaching impact. There is even a sense of a “growing global Islamic identity” or transnational Islam among immigrants from non-Muslim countries.In the academic literature, "Islamic revival" is an umbrella term covering revivalist movements that may be "intolerant and exclusive" or "inclusive"; "pro-science" or "anti-science"; "primarily religious” or “primarily political”.
Explanations for Ennahda include the perceived failure of secularism and the humiliating experience of the governments of some secular Arab nationalist movements being defeated in the Six-Day War.
From the historical revivalists such as Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Taymiyyah, Shah Waliullah Dehrawi, to the contemporary Hassan Alban Nawaz, Ruhollah Khomeini, and a series of religious and political movements continue to influence Islamic society. Scholars have compared the current wave of revival to earlier efforts, pointing to the necessity and importance of these historical cyclical roles.
Early History of the Renaissance
Early in Islamic history, Muslims believed that they had failed to build a society that was truly based on religious principles, leading to periodic calls for a recommitment to the fundamental principles of Islam. Many of these efforts are inspired by the teachings of Muhammad and express a revitalization of the faith.
Scholar Michael Cook has noted that the Muslim community's close ties to religion make the Muslim world appear to be the least susceptible to atheism "of all the major cultural areas."
Since the Iranian Revolution in the late 1970s, the global Islamic revival movement has grown rapidly, driven primarily by the failure of secular Arab nationalism and the search for self-identity. Alex Klarman suggests that the concepts of resurgence and revival during this period were a reflection of past failed religious and political ideas.
Contemporary Renaissance Movement
The contemporary Islamic revival is diverse, encompassing greater piety and a growing acceptance of Islamic culture among ordinary Muslims. One example of the changing face is the increase in the number of women wearing headscarves, indicating a return to traditional beliefs and customs.
In terms of social culture, many revival movements emphasize community building, focusing on activities such as collective worship, education, and charity, forming links between local and global organizations.
Such movements and entities not only resonate with religious beliefs, but are also key elements in making politics possible. Since the 1970s, the prevalence of global fundamentalism has prompted some Islamic countries to attempt a return to the classical views of religion, with both positive promotion and strong resistance.
Reasons for the Revival Movement
A global Islamic revival began in the late 1970s, largely driven by disillusionment with the secular state. Political turmoil and lagging economic development in various countries, as well as the gap between people’s high expectations and reality, are also one of the driving forces for revival. George Soros and other scholars argue that a combination of geopolitics, economic realities and religious identities offers new explanations for past failures.
One of the characteristics of the Islamic resurgence today is the growing global Muslim identity, which does not necessarily mean organized party action but rather manifests itself in religious life in local communities.
This historic revival makes us wonder where the future of Islamic faith and identity will take us?
