Publisher's Synopsis
The book discusses the concept of "Occidentalism" within the Islamic epistemological system, highlighting the need to develop a scientific methodology for studying the West from an independent Islamic perspective. Unlike Orientalism, which approached the East from a biased Western viewpoint, Occidentalism aims to construct a balanced and systematic understanding of the West without hostility. The author argues that the Islamic world still lacks a structured academic field dedicated to studying the West, leading to fragmented perceptions and reactive responses to Western civilization.
The book asserts that understanding the "other" in Islamic thought is not linked to alienation or opposition, as it is often interpreted in some Western perspectives, but rather represents an opportunity for dialogue and positive interaction that fosters human solidarity. However, the current challenges, such as the dominance of Western epistemological models in academic studies, necessitate the development of an Islamic framework for analyzing Western intellectual, social, and political structures. The book also points out that the traditional Islamic view of the West still relies on classical sources, such as travel literature, without fully considering the major transformations that the West has undergone in the modern era.
The book examines the shortcomings of contemporary Islamic studies on the West, where some intellectual currents tend to adopt romanticized views of Western modernity, resulting in epistemological dependency that weakens the ability to provide an independent critical reading. The author argues that there is an urgent need to rethink the methodology of studying the West, moving beyond traditional Orientalist readings that framed the East as an object of study and analysis. Instead, Occidentalism should be established as a scientific discipline that examines the West using clear research tools.
The book proposes a methodological framework for studying the West from an Islamic perspective, based on epistemological foundations that include comparative studies, qualitative and quantitative methods, and a critical review of Western intellectual models. It also explores practical applications of Occidentalism, such as analyzing Western political, social, and cultural systems, to offer a deeper understanding of these societies.
The book calls for the development of academic institutions specialized in studying the West and integrating this field into university curricula in the Islamic world. It also recommends establishing dedicated research centers that provide systematic studies on the West, free from superficial or ideological interpretations. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of scientific collaboration between Muslim and Western scholars to enhance mutual understanding between civilizations.
In conclusion, the author stresses the need for Occidentalism to evolve from a mere reactionary discourse into a mature academic field that contributes to the production of objective and balanced knowledge about the West. This transformation is essential for ensuring the intellectual independence of Islamic thought and strengthening its role in global intellectual discussions. By developing this field, it will be possible to move beyond stereotypical and biased perspectives and instead establish an epistemological methodology that enables Muslims to analyze the West with a critical, independent, and balanced approach.
