Book Review: “Muslims and Western Civilization” By Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali
The book “Muslims and Western
Civilization” sheds light on the causes behind the collapse of
civilizations, its implications, the Western acknowledgment of Islam’s
superiority, the current state of Muslims, and the signs and prerequisites of
victory.
Authored in 2015 by the Saudi
scholar and preacher Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali, the
book affirms that Islam inherently holds the seeds of progress and revival—through its sound creed, divine methodology,
noble values, and moral code—while the West carries within itself corrupt
foundations and moral bankruptcy that threaten its very existence.
Islam: The Nearest Nation to Truth
Al-Hawali argues that, despite
the current state of civilizational decline, the Muslim Ummah remains the closest to truth and the most
advanced in the realms of humanity and morality.
He emphasizes that tribulation is the
precursor to victory, and that this Ummah will awaken once again. The future belongs
to Islam—firstly, due to the divine and prophetic promises, secondly, because
of the decline of Western centrality, and thirdly, owing to humanity’s growing
need for a savior to lead it from darkness into light.
The author highlights that Islam
is the fastest-spreading religion on earth, explaining this with several
reasons:
- Its purity from human tampering and
distortion,
- Its balance between matter and spirit, and
between worldly life and the Hereafter,
- Its complete harmony with both reason and
innate human nature (fitrah).
The Promise of Victory and the Certainty of Divine Support
In his chapters, Al-Hawali
discusses the signs and precursors of divine victory, the importance of faith and confidence in the promise of
Allah, and how the forces of disbelief have united against Muslims, just as the
Quran describes: {When the believers saw the enemy
alliance, they said, “This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us. The
promise of Allah and His Messenger has come true.” And this only increased them
in faith and submission.} [Al-Ahzab 33:22]
Exposing Western Tyranny and Decline
The author continues by exposing
numerous examples of Western tyranny, such as what occurred in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia,
and Palestine.
He asserts that the collapse of Western civilization is near, pointing to the
growing tensions between Russia and the United States, between the U.S.,
Europe, and China, and the loss of faith in international institutions such as
the United Nations and the Security Council.
Al-Hawali predicts an escalation
of legal, political, financial, economic, and social crises in the West, along
with increasing disintegration within its moral and social structure.
He observes that Western civilization, founded upon ideals of freedom and human rights,
has begun to betray its own principles under the rise of far-right movements
that have come to power in several of its nations.
The author affirms that the
collapse is inevitable, brought about by moral decay, rampant immorality, and
sexual perversion. He notes that luxury and excess have always been the prelude
to the downfall of any civilization.
Al-Hawali draws upon the words of
several Western philosophers and historians, including the French historian
Gustave Le Bon, who admitted that the Jews have corrupted nations throughout
history and sought to destroy human civilization, and that the most merciful conquerors in
history were the Muslims.
The book affirms that the
superiority of Islam is a destined reality and that it will, by the Will of Allah,
be the religion of the future.
Al-Hawali points out that the information revolution will only serve to advance
and spread Islam, as the modern world has become a global village—one that
needs one messenger and one Book to unite its people.
He draws attention to the growing
intellectual freedom and pursuit of knowledge in the West as a positive factor
that aids the spread and expansion of Islam across the world—east, west, north,
and south.
This is because the curiosity of the Western individual often leads him to
explore Islam.
The Imminent Fall of Western Civilizations and Strength of
Islamic Civilization
Al-Hawali stresses that the
decline of all non-Islamic civilizations is near, and that the Muslim
resurgence is already beginning.
He points to Turkey and Malaysia as examples of the renewed rise of Muslim
nations and as early signs of the revival of Islamic civilization.
The book goes on to highlight the
distinction of Islamic civilization, the factors behind its resilience, and the
seeds of its lasting strength, contrasting these with the weaknesses, sins, and
nearing collapse of Western civilization.
Ultimately, Al-Hawali concludes that the future belongs to Islam and its
people, and he lays out a vision of how Muslims can once again lead human
civilization.
He concludes his book saying: “Truth
has its own path—it carves its way toward existence and manifestation. Yet
Allah, the Exalted, allows events to mature and causes to unfold in their
proper time. What appears to be defeat or pause is, in reality, a process of
divine refinement and preparation for greater outcomes. Allah Will complete His
purpose and make His religion prevail—whether people desire it or not.”
Also Read:
- Islamic Institutions and the Challenges of Revival
- Constants and Changes in Western Civilization
- Book Review: “Islam at Crossroads” By Muhammad Asad
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