Colonialism
The 16th century to the first half of the 20th century is the age of Colonialism. This system of Colonialism was different from the imperialism of earlier times. The truth is that, after the emergence of modern industry, the age of mass production was ushered in Europe. Now the need was to find a market elsewhere in the world for this extra production. Therefore, the age of Colonialism began to be shaped by commercial compulsions. And because of the ancient system already in place, dealing with excess production required military intervention. Otherwise, military engagements were not a feature of Colonialism.
Because of this association of the army with Colonialism, many states of Asia and Africa showed severe reactions. By the end of the 20th Century, it was clear that Colonialism and political power could not go together. Then, a new thinking emerged in the west. It was finally decided that Colonialism should be de-linked from political power. Therefore France, during the times of De Gaulle, dismantled its Colonialism in Africa unilaterally. In a similar way, Britain quite finally dismembered its colonial governments in Asia.
Subsequently, the western nations engaged in re-planning to achieve their goals. The method of this re-planning was based on outsourcing, as opposed to using the army as in the ancient colonial system. Now the same goals were to be achieved by technology and organization. This method was very successful.
In ancient times, commercial success was achieved through the use of the army. Now, far more commercial interests are being achieved through outsourcing. All over the world, all the industrial countries have expanded their businesses by the practice of outsourcing.
In this matter, the Muslim nations have failed miserably. In ancient times, the Muslims ruled in different parts of the world. But with the advent of the new age, their rule naturally came to an end, producing a negative reaction among the Muslims. They started waging war in the name of Jihad all over the world, even going to the extent of suicide bombing. However, despite their sacrifices for over two hundred years, they have not gained anything. They have not succeeded in bringing back the ancient political system. Now it is high time the Muslims engaged in the re-planning of their actions in this matter.
This re-planning has to be totally non-political. If in ancient times, the Muslims succeeded in establishing their governments, now they can avail of even more opportunities on a far larger scale to build a non-political empire peacefully.
The new opportunities opening up in modern times are tens of thousand times greater than the opportunities available in ancient times. Availing of these modern opportunities is entirely possible provided the Muslims totally abandon the path of violence.
The importance attached to military power in ancient times has now been replaced with the system of organization. Now the Muslims have this opportunity to re-plan their work through global organization. Like a peaceful nation, they may plan to avail of new opportunities.
One major feature of this new opportunity will be to distribute the Quran at a global level. If translations of the Quran are available in all the languages of the world, and if the word of God is spread all over the world in peaceful ways, this work would be so gigantic in nature that it would become the greatest of all great works.
The truth is that today the event of ‘clear victory’ (The Quran, 41:1) can be renewed with a greater vigour or power provided the Muslims learn the art of re-planning and put it into action wisely, in a peaceful manner.
