
Why Has the Muslim Ummah Failed Gaza? With Dr Tareq al-Suwaidan
The Thinking Muslim
The Historical Trajectory of the Muslim Ummah
The historical trajectory of the Muslim Ummah can be characterized by distinct phases of growth and decline. Initially, following the era of the Prophet and the Rashidun Caliphs, the Ummah experienced a significant upward trend in power, knowledge, and cultural advancement, establishing itself as a global leader in various fields, including science, mathematics, and Islamic studies. This upward curve persisted through the periods of the Umayyads and Abbasids, indicating a widespread development despite occasional setbacks. However, as time progressed into the Ottoman era, the curve had begun to show signs of decline, particularly after the failures of the 19th century. Despite some moments of resurgence during the reigns of notable Ottoman leaders, such as Muhammad al-Fatiha and Suleiman the Magnificent, the overall trend shifted downwards post-1890, marked by loss of battles, territories, and a lack of innovation within scientific and civilizational advancements. This decline has raised concerns about the creativity in Sharia and other disciplines, calling into question the potential for revival in the future.