The condition of the Muslim Ummah today is one of weakness, dependency, and humiliation before Western powers. We ask ourselves: Why did this happen to a people who once ruled the world with justice, knowledge, and dignity? The Qur’an and Sunnah provide the answers. It is not because the West is inherently stronger, but because the Muslim world abandoned the path of Allah.
Below are some of the major causes:
- Disobedience to Allah (SWT) and the Path of the Prophet (SAW)
Allah clearly promises strength and honor for those who obey Him, and humiliation for those who disobey.
“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life.” (Qur’an 20:124)
When Islamic malpractices like corruption, bribery, dishonesty, and injustice became widespread in Muslim lands—from the leaders down to ordinary people—the blessing of Allah was removed.
- Blind Adoption of Western Culture
From sports obsession such as football, to promoting indecency, music, and immoral entertainment, Muslims have imitated the West blindly. Most of these cultural imports are designed to weaken Islamic values and detach the Ummah from its noble heritage.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“You will surely follow the ways of those before you, span by span and cubit by cubit, even if they were to enter into a lizard’s hole, you would surely follow them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Instead of preserving their unique Islamic culture, many Muslims compete in copying Western lifestyles. This imitation results in spiritual emptiness, moral decline, and loss of identity.
- Abandoning the Qur’an for Western Constitutions
The Qur’an was revealed to govern every aspect of life—politics, economy, family, and society. Yet many Muslim nations replaced Allah’s law with man-made constitutions imported from colonial powers. Often, these laws are accepted in exchange for political recognition or financial aid, but at the cost of destroying Islamic values.
Allah warns:
“And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers.” (Qur’an 5:44)
“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book [i.e., the Quran] in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.’’ (Qur’an 5:48)
By leaving divine law, Muslims opened the door to division, oppression, and foreign domination.
- Western Education Models Over Islamic Learning
Once, Islamic universities like Al-Azhar, Cordoba, and Baghdad produced scholars who advanced medicine, astronomy, and philosophy while rooted in Qur’anic knowledge. Today, however, many Muslim lands have adopted Western education systems that sideline Islamic learning, restrict Qur’anic studies, and impose rigid age limits on students seeking higher Islamic knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
By prioritizing secular over Islamic education, the Ummah weakens its connection with revelation and leadership in all fields.
- Deep Influence of Western Culture
One of the greatest weapons of colonialism was not only military occupation, but cultural domination. The West slowly replaced Islamic values with their own ways of life—convincing Muslims that progress could only be achieved by copying them.
Entertainment, fashion, music, cinema, and even social norms were imported into Muslim societies. Instead of holding firmly to the principles of Islam, many Muslims began to normalize what once was considered immoral and foreign.
For example, modesty (haya’)—a cornerstone of Islamic identity—has been undermined through Western fashion that promotes nakedness and vanity. Allah commands:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears…” (Qur’an 24:31)
But this influence is not limited to dress alone. Social gatherings, festivals, celebrations, and even family structures have been reshaped to mirror Western lifestyles. In this way, Muslims lost confidence in their rich cultural and religious heritage, while rushing to embrace a culture that often contradicts Islamic teachings.
- Neglecting Jihad
Perhaps the greatest reason for colonial dominance is the abandonment of jihad. Jihad is what preserves the dignity and independence of the Ummah.
Allah says:
“And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then combat the leaders of disbelief—for indeed, there are no oaths sacred to them—[fight them that] they might cease.” (Qur’an 9:12)
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“If you deal in ‘inah (interest-based trade), hold on to the tails of cows, are content with agriculture, and abandon jihad, Allah will cause humiliation to prevail over you, and He will not remove it until you return to your religion.” (Abu Dawood, 3462)
Colonial powers triumphed not because of their numbers or technology alone, but because Muslims ceased to rely on Allah and abandoned jihad in all its forms.
- Division Among Muslims into Nation-States
One of the most devastating colonial strategies was dividing Muslims into separate countries, each ruled and colonized individually. The unity of the Ummah under one Caliphate was shattered, and artificial borders were drawn to create hostility and rivalry. Today, Muslims fight each other as “nations” rather than as one brotherhood.
Allah commands:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you—when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers…” (Qur’an 3:103)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The believers are like one body; if one part of the body feels pain, the rest of the body will also suffer.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (6011), Sahih Muslim (2586)
“The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any part of it suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
— Sahih Muslim (2586)
Division created weakness, jealousy, and enmity—making it easier for colonial powers to dominate. Instead of standing united as one Ummah, Muslims now compete under flags and borders that were designed to keep them weak.
Conclusion
The fall of the Muslim world into the hands of Western powers is not a mystery. It is the direct result of abandoning Allah’s commands, neglecting the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and imitating disbelievers. The Qur’an gives us the roadmap to revival:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
The way forward is clear:
- Return to the Qur’an and Sunnah in governance and daily life.
- Establish justice and eliminate corruption.
- Revive Islamic education alongside worldly sciences.
- Resist cultural domination by protecting Islamic identity.
- Restore the true spirit of jihad in all its dimensions.
- Rebuild the unity of the Ummah beyond artificial borders.
The revival of the Ummah begins with every Muslim—choosing Islam over imitation, the Qur’an over man-made law, and unity over division. Only then will Allah restore honor, dignity, and leadership to the Ummah.
explore also “Islamic perception on Israel”
