CSS 2026 Solved Islamiat Paper | Western Civilization’s Influence on Islamic Civilization
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2026 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question breakdown
The question requires an examination of the influence of Western civilization on Islamic civilization, covering both constructive and destructive impacts. It further demands suggesting measures, based on Islamic principles, to safeguard Muslim societies from cultural, moral, and ideological erosion caused by Western influence.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Historical Context of Western Influence on Islamic Civilization
3- Domains of Western Influence
- Political Influence
- Cultural and Social Influence
- Intellectual and Scientific Influence
- Economic Influence
4- What are the negative impacts of Western influence on Muslim societies?
5- Measures to Protect Muslim Societies
- Revival of Islamic Ideology and Values
- Educational Reforms
- Cultural Confidence and Identity Preservation
- Media and Intellectual Engagement
- Political and Social Reforms
6- Critical Analysis
7- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Civilizations progress not in isolation but through continuous interaction marked by competition, influence, and adaptation. In this context, the encounter between Western civilization and Islamic civilization, particularly since the advent of colonialism, has decisively shaped Muslim societies in political, intellectual, cultural, and economic spheres. While Western influence has facilitated institutional modernization and material advancement, it has simultaneously posed profound challenges to Islamic identity, moral norms, and social cohesion. Hence, a critical and balanced appraisal of this interaction, coupled with pragmatic measures to safeguard Muslim societies from its adverse effects, remains indispensable for sustaining civilizational coherence and continuity.
Historical Context of Western Influence on Islamic Civilization
The far-reaching influence of Western civilization on Islamic societies unfolded most visibly with the expansion of European colonial powers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In that context, Western powers not only subjugated territories politically but also superimposed their administrative, legal, and educational systems, often at the expense of indigenous Islamic institutions and intellectual traditions. This historical process did not simply displace local structures; it created long-term dependencies that endured well after the formal end of colonial rule. Islam warns against intellectual submission, affirming that true honor and authority belong only to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. In the post-colonial era, the imprint of Western influence has been further entrenched through globalization, economic linkages, and cultural diffusion, making it a persistent structural reality in Muslim societies.
Domains of Western Influence
Political Influence
First and foremost, Western civilization exerted a deep political influence on Muslim societies by introducing secular governance models, nation-state systems, and Western legal frameworks. Consequently, Islamic political principles such as Shariah-based justice, consultation, and moral accountability were often sidelined. In contrast, Islam places justice at the heart of governance. As Allah says in the Quran, O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives (Qur’an 4:135). Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized political accountability by declaring that every ruler is responsible for those under his authority (Sahih al-Bukhari). Thus, the neglect of these principles has weakened ethical governance in many Muslim states.
Cultural and Social Influence
Alongside political changes, Western cultural and social norms significantly influenced Muslim societies through media, fashion, and lifestyle patterns. As a result, materialism and excessive individualism gained prominence, weakening family structures and moral boundaries. However, Islam emphasizes modesty and social balance, commanding both men and women to observe moral restraint. As Allah says in the Quran, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which is apparent…” (Qur’an 24:30–31). Furthermore, the Prophet (PBUH) stated, “Modesty is part of faith” (Sahih Muslim), highlighting the contrast between Islamic social ethics and Western permissive culture.
Intellectual and Scientific Influence
Moreover, Western civilization has significantly shaped Islamic societies, not only culturally but intellectually and scientifically. Its focus on systematic research, modern education, and technological advancement accelerated progress in medicine, engineering, and other fields. Islam, however, has long valued knowledge, as the Qur’an says, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9). Furthermore, the Prophet (PBUH) declared that “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). Yet, while Western approaches often separate knowledge from moral and spiritual responsibility, Islam insists that learning must be grounded in ethical values and God-consciousness to benefit society meaningfully.
Economic Influence
Similarly, Western economic systems have reshaped Muslim economies through capitalism, globalization, and interest-based institutions, sidelining Islamic principles. Islam forbids usury and promotes justice through zakat and the prohibition of exploitation. For instance, the Quran says, “Those who consume interest cannot stand except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity” (Qur’an 2:275). While Western influence has boosted trade, it has also deepened inequality and eroded ethical foundations.
Negative Impacts of Western Influence on Muslim Societies
Taken together, these influences have produced significant challenges for Muslim societies. Moral decline, identity crises, weakening religious commitment, and erosion of family structures are increasingly evident. Secularism has marginalized religion in public life, undermining Islam’s holistic worldview. The Qur’an cautions against blindly following dominant cultures at the expense of divine guidance: “And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that upon which we found our fathers.’ Even if Satan was inviting them to the punishment of the burning Fire?” (Qur’an 2:170). Nonetheless, the Western media’s frequent misrepresentation of Islam has further confused Muslim youth, fostering self-doubt and a sense of cultural inferiority.
Measures to Protect Muslim Societies
Revival of Islamic Ideology and Values
In response to these challenges, the foremost requirement is the revival of Islamic ideology rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam presents a balanced worldview, as the Qur’an describes the Muslim Ummah as a middle nation entrusted with guiding humanity. For instance, “Thus We have made you a justly balanced community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you” (Qur’an 2:143). Thus, strengthening faith, moral consciousness, and accountability before Allah can restore confidence in Islamic civilization.
Educational Reforms
Equally important are educational reforms that integrate modern knowledge with Islamic values. The very first Qur’anic revelation stressed learning in the name of Allah: “Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, Taught man that which he knew not” (Qur’an 96:1–5). It emphasizes that knowledge must remain morally grounded. Therefore, Education should cultivate intellectual competence alongside ethical responsibility, shielding Muslim minds from ideological confusion and cultural disorientation.
Cultural Confidence and Identity Preservation
Furthermore, Muslim societies must regain confidence in their cultural and civilizational identity. Islam discourages blind imitation, as the Prophet (PBUH) warned that Muslims would imitate other nations if they abandoned their distinct values (Sahih al-Bukhari). Nonetheless, during the Abbasid Golden Age, Muslim scholars, while assimilating knowledge from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources, preserved Arabic as the language of scholarship and upheld Islamic ethical frameworks, demonstrating engagement with external knowledge without losing cultural identity. Preserving Islamic traditions, language, and moral norms enables contemporary Muslim societies to interact with modernity without cultural subservience.
Media and Intellectual Engagement
In addition, Islam emphasizes responsible communication and truthfulness. The Qur’an instructs verification of information to prevent harm and disorder. As Quran says, “O you who believe! If a liar brings you news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and afterward regret what you have done” (Qur’an 49:6). Historically, during the time of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), official proclamations and judicial decisions were carefully verified before dissemination to prevent injustice and misinformation, reflecting the Qur’anic principle in practice. Promoting ethical media platforms and engaging thoughtfully with global narratives today can counter cultural imperialism, ensuring authentic Islamic perspectives are accurately represented, and Muslim societies actively shape contemporary discourse.
Political and Social Reforms
Finally, political and social reforms grounded in Islamic principles are essential. For instance, during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), governance was marked by strict justice, transparent administration, and protection of citizens’ rights, demonstrating the Qur’anic and Prophetic ideals in practice. Strengthening institutions, ensuring justice, and safeguarding family systems can fortify societal resilience, enabling Muslim societies to withstand external pressures while upholding ethical governance and social cohesion.
Critical Analysis
Critically examined, Western civilization’s influence on Islamic civilization is neither wholly destructive nor entirely beneficial. While scientific progress and institutional modernization have been advantageous, the uncritical adoption of Western cultural and ideological models has weakened Islamic moral foundations. Islam does not reject engagement with other civilizations; rather, it demands principled selectivity. Hence, the real challenge lies not in Western influence itself but in the inability of Muslim societies to engage with it confidently and critically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Western civilization has exerted a profound influence on Islamic civilization across political, cultural, intellectual, and economic domains. Although this interaction has facilitated material progress, it has simultaneously posed serious challenges to Islamic identity and values. Protecting Muslim societies, therefore, requires reviving Islamic ideology, reforming education, preserving cultural confidence, ensuring ethical media engagement, and establishing justice-based governance. Only through conscious adherence to Qur’anic guidance and Prophetic wisdom can Muslim societies navigate modernity while safeguarding their moral and civilizational integrity.
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