why are muslims so behind the times?

Answer 1

I don't mean to be negative, but that is a ridiculous question. What does that phrase "behind the times" even mean? There is a historical ebb and flow to social conservatism and liberalism (I don't mean that in the american political sense, but a social one). To say one opinon or worldview is "behind the times" means nothing, other than, why are they diffrent than thoes around us.

I think you want to ask why do muslims cling to a strict religious idealogy, that from out point of view, is intolerant and hateful. THe answer to that question, even if you could equalize for the bias of the answers own point of view, would involve a deep and sustained delving into history, politics, and economics.

I know that is an unasnwer, but a pat answer (which i am sure you will recive in a multitude) would not do it justice. I can suggest, in an atempt at an answer some books:

Armstrong, Karem - Islam:A Short History.

Bloom and Blair - Islam:A Thousand Years of Faith and Power.

Lapidus, Ira M.- A History of Islamic societes.

Lewis, B.- The Arabs in History.

Rahman, F.-Islam & Modernity: Transformation of an Intellectual Tradition.

You can also lok at Wikipedia for a good synopis and jumping off point.

Please understand I am not defending Muslims, or what some of there extreme factions do, because I think islamic backed terrorism is a disgusting cowardly thing, but if it is true knowledge you seek about the concept and people of islam, it will be a long road and you will have to read alot.

Answer 2

Their own mistakes. I am a Muslim and posted something yesterday on another questions. Let me find out...it was posted for the question about the downfall of Muslims. The simple asnwer to your question will be they stoped the creative thinking. The detailed answer is as follows:

The muslim downfall begin in 5 Hijra when they abandoned the true Islamic teachings and start following the man written laws. They start believing the Imams of the hadiths more and stop following the commands of God. They divided the religion based on these fabricated hadiths and since than there is no unity. The main sects Sunnis and Shias hate each other and try to prove each other wrong on the basis of their fabricated hadiths. This was the time when these Imams defined Islamic Sharia and put a seal on it as finalised closing the door for creative thinking and better interpretation of these Islamic Sharia.

There might be some people who would reject this by saying that the only way for development is through secular kind of governments which is proved not to be that successful with Turkey secular approach as it still is a third world country.

The only muslim country which made remarkable achievement is Malaysia in 22 years become the developed nation. Malaysia success story is remarkable under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Mahathir Mohammd with simple honesty and hardworking not trying to impose the Iran or Saudi Arabia type of 5 hijri Islam.

There is only one hope that muslims will become successful in this world and hereafter is to start following what is in Qur'an without overriding its laws by their fabricated hadiths. They have to realize that the best liberal economc system is within Qur'an and that what is prescribed by God to implement when He grant muslims authority on piece of land.

Thank you very much EnlightME.

Answer 3

The Muslims and Americans have something in common.
Each has a Raucous and extreme SUPPOSED majority(Howard Dean anyone) while the not-so-extreme Actual majority is mainly silent.
So next time you see Arab streets full of bearded men with AKs, torches, and pitchforks rioting over the latest Muhammad cartoon(or Al Gore screaming over a stolen election) remember, they aren't really a majority at all, they are only the loud ones.

Answer 4

The only thing Muslims followed and will ever follow is the Quran. All the answers and all the truths lie within the Quran. That is all we need to know and that is all we need.

Answer 5

Trying hard to resist the oppression caused over centuries by West. The same oppression they caused centuries before in south Europe and south east Asia.
Resisting oppression or resisting point of views different than their own will certainly leave you (or take you) back in time.

Answer 6

Because they are at the stage where Christians were 600 years ago in the dark ages.

Answer 7

How are they behind the times? Because the stuck to their beliefes? Because they have morals?

Answer 8

It will get better if the Middle East and Asia have the dish network and plenty of internet.

http://www.mechanicsburgnewchurch.org

Answer 9

A K you are absolutely right... That is why we are behind and need to wake up soon.

Answer 10

i think that muslims can be appreciated from others and exceed the time by following principles of their profit(mohammed)they believed or any great profit(mossa -essa)as they believe all profits who call to*ALLAH*.if ALLAH not love muslims;he made them strongs in their bad behaviors now as they no more follow their profit but ALLAH make them in disasters to make them remember their good principles of their great profit