Communism and Islam
Definition
Communism and Islam: The historical and ideological interaction between Communism, which generally upholds atheistic and anti-religious frameworks, and Islam, a major religious and cultural force among Muslim communities worldwide. This interaction often featured opposition but also occasional alliances, particularly in anti-colonial struggles.
Historical Context
- In several contexts, Communists have both opposed established religious hierarchies and collaborated with Islamist groups for mutual benefits such as fighting colonialism and attaining national independence.
- The interaction was notably strong in the mid-20th century, spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s.
Case Studies
Central Asia (Soviet Rule and its Aftermath)
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The establishment of Soviet rule in the 1920s led to significant societal changes:
- Secularization processes which attempted to dismantle entrenched religious authority and customs.
- Destruction of patriarchal family structures and promotion of social ownership through industrialization.
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The Soviet Emphasis:
- Strong attention was placed on ethnicity, territorial demarcations, and linguistic standardization rather than religious uniformity.
- Anti-religious policies, combined with isolation from traditional Islamic education centers, reduced the influence of the ‘ulama’ (Islamic scholars).
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Post-Soviet Developments:
- With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, there was a resurgence of Islamic identity and establishment in newly independent Central Asian states.
Other Communist Nations
- China’s approach exemplified in Communist-ruled China, where Islamic identity was closely linked to ethnic minority statuses.
- Islamic identity as a cultural rather than overtly religious indicator was also evident in Communist regimes in Yugoslavia, Albania, and Afghanistan.
Etymology
- Islam (Arabic: إسلام)
- Communism (Turkish: Komünizm)
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Islam (Arabic: الإسلام)
- Communism (Turkish: Komünizm; Arabic: الشيوعية)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Islam after Communism: Religion and Politics in Central Asia by Adeeb Khalid
- The Communist Movement and the Arab World: Prospects and Problems by Tareq Y. Ismael
- Communism and Nationalism in the Middle East by Walter Laqueur
Takeaways
- The interaction between Communism and Islam has undergone significant evolution from antagonism and resistance to cautious cooperation and renewed identification.
- Historical material conditions, anti-colonial motives, and geographical isolation played major roles in determining the nature of this complex relationship.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between Communism and Islam requires a nuanced comprehension of historical contexts, socio-political changes, and ideological dynamics impacting various Muslim communities. The dissolution of the Soviet Union rejuvenated indigenous Muslim identities which had been marginalized under Communist domination, illustrating the enduring resilience and adaptability of Islamic cultural frameworks.
