Capitalism and colonialism drove Muslim empires toward secularization
Evidence
The turn toward secularization and modernization was spurred on by the spread of capitalism and the encroachment of colonialism on various Muslim empires. In fact, it was only during the era of capitalist development that Islam finally ceased to play a central role in social organization. In response to the loss of their territories to European colonial powers, the Muslim rulers of the Ottoman, Egyptian, and Persian Empires introduced programs of modernization, capitalistic reforms, and Westernization. — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 298
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Muhammad Ali’s secular schools created a new colonial intellectual class; Capitalism emerged ideologically through intensified spiritualization rather than secularization; Modern classification of cultures secularized earlier religious structures (+13 more)
Broader Connections
- Muslim monarchs initiated Western-style modernization to defend against colonialism
#expands(0.70) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 299 - Postwar Muslim-majority nations embraced secular nationalism, contra Orientalist claims
#qualifies(0.60) — Deepa Kumar, Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire, 310 - English agrarian capitalism disciplined church, monarchy, and masses in turn
#exemplifies(0.55)