Summary
"Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes" offers a sweeping reinterpretation of world history, challenging the conventional Eurocentric narrative by presenting events from an Islamic perspective. Tamim Ansary embarks on a journey through time, beginning long before the birth of Islam, tracing the rise of civilizations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He introduces the concept of the 'Middle World,' an area defined by land routes connecting the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and Mesopotamia, distinct from the Mediterranean-centric 'Western civilization.' This sets the stage for understanding the unique trajectory of Islamic history.
The book delves into the emergence of Islam in the 7th century, highlighting the pivotal role of Prophet Mohammed and the subsequent establishment of the Caliphate. Ansary emphasizes the significance of the Hijra, the migration to Medina, as the true starting point of the Islamic calendar, marking the birth of the Muslim community. The narrative explores the challenges faced by early Islamic leaders, the compilation of the Qur'an, and the expansion of Islamic rule across vast territories. It addresses the schism between Sunnis and Shi'is, tracing its roots back to the disputes over succession after the death of Prophet Mohammed.
As the narrative progresses, Ansary examines the golden age of Islamic civilization, characterized by remarkable advancements in scholarship, philosophy, and the arts. He introduces key figures such as al-Ghazali and Ibn Sina, exploring their contributions to Islamic thought and their interactions with Greek philosophy. The book also addresses the impact of the Crusades and the Mongol invasions, which disrupted the established order and led to a period of upheaval and transformation. The rise of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Moghul empires is discussed, showcasing the resurgence of Islamic power and influence in the medieval period.
However, the narrative takes a turn as Ansary explores the growing influence of Western powers in the Islamic world. The book examines the impact of industrialization, constitutionalism, and nationalism, highlighting the challenges faced by Muslim societies in adapting to modernity. It introduces key figures such as Sayyid Ahmad of Aligarh and Sayyid Jamaluddin-i-Afghan, who advocated for different approaches to Islamic reform. The rise of secular modernism is discussed, as well as the emergence of Islamist movements that sought to resist Western influence and restore Islamic values.
In the 20th and 21st century, the book explores the rise of the secular modernists and the subsequent Islamist reaction and discusses critical events such as the Six-Day War and the Iranian Revolution. It examines the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces that have shaped the modern Middle East, addressing the challenges of decolonization, the rise of oil wealth, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book challenges the notion of a 'clash of civilizations,' arguing instead for a deeper understanding of the historical forces that have shaped the relationship between the Islamic world and the West. "Destiny Disrupted" highlights the importance of recognizing multiple perspectives in understanding the complex and interconnected history of humankind.