Why Do Conservatives in the West Not Like Islam?

Conservatism as a philosophy is one of the most complex and nuanced concepts to understand. It requires a deep understanding and experience in life to grasp its essence fully. However, this complexity does not prevent us from analyzing and comparing different belief systems, such as Christianity and Islam. To many in the Western conservative movement, Islam does not fit the mold of conservatism.

Islam, often perceived as a primitive and barbaric religion by Western conservatives, is viewed as a 7th-century death cult. This characterization is rooted in a narrow perspective of its historical and cultural origins, often ignoring the rich religious and cultural heritage it has developed over the centuries. Despite surviving into the modern age largely due to the economic influence of petro-dollars and the global efforts of neocons and neolibs in Western political establishments, this view is widely held among conservative circles.

Contrasting Worldviews and Ideologies

The primary reason for Western conservatives' antipathy towards Islam lies in the fundamental rejection of anything different. This includes cultural values and religious traditions that diverge from their own. This rejection is rooted in a fear of the unknown and a desire to preserve a sense of identity and values that are deeply rooted in Western Judeo-Christian traditions.

To put it into context, here is a summary of the key differences between Western conservatism and Islamic conservatism:

Conservatism in the West:

Socially: Emphasizes modesty and traditional Judeo-Christian values. Fiscally: Generally modest with minimal government intervention, except in matters like usury. Government: Prefers a smaller, more restricted government, ensuring adherence to the Constitution.

Islam: A Contrasted Approach:

Socially: Upholds traditional Islamic values, which are often in direct conflict with Judeo-Christian values. Fiscally: Advocates for modesty but with extensive government intervention, often to distribute wealth and ensure social justice. Government: Aulates an all-encompassing system based on Sharia law, placing the will of Allah above the desires of the people.

Personal Reflections and Insights

My only close Muslim friend was politically conservative, but he was also an apostate, aware that revealing his beliefs could isolate him from his family, friends, community, and business. This highlights the internal struggle and alienation often faced by Muslims who adhere to moderate or liberal views in the face of stringent traditionalism.

Understanding that for most Muslims, being conservative simply means protecting and preserving their religion and its tenets, we can see that this conservatism is fundamentally different from the constitutional conservatism espoused by Western conservatives. While constitutional conservatives aim to limit government power and protect individual liberties as outlined in the Constitution, Islamic conservatives seek to implement a religious theocracy where laws are derived from the Qur'an and interpreted by Imams and mullahs, often dictating daily life and governance.

Conclusion

The differences between Muslim and Western conservative values are stark and profound. They reflect different historical, cultural, and political contexts, leading to vastly different approaches to governance, societal values, and the role of religion in public life. While some may view these differences through a lens of cultural and ideological clash, understanding these distinctions can foster greater empathy and dialogue across different belief systems.

Key Points:

Western conservatism emphasizes individual liberty, modesty, and a limited role for government. Islamic conservatism focuses on strict adherence to religious law (Sharia) and an all-encompassing government. The antipathy towards Islam among Western conservatives is rooted in a desire to preserve their cultural and religious heritage.

These divergences underscore the importance of nuanced dialogue and understanding in navigating the complexities of global politics and religious belief systems.