Islamocentrism

Islamocentrism is a term used to describe a worldview or perspective that places Islam at the center of analysis, interpretation, and understanding of history, culture, and society. It suggests that Islamic civilization, values, and historical experiences are considered the primary or most significant framework through which to view and interpret global affairs and human development. This perspective can manifest in various ways, including in academic scholarship, political discourse, and cultural expression.

Proponents of an Islamocentric view might argue that it is a necessary corrective to historical Eurocentrism or Western-centric narratives that have often marginalized or misrepresented non-Western civilizations. They may seek to highlight the contributions of Islamic societies to various fields of knowledge, art, and governance, and to understand contemporary issues through the lens of Islamic thought and tradition. This approach emphasizes the distinctiveness and richness of Islamic civilization as a major force in human history.

Critics, however, sometimes express concerns that an overly Islamocentric perspective can lead to a form of cultural or intellectual isolation, potentially hindering dialogue and mutual understanding with other cultures and perspectives. They might argue that it can lead to the exclusion of other valid viewpoints or the underestimation of influences from outside the Islamic world. The term itself can be subject to interpretation, with some viewing it positively as a celebration of heritage and others negatively as a potential source of insularity.