Why Did the Muslims Decline and Why Did Others Progress?

Shakib Arslan, also known as "The Eloquent Prince," was a prominent Lebanese thinker, historian, and diplomat. He lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, witnessing the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the beginnings of the Arab Renaissance. He gained fame for his writings and lectures on Islamic issues, with his most notable work being the book "Why Did the Muslims Decline and Why Did Others Progress?"

In this book, Arslan attributes the decline of Muslims to a combination of factors, primarily the deviation from the core principles of Islam, leading to widespread corruption. He also highlights the political weakness that plagued the Islamic world, along with intellectual stagnation and scientific regression. Additionally, Arslan sheds light on the detrimental impact of Western colonialism. In contrast, Arslan explains the progress of the West as a result of their adherence to Christian values, political unity, scientific superiority, and the role of colonialism, which enabled them to exploit and benefit from the world's riches.

This highly instructive book was prepared and annotated by Sheikh Mashhour Al Salman, and benefits from numerous praiseworthy prefaces by the following Shuyukhs: Muhammad Rashid Rida, Ali at-Tantawi, Muhammad Taqi eddin al-Hilali, Ibn Badis...