The immemorial Iranian nation? SchoolColonialism, nationalism, and modern islamic thought

In this paper, I will examine the influence of nationalism and colonial racial theories on modern Islamic thought in Muslim South Asia and the Middle East. I argue that modern Islamic thought -a new way of conceiving Islam that began in the late nineteenth century-has some basic features that reveal the influence of Western colonial discourse, racial theories, and nationalism. I will provide many examples that show how contemporary Islamic thought has internalized the colonial discourse on religion, nation, and state. In particular, I will discuss the influence of nationalism on Islamism and how Islamists believe that a true Islamic life requires the creation of an Islamic state. But modern states are essentially limited, and national interests determine their relations with the outside world. An Islamic state cannot be an exception to the latter rule. Therefore, Islamic principles cannot determine an Islamic state's domestic and foreign policies; ultimately, it would have to function like a nation-state. Through a brief discussion of the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and Turkey, I will also show how the discourse of these states is nationalist in practice and that the national interest of these states determines their foreign and domestic policies.

Automated summary

This paper explores the influence of nationalism and colonial racial theories on modern Islamic thought in Muslim South Asia and the Middle East. The author argues that modern Islamic thought has been shaped by Western colonial discourse, racial theories, and nationalism. The author provides examples to demonstrate how contemporary Islamic thought has internalized the colonial discourse on religion, nation, and state. Specifically, the author discusses the impact of nationalism on Islamism and how Islamists believe in the necessity of establishing an Islamic state.