Political Islam, Arab Imperialism & Myths of Equality – A Historical Investigation

Political Islam—often called Islamism—is more than a set of theological doctrines. It is a political program aimed at the global enforcement of Islamic law (sharia), rooted in the earliest Islamic conquests. Whether by overt military campaigns or subtle cultural infiltration, the objective remains constant: to expand and preserve Islamic supremacy.

Political Islam’s Bangladeshi and Western Network

Bangladesh’s birth in 1971 was a rejection of pan-Islamic nationalism, after the Pakistani military—backed by Islamist parties—waged a genocidal war against Bengali nationalists. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, allied with Pakistan’s death squads, played an infamous role in atrocities against civilians. Today, Jamaat and its ideological allies still operate in Bangladesh and abroad, opposing war crimes trials against their leaders. In the United States, their influence is amplified through networks like ICNA, CAIR, and the North American Bangladeshi Islamic Community, all with historic ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Islam as a Self-Perpetuating System of Arab Imperialism

Anwar Sheikh’s analysis frames Islam as a political tool for Arab imperialism. Its structure, rituals, and legal codes were designed to preserve Arab dominance over conquered peoples.

• Language Control: Arabic is mandated for prayer and scripture, making non-Arab Muslims dependent on Arab scholars.
• Geographic Centralization: All prayer must face Mecca, ensuring religious orientation toward Arabia.
• Economic Tribute: Systems like jizya historically funneled wealth from non-Arabs to Arab rulers.
• Cultural Erasure: Conversion often required abandoning local traditions in favor of Arab customs.

Manufacturing Equality Myths: The Fraudulent ‘Last Sermon’

One of the most persistent tools for masking Arab supremacism is the fraudulent translation of Prophet Muhammad’s “Last Sermon”, popularized by S. F. H. Faizi in 1991. This version, claiming racial equality and brotherhood, lacks any authenticated hadith source. Despite rejection by both Sunni and Shi’a scholars, it is repeated across Islamic websites and interfaith programs to present Islam as inherently egalitarian—while its legal framework historically enshrines Muslim supremacy.

Prophet Muhammad’s Ultimatums: ‘Embrace Islam or Else’

Historical records document that Prophet Muhammad sent ultimatum letters to rulers across Arabia, the Levant, and beyond. The core message: Accept Islam and retain your rule, or refuse and face military conquest.

• Haudha bin ‘Ali of Yamama: Offered continued rule under Islam; refusal would mean eventual dispossession.
• Harith bin Abi Shamir of Damascus: Warned that rejecting Islam would provoke conflict.
• Jaifer and ‘Abd Al-Jalandi of Oman: Told that refusal would result in loss of land to Muhammad’s armies.

Continuity of Method: From Medina to Modern Capitals

Modern Islamist movements replicate the 7th-century model: using soft power—historical revisionism, interfaith outreach—and hard power—supporting or excusing violent jihad—depending on circumstances.

Arab Imperialism’s Cultural Legacy

From mandatory Arabic prayers to the economic and symbolic centrality of Mecca, Islam embeds imperial loyalty into worship. This ensures that even independent Muslim-majority nations remain culturally deferential to Arab religious authorities.

Why the Fraudulent Egalitarian Narrative Persists

The “no Arab over non-Arab” myth is critical for Islamist outreach, particularly in multicultural societies. It conceals Islam’s Arab-centric structure while appealing to progressive ideals of equality.

Conclusion: History as the Best Defense Against Deception

From ultimatum letters to modern sermon forgeries, the objective of political Islam has remained constant: expand an imperial ideology under the guise of religion. Understanding its Arab imperial roots is essential for defending secularism, liberty, and historical truth.