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Orientalism (DHD 502)

Notes for Module 1 to 3

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Module 1 – Definition of Orientalism

Orient – The east

Orientalism – study of the east

Occidentalism – study of the west

Traditional view – Orientalism is the study of oriental religions like Islam

Modern view – Study of economical, culture, politics, religions, everything about the East

The orient refers primarily to the Muslim world and the Middle East. Orientalism was
originally started by Christians who were biased against Islam. Western policies towards the
East are based on orientalism. Most studies carried out by orientalists is not based on authentic
sources, which leads to contradictions in their conclusions.

The crusades were caused by orientalist propaganda that promoted Islam as enemies of
Christianity. Truly effective colonial conquest required knowledge of the conquered. In order
to conquer Muslims, they needed to study them properly so could dominate them.
Orientalism was part of their power play to dominate the East. This led to insincere and biased
research, which led to misunderstandings about Islam.

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Module 2 – Origins of Orientalism:

Some claim the first interaction between Muslims and Christians i.e. king of Niger was the
beginning of orientalism. Jafar Ibn Abi Talib was assigned to present the message of Islam to
the priests in King Niger’s court. Some refer to this dialogue as the beginning of orientalism.

Another opinion is that when the Christians of Najar visited Madinah and Dawah was done
to them. This dialogue between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the
Christian delegation is considered by some the beginning of orientalism.

The third opinion is that the beginning was the battle of Mut’ah. This was the first military
conflict between Christians and Muslims, so it is considered the beginning of orientalism by
some scholars.

Correct Opinion:

Orientalism began in the 16th century at a university level. The first conference of world
orientalists was in the 18th century, but the research began in the 16th century. 16th and 17th
century orientalists focused on translating the books of weak and fabricated narrations using
these to malign Islam.

They eventually produced the Encyclopaedia of Islam which is very biased and full of
historical inaccuracies. They also published the first translations of the Qur’an which
contained many errors.

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Module 3 – Objectives of Orientalism

1. To learn Islam to be in a better position to attack Islam and spread Christianity

2. Christianization campaign – to introduce Christianity to Muslims

3. Scientific Objective - To inherit the scientific discoveries of Muslims

4. Objective of trade – Christians needed new market for their products. So they needed to
learn the culture and language of the Muslims in order to do business with them

5. Colonialization – in order to conquer Muslims lands, they needed to understand Islam and
Muslims first.

6. Political reasons – in order to govern Muslim lands, they needed to understand the religion
and culture of Muslims. This was needed after colonialization. They needed experts in Muslim
culture to help them rule over Muslims, so they needed the orientalists to do this.

7. To spread their culture to Muslim lands. The effects of this can be seen today in influence
of Western culture on all Muslim lands.