Milestone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Milestone - Essay Example He notes that, â€Å"Western civilization is unable to present any healthy values for the guidance of mankind (Qutb, 1964, Pg. 1)†. It must be noted that the book was written at a time when America as well as the rest of the world was going through numerous changes that were going towards shaping the modern economic systems, the modern governmental systems and the manner in which civilization was to take shape. The 60s was a formative decade indeed since the affects of the Second World War had been shaken off by most of the world and the countries which had gained independence after the Second World War were just beginning to stand on their own feet. However, many such nations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia were struggling with the changes that were being forced upon them. In this context, the war between the western allies who promoted a democratic system and the communist nations of the world often drew in other non aligned nations who had no particular ideology to hold on to. In this scenario, Qutb (1964) presents his ideas of leading Islamic nations through the means of following a new path which is based on the Holy Scriptures of Islam and the examples set down by the followers of Muhammad who were with him in his life. In fact, it was this book itself which was used to prove in an Egyptian court that Qutb was engaged in sedition against the ruling government and was executed for conspiring against the state (Wikipedia. 2008). The primary point made by Qutb (1964) is that the Muslims have lost their way which was shown to them through the Quran and the words of the prophet. In essence, it seems that instead of taking a modern viewpoint on Islam, Qutb favors something which is closer to a fundamentalist approach to Islam in order to bring Muslims closer to how the prophet and his companions lived their lives (Wikipedia. 2008). In his view, the Quran itself is not seen as metaphysical or theological work but as a code of rules which should be