The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents visitors with a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the featured releases is the book titled, “Islam and the West: An Inquiry into Causes of Discord and Prospects for Cultural Exchange” by Mohamed Al-Benyaydi, published by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.
This book sheds light on the importance of understanding the experience of Islam and its interaction with the West. It delves into the historical and cultural exchanges that have unfolded since the advent of Islam and explores the evolution of this relationship in modern times. The book examines the concept of “the other,” its philosophical roots, societal structures, and cultural practices, while also addressing the potential for cultural exchange as an alternative to conflict. It calls for new intellectual narratives that challenge existing stereotypes and strive for a balanced perspective in mutual understanding—one that recognizes the unique contributions of Islamic and Western civilizations as part of a shared human experience.
The book emphasizes that both sides have developed exaggerated and distorted perceptions of each other over time. The West has failed to form a genuine understanding of Islam, while many Muslims have not critically reexamined their views of Western civilization. In response, Muslim intellectuals have raised the critical question of the “Islam-West relationship” with the aim of fostering a new paradigm for peaceful coexistence and global stability. Central to this effort is the need to reexamine the essence of “the West” as a foundational step toward achieving global harmony and stability.
The book provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical context needed to better understand the nature of the relationship between Islam and the West. It advocates moving beyond the entrenched misunderstandings that have fueled ongoing animosities, offering a forward-looking approach to contemporary debates on this subject. It paves the way for enlightened dialogue that incorporates historical contexts, promotes mutual respect, and, most importantly, establishes a collaborative future to address humanity’s shared challenges—irrespective of identity or background.
As part of this exploration, the book engages with the discipline of “Occidentalism” or “Western Studies,” positioning the West itself as a subject of academic inquiry. By doing so, it aims to provide a robust understanding of Western civilization, which could serve as a foundation for building constructive future relationships and presenting an informed critique. This effort aligns with the foresight studies pursued by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, under the Muslim Council of Elders.
To achieve its goals, the book starts with theoretical frameworks, including an analysis of the concept of “the other” within Islamic thought as reflected in the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions, and historical experiences. It further examines the concepts of Occidentalism and Westernization, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the two, and underscores the need for renewed exploration of Western philosophical and cultural structures. Additionally, it discusses trends in modern and contemporary Islamic Occidentalism and seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field.
The book then delves into the historical conflicts between the Islamic and Western worlds and explores the possibilities of cultural exchange. It highlights the potential for communicative and civilizational engagement between the two civilizations in today’s globalized world. The conclusion stresses the necessity of reinvigorating theoretical research on dialogue among civilizations and rescuing it from the pitfalls of persistent mutual misunderstanding.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, taking place from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts a variety of events, seminars, and activities aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.
The Council’s stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the 5th Settlement, Cairo.