The Islamization of Muslim countries contributes to their economic stagnation.
In the Arabian Peninsula, the introduction of Islam in the 7th century brought an end to tribal conflicts and instilled a sense of discipline, unity, and purpose among the region’s desert inhabitants. This transformation was both timely and necessary, proving to be a vital asset. Armed with swords and mounted on horseback, they began spreading their message—first to neighboring regions, then westward to Spain, and eastward to Iran and western India.
Wherever they went, they amassed wealth, often transferring it to their headquarters in Baghdad, or settled as rulers, preaching and converting local populations. These campaigns, which spanned nearly 800 years, led to Muslim dominance from northern India to Spain—a truly remarkable achievement. Only Genghis Khan dealt a significant blow to their ascendancy, but following his demise, they swiftly recovered and re-established their rule.
Their entry into the realm of science and technology was substantial during the 8th to 12th centuries. During this period, mathematicians from India and geometers from Greece made significant contributions. The knowledge gained during this era was not only shared with Europe but also profoundly impacted the continent, as it is still the basis for the use of Arabic numerals. These numerals are rooted in Indian arithmetic and the concept of zero. However, this period came to an end when the Muslim world, which had been under the rule of Baghdad, declared its independence and began to govern itself. Consequently, the transfer of knowledge from the conquered world back to Baghdad ceased.
The prosperity of the Muslim world was guaranteed by the locals who continued with their profession as artisans or traders or merchants. They paid taxes which made the Muslim rulers immensely wealthy. Hence the area ruled by Islamic world had two distinct cultures I.e. the ruler who carried the sword and the locals who guaranteed continued prosperity.
In an era of sword-wielding rulers and submissive populations, most rulers left tax-paying locals alone, except for occasional despots who attempted to impose Islam on unwilling subjects—such attempts often led to brief periods of decline.
While these rulers achieved military success, they neglected the opportunities presented by trade, innovation, and exploration, which could have brought lasting prosperity. Instead of building wealth through commerce, they relied on the sword—today replaced by bombs and intimidation—to seize resources from others.
In Pakistan, for example, the focus on warfare and conflict has stifled economic progress. High business skills largely migrated to India in 1947, leaving Pakistan bereft of entrepreneurial expertise. Consequently, Pakistan prioritizes military spending over economic growth, perpetually facing cash shortages. Over the past 70 years, it has turned to America and international agencies like the IMF and World Bank for financial support—receiving IMF aid 23 times to date. Without such assistance, Pakistan’s economy would collapse.
A similar story plays out across much of the Islamic world, from Afghanistan to Morocco. Many Muslim nations rely on foreign science, skills, and funding to function, remaining economically stagnant. While Arab nations enjoy oil wealth, they still depend on outside expertise to transform their economies. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, once a secular Muslim country, has recently begun Islamization. Within a year, half of its business activity has disappeared, echoing Pakistan’s trajectory and setting the stage for future reliance on foreign aid.
In today’s world Islamization means staying backward. That backwardness leads to perpetual conflicts. That is the root cause of much of the trouble in the Islamic world.
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