Power, Anarchism, Islam
By Muzammal Hussain
The Impressions we hold
The theme for this post is 'anarchism' and Islam, and we ask you to save a special date.
The term 'anarchism' may evoke the idea of chaos and destruction.
You may be forgiven if you hold this impression - this is how it is so consistently and incorrectly portrayed by the mainstream media (just as Muslims are often unfairly portrayed into a certain narrative).
It is about power being distributed and shared, rather than being centralised.
Decentralising Power
At a time when there is a systemic failure of accountability for those who hold political power, leading to a failure of just outcomes and consequent harm and resentment, we may need to think less about who is in power, and instead question its concentration amongst a tiny segment of society, and the institutions and patriarchal systems that reinforce it.
Thus:
What would a more egalitarian society look like?
What would the systems of governance look like?
What kind of skills would we need to cultivate to get there?
Where is this work already being done?
Wisdom In Nature has been asking the above questions for several years, and our vision is one of co-creating conscious, just, regenerative communities with the integration of land, people and economy.
For us, the different strands of anarchism have been, and are, a useful lens to explore alternative systems of co-existing through.
The Delightful Ask
Last year, I was asked by friends at Peace News, to review a newly published book on 'Islam and Anarchism'.
I was delighted with this ask, and read and reviewed this book that focussed on two often misunderstood ideologies.
Here's the start of the review to whet your appetite:
"This book shakes things up!
It also opens a space for dialogue, welcoming Muslims, anarchists and anyone engaged with creating a just, peaceful world.
It attempts to offer a vision for building a community of mutual partnership, as an alternative to nation-state structures, capitalist or otherwise. Such a community is inclusive of diverse faiths and spiritualities and grounded in shared, lived, ethico-political values. It also engages with justice in relation to indigenous land.
So, what of Islam and anarchism – two ideologies seemingly unrelated, yet both often poorly understood?
Abdou appreciates both. At the same time, he points to existing limitations among anarchists and Muslims, both within themselves and in their perception of each other’s traditions.
Drawing on sources including the Qur’an, Abdou claims that anarchism and Islam are actually entirely compatible..."
Read the rest of the review on the Peace News website
Beyond the Book Review
After completing the review, I reached out to the author, Mohamed Abdou. As a result Wisdom In Nature held a collaborative event with Mohamed.
From Authoritarianism to Radical Empowerment ~ Islam, Anarchism and the Ummah
The recording is now up, and can be watched below:
Part 1: Conversation with Mohamed Abdou
Part 2: Muslims and Friends talk Anarchism with Mohamed Abdou
The event included talk, conversation and breakout groups. Enjoy!
Muzammal Hussain
On Behalf of the Wisdom In Nature team