LETTERS: A seismic shift is underway in the realm of religious dynamics, not confined solely to the Middle East but echoing across the Western world.
The progress made in improving relations between the Middle East and Western countries has been undermined by recent events, especially the Gaza crisis.
However, amidst this chaos, intriguing patterns are emerging that suggest a profound change in religious, political, and social landscapes.
When certain Islamic strongholds started to welcome Israel and the United States as reliable economic friends, the ancient sectarian divides between the Middle East and the West seemed to be healed.
This Arab countries' strategic cooperation with the US and Israel marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the area. Yet, while some saw this as progress, it also drew condemnation from segments of the Muslim world.
They pointed fingers at these Arab nations, accusing them of prioritising self-interest over collective security, especially in the face of Israel's actions and the influence of the US.
Nevertheless, a surprising surge of support for Islam and Palestine emerged from Western and European countries, indicating a shift in global perceptions.
An intriguing trend has emerged in the aftermath of recent events. Searches for the Quran and Islam have spiked significantly, not in the Middle East but in Western countries. Google trends show a sustained peak in interest, with non-Muslims increasingly seeking to understand Islam by delving into the Quran.
TikTok's Quran Book Club garnered more than 15.8 billion views, with many individuals engaging with the Quran for the first time.
In the year after 9/11, 8,000 US women converted to Islam, according to projections from the Hartford Institute for Religious Research. Between 2000 and 2010, Muslims in the US grew from an estimated one million to 2.6 million, a 67 per cent increase, making it the fastest growing religion in the US, according to the non-governmental US Religion Census.
This surge in curiosity and exploration of Islam among Westerners begs the question: is the epicentre of religious revolution shifting from the Middle East to the West?
The Middle East has long been considered the cradle of Islamic culture, but recent events are indicating a dynamic transformation.
The convergence of events in both the Middle East and the West signifies a broader acceptance of religious, political and social change. The engagement with Islamic teachings and solidarity with Palestine among Westerners reflects a growing empathy and understanding of issues that were once considered distant.
This paradigm shift suggests a new trajectory for global religious discourse. It challenges the traditional power centres of religious influence and highlights the potential for a more inclusive and interconnected global religious landscape.
However, it also raises questions about the future direction of geopolitical alliances and the balance of power in shaping religious narratives.
In conclusion, the way things are going suggests a potential recalibration of power dynamics and a broader, more integrated picture of religious tolerance and understanding on a worldwide basis.
ASHRAFF HUSSNI
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times