Meaning: In this quote, Karen Armstrong, a prominent writer on religion and spirituality, highlights a significant shift in the attitudes of Muslim intellectuals at the start of the twentieth century. The quote suggests that during this time period, many influential Muslim thinkers held a deep admiration for the Western world, particularly for countries such as Britain and France. They aspired for their own nations to emulate the societal, political, and technological advancements they observed in the West.

The sentiment expressed in the quote reflects a historical context in which Muslim-majority societies were grappling with the challenges posed by European colonial expansion and the rapid modernization occurring in the Western world. The impact of colonialism and the encounters with Western societies prompted a complex and multifaceted response from Muslim intellectuals and leaders.

During the early 1900s, many Muslim intellectuals sought to reconcile the traditions and values of their own societies with the advancements they witnessed in the West. They were drawn to the perceived progress and prosperity of Western nations, which seemed to be achieved through industrialization, scientific discovery, and democratic governance. As a result, they advocated for the adoption of Western-style education, legal systems, and political structures in their own countries.

This period also witnessed the rise of movements such as Islamic modernism, which aimed to reinterpret Islamic teachings and practices in a way that would align with the values of modernity and progress as exemplified by the West. Muslim reformers and intellectuals, such as Muhammad Abduh and Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, played key roles in promoting a vision of Islam that could coexist with the principles of Western civilization.

However, the admiration for the West among Muslim intellectuals was not uniform or unchallenged. There were also voices within Muslim societies that critiqued the uncritical emulation of Western models and emphasized the importance of preserving Islamic traditions and cultural identity. These critics warned against the potential erosion of indigenous values and the loss of authenticity that could result from wholesale Westernization.

Over time, the initial infatuation with the West among Muslim intellectuals gave way to a more nuanced and diversified approach. As the realities of colonialism, political upheaval, and social change unfolded, many reevaluated their perspectives on the West and began to articulate alternative visions for the future of Muslim-majority societies. This shift in thinking laid the groundwork for various intellectual and political movements that sought to balance the preservation of Islamic heritage with the pursuit of progress and self-determination.

In contemporary discussions about the relationship between the Muslim world and the West, Karen Armstrong's quote serves as a reminder of the complex historical dynamics that have shaped this interaction. It underscores the evolving attitudes of Muslim intellectuals towards the West and the ongoing quest for a synthesis of modernity and tradition within Islamic societies.

Overall, the quote captures a pivotal moment in the intellectual history of the Muslim world, reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and debates that have shaped the efforts to navigate the encounter between Islamic civilizations and the forces of Western modernity.