Meaning: The quote "The revival of Islam dates from the early years of the 20th century. It was brought about by their humiliation, by their sense of how low they'd fallen compared with the West." by John Keegan, a prominent historian, touches upon the resurgence of Islamic identity and consciousness in the early 20th century. This period marked a significant shift in the socio-political landscape of the Muslim world, as various factors contributed to a renewed interest in Islamic traditions, values, and identity.

The early 20th century was a time of profound change and upheaval for many Islamic societies. The decline of the Ottoman Empire, the colonization of Muslim lands by European powers, and the subsequent dismantling of traditional power structures all played a role in shaping the collective consciousness of Muslims worldwide. These events led to a sense of humiliation and a realization of the vast technological, economic, and military disparities between the Islamic world and the West.

As a result, many Muslims began to reassess their own cultural and religious heritage in the face of Western dominance. This period saw the emergence of various movements and intellectual currents aimed at revitalizing Islamic thought and practice. From the Indian subcontinent to the Middle East and North Africa, Muslim thinkers and activists sought to reclaim agency and pride in their cultural and religious identity.

One of the most notable manifestations of this revival was the rise of political movements and leaders who sought to mobilize Muslim populations around the principles of Islam. Figures such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah in British India, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Turkey, and later, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, all represented different strands of this resurgence. They sought to assert the relevance of Islam in the face of modernity and to challenge the hegemony of Western ideas and values.

Furthermore, the revival of Islam in the early 20th century also encompassed a renaissance of Islamic scholarship and intellectual inquiry. Muslim scholars and thinkers began to reexamine classical Islamic texts and reinterpret them in light of contemporary challenges. This led to the emergence of new schools of thought and the revitalization of traditional disciplines such as Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy.

In addition to intellectual and political movements, the revival of Islam also found expression in cultural and social spheres. The promotion of Islamic art, architecture, and literature became a means of asserting a distinct Muslim identity and challenging the cultural hegemony of the West. This cultural renaissance aimed to instill a sense of pride and appreciation for Islamic heritage and creativity.

It is important to note that the revival of Islam in the early 20th century was not a monolithic or homogenous phenomenon. It encompassed a diverse range of movements, ideologies, and approaches, each shaped by local contexts and historical experiences. Moreover, the revival of Islam was not solely a reaction to Western dominance, but also a response to internal social, political, and economic challenges within Muslim societies.

In conclusion, John Keegan's quote encapsulates the complex and multifaceted nature of the Islamic revival in the early 20th century. It highlights the profound impact of historical events and power dynamics on the collective consciousness of Muslim societies, leading to a renewed interest in Islamic identity, culture, and thought. This period laid the groundwork for the ongoing debates and transformations within the Islamic world, shaping the contemporary dynamics of religion, politics, and society.