Saudi Oil and Muslim Extremism

When we in the west think of Islam we have two pictures -- Saudi and Iranian versions. One is Sunni and the other Shiite. But Islam is or at least was diverse in practice. The hijab and the burqa are cultural adaptations. Whereas distance made it possible for distinct Islamic cultures to emerge, especially in places like India, Indonesia, and Africa, Saudi/Persian Gulf oil money has done two things -- it has recruited heavily in both India and in Africa for workers, who when they return often bring home religious ideas along with money. It has also allowed the Saudi's especially to fund the building of mosques and schools that are very much in the Wahabist/Arabist tradition.

This morning's LA Times story -- "Austere Version of Islam Finding a Home in India" -- about the effect of this Saudi/Wahabist influence on Kerala in India is fascinating and eye-opening. India's Muslim face is being transformed, and it is becoming much more uniform. When you think that the Taj Mahal is a Muslim edifice of Indian foundation, you get the idea. In this region of India, Islam, Hinduism, and Christinianity have historically lived together in peace.

Over the centuries, Kerala developed a relaxed mix of cultures and religions. The old mosques where Muslims worshiped were indistinguishable from Hindu temples. Muslims, Hindus and Christians attended one another's ceremonies and festivals. The region's colorful Sufi-influenced Islam includes such customs as visits to jungle shrines and reverence for local saints.

Unfortunately, this is beginning to change -- largely because of increasing contact between the Persian Gulf states and Indian Muslims.

When we talk about Muslim fundamentalism and extremism it's important to remember that much of this is of recent vintage and is fueld by a global economy.

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