Dogma Quote by B.R. Ambedkar
““Islam is a close union of the spiritual and the temporal; it is the reign of a dogma, it is the heaviest chain that humanity has ever borne… Islam has its beauties as a religion;… But to the human reason Islamism has only been injurious. The minds that it has shut from the light were, no doubt, already closed in their own internal limits; but it has persecuted free thought, I shall not say more violently than other religions, but more effectually. It has made of the countries that it has conquered 9 closed field to the rational culture of the mind. What is, in fact -essentially distinctive of the Musalman is his hatred of science, his persuasion that research is useless, frivolous, almost impious—the natural sciences, because they are attempts at rivalry with God; the historical sciences, because they apply to times anterior to Islam, they may revive ancient heresies. Renan concludes by saying:— "Islam, in treating science as an enemy, is only consistent, but it is a dangerous thing to be consistent. To its own misfortune Islam has been successful. By slaying science it has slain itself; and is condemned in the world to a complete inferiority.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problem of the Rupee, 1939
The quote argues that Islam historically suppressed scientific inquiry, viewing it as rival to divine authority, leading to cultural stagnation and inferiority.
In simple terms: Islam is portrayed as opposing science, causing decline.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of rejecting rational inquiry.
Themes
religion
science
cultural conflict
intellectual freedom
historical analysis
Mood
critical
reflective
serious
Type
historical
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- educational reform
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
- academic research
- public discourse
Key Concepts
dogma
intellectual suppression
civilizational decline
Questions to Reflect On
- How does religious belief interact with scientific progress?
- Can societies balance faith and reason?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize and ignore diverse Muslim contributions to science.
![“In the Hindu religion, one can[not] have freedom of speech. A Hindu must surrender his freedom of speech. He must act according to the Vedas. If the Vedas do not support the actions, instructions must be sought from the Smritis, and if the Smritis fail to provide any such instructions, he must…” quote by B.R. Ambedkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/49b/b-r-ambedkar-2-27051_communication_in-the-hindu-religion-one-can-not-have-f_1093917.jpg)
![“[H]e was damned if he was going to water down his arguments simply to satisfy the preference of the mob for dogma and ignorance.” quote by Ben Elton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/998/ben-elton-12329_dogma_h-e-was-damned-if-he-was-going-to-water_19083.jpg)
