Book excerpt: THE FUTURE OF MODERN ISLAM AND ENGLAND’S INTEREST Original Author: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt Edited and Translated: M.MeenachiSundaram TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE. 4 THE FUTURE OF MODERN ISLAM AND ENGLAND’S INTEREST. 9 CHAPTER I: CENSUS OF THE MOHAMMEDAN WORLD - THE HAJ. 9 CHAPTER II: THE MODERN QUESTION OF THE CALIPHATE. 37 CHAPTER III: THE TRUE METROPOLIS—MECCA. 60 CHAPTER IV: A MOHAMMEDAN REFORMATION. 82 CHAPTER V: ENGLAND'S INTEREST IN ISLAM. 105 ABOUT THE AUTHOR. 128 PREFACE England's historical and contemporary interests toward Islam are complex and multifaceted, shaped by political, cultural, economic, and social factors. Colonial History and Empire During the British Empire, England had a strong presence in Muslim-majority regions such as India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East. Understanding Islam was important for colonial governance, diplomacy, and trade. This led to scholarly interest in Islamic culture, language, and religion, as well as strategic interests in maintaining control over these regions. Geopolitical Interests England, as part of the UK, has historically been involved in Middle Eastern politics, particularly due to its economic and strategic interests, such as access to oil and trade routes. These regions are predominantly Muslim-majority, so engagement with Islamic countries has been crucial. England's involvement in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and its relations with nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan reflect this geopolitical interest. Cultural and Religious Engagement With a significant Muslim population in the UK, especially in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, there has been growing interest in understanding and integrating Islamic culture into British society. Issues such as Islamophobia, counter-terrorism policies, and the promotion of multiculturalism have shaped public and governmental attitudes toward Islam. Counterterrorism and Security Concerns Since the 9/11 attacks and subsequent terrorist activities associated with extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, England has been heavily invested in counterterrorism strategies. This has included monitoring extremist ideologies and preventing radicalization while balancing civil liberties and protecting the Muslim community from being unfairly targeted. Academic and Scholarly Interest English universities have played a key role in Islamic studies, with institutions like the University of Oxford and SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) offering programs in Islamic history, theology, and culture. Scholars in England have contributed to a deeper understanding of Islamic philosophy, law (Sharia), and art. Economic and Trade Relations Many Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Middle East, are key trade partners for the UK, particularly in sectors like oil, defense, and finance. Halal markets, Islamic finance, and tourism from Muslim-majority countries also represent significant economic interests for England. Diplomatic and Humanitarian Interests England has engaged diplomatically with Islamic nations on various global issues, such as peacekeeping efforts, refugee crises, and development aid. Humanitarian efforts in regions like Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, where Muslim populations are affected by conflict, also align with England’s broader interests. These interests reflect both historical legacies and contemporary challenges in England's relationship with the Islamic world. These essays, written for the Fortnightly Review in the summer and autumn of 1881, were intended as first sketches only of a maturer work which the author hoped, before giving finally to the public, to complete at leisure, and develop in a form worthy of critical acceptance, and of the great subject he had chosen.