The Cultural Heterogeneity of the Muslim World

Islam spread worldwide, gaining strongholds in Mali, Mindanao, and the Maldives. Far from the Islamic heartland, new converts were remarkably innovative, selectively embracing ideas that resonated with cherished local customs. Idiosyncratic melting pots blended the old and the new.

Before the 20th century’s technology boom in cassettes and radio, the world was extremely disconnected. Most people knew little beyond their immediate locality. If one’s neighbours relied on local healers and freely intermingled, yet were still respected, then one had little reason for doubt. By adhering to local ideas of piety, one could could still have every hope of salvation. This led to significant cultural innovations, global religious diversity, and religious syncretism.

In this essay, I’ll explore the Muslim world’s historical heterogeneity, drawing on Michael Cook’s tremendous new book “A History of the Muslim World”. In my next post, I will suggest (perhaps controversially) that Islam is now homogenising.