Muslim and Mosque in Postcolonial Text
- Rashad Mohammad Moqbel Al Areqi
- Hussein Saleh Al Bahji
Abstract
The article explores the image of the Muslim and the mosque in postcolonial literary texts. E. M. Forester’s A Passage to India is taken as an example of the postcolonial text which will be traced to recognize how the western novelist portrays the Muslim’s life and how he has shaped the indigenous identity of the Muslim in this narrative. Further, the article highlights the Muslim’s relationship with non-Muslim in India, whether they are Indians or English people and its repercussions in their daily lives. Forster’s visit to India and his real experience would help him to reflect the reality of the situation in India. How Forster does manifest the Muslim and the mosque in this narrative? How does Dr. Aziz receive the strangers, particularly, the English people, the colonizers who are different in their culture and religion? In addition, what are the Islamic values incarnated by Dr. Aziz in the novel? The argument focuses on Dr. Aziz as a Muslim and his relationship with the mosque in the text. The article found that Muslim represented by Dr. Aziz as a true believer and a respectful character in the world of difference and diversity as Mrs. Moors represented the brilliant side of Christianity and the human side of British colonizers in India. Aziz’s manifestations of counter discourse are argued throughout the narrative and Dr. Aziz’s loyalty to the mosque, faith, and to his country is unquestionable.
- Full Text: PDF
- DOI:10.5539/ells.v4n1p54