In the process of history nations face challenges and crises. If the response to these challenges is timely, swift, and forceful, they survive and overpower the crises, otherwise either they face destruction or ignominy. In case of Muslim society, it faced first intellectual and philosophical challenges in the 8^th and 9^th centuries from the Greek s whose classical literature was translated into Arabic and created doubts and skepticism about faith. As the Islamic societies were dynamic and energetic, it absorbed the Greek learning and used it for the development of their thoughts and ideas. However, the situation was different when in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the society encountered the European thoughts as a result of colonization, at this stage, it failed to respond and found itself incapable to defend its cultural values and traditions. Even after decolonisation, the political set up which these countries decided to choose is not well equipped to adjust with the changing world outlook 

The result is that today, nearly all-Muslim countries are facing enormous challenges that threaten their very existence, but the response neither is swift nor timely nor forceful. The question is why? Why there is such insensitive and lethargy? Why there is no urge to resist, no desire to struggle, and no energy to respond? The answer of this question lies in the power structure of Muslim societies. We find that nearly all Muslim countries are either ruled by monarchs or dictators who concentrate all power in their hands giving no chance or opportunity to other sections of society to play any role in political, social or economic affairs. As a result, the entire nation becomes hostage of their respective states. They are required just to obey order and be ready for sacrifice for the interests of the ruling clique. This power structure changes the whole outlook of society. Instead of participating actively, people become mute spectators only to observe what is going on from the above. Any opposition or any criticism to government is regarded a treason. Subsequently, the dictatorial and autocratic role of the state distances people from power structure and refuses to use their energy and power to face internal and external challenges. Generally, the Muslim states are afraid of their people. Therefore, instead of relying on the support of people, they rely on army, police, and intelligence agencies. The result is that whenever, there are crises or challenges; the states have to face them alone without the support of their people.

This creates wide gaps between people and the states throughout the Islamic world. What people want, states negates it? What states requires, people deny it. Unless this gap is filled, it will be difficult for states to fight alone and survive The other alternative for these states is to seek protection from the imperialist powers against the wishes of their own people. It ultimately divides society into two hostile groups i.e. rulers and people.

Under these circumstances, the main concern of the Muslim states is how to control their own people. In this regard, two methods are generally adopted by the states. First, to pronounce and implement draconian laws prohibiting people not to demonstrate, express their opinion, and involve in any political activity. Politics becomes the domain of elite and selected few. Secondly, to indoctrinate people by inculcating emotions of nationalism and patriotism using popular media such as radio, T.V. newspapers and films. In such a situation, the state uses all resources for its own survival rather then look after the problems of people such as education or health. This makes people illiterate, male nourished, starved, and weak, subsequently, incapable to fight either for their own rights and challenging the state structure which is hostile to them.

It is, therefore, argued that the Muslim world cannot get out of these crises unless there is restructuring of power structure. The present crises of Afghanistan and Palestine clearly show the distance between people and the states. It is not sure how long this will continue. It is also difficult to predict that whether there will be popular revolts against the autocratic states or people will endure humiliation, insult, and shame that are hurled on them by powerful nations. One method that is adopted by some dissident or rebel groups is the use of terrorism. It is generally adopted when there remains no legal or lawful way to solve problems. It is also a weapon of the weak and helpless against the powerful. However, terrorism does not solve problems. On the other hand it creates more. It is severely handles by state power and crushed it mercilessly. The other alternative is to develop their own knowledge system to combat internal as well as external challenges on its basis. It is rightly says that knowledge is power because it equips people to argue logically and present their case rationally. In absence of it, people express their views in terms of anger and emotions. It is evident that we cannot convince other people with emotional language. There is need to present your case with facts. and evidence.

There is also a need to understand that why USA and the Western powers are so advanced in their knowledge system and why talented people, instead of working and profiting their societies, prefer to go to the west and enrich their knowledge system? The western countries not only to have their own knowledge system but also acquire the knowledge of other countries. For example, the American and Western universities have more advanced and developed Departments of South Asia and the Middle East. On Islam and Muslim societies their research work is wide range. The Orientalism or the knowledge of the East makes them capable to understand the over all situation of these countries and provide them tools how to control them. Parallel to this, we don not have such institutions and Departments to understand Western or American societies. Thus, there is clash of knowledge and ignorance.

Societies need culture to become intellectually mature. If there is restriction on cultural activites, mind of people become dull and barren. Any society where there is no creation and innovation becomes a pariah in the comity of nations. Societies are respected only when they contribute to the world culture and civilization. As an illiterate person is a burden on a society, similarly, a cultureless society is a burden to civilized world.