A Question of Concern? A Rhetoric of Crisis

Abstract

The morally laden question “What went wrong with Islam” is usually associated with Bernard Lewis and has gained seeming relevance in the wake of 9/11. Interestingly however, the question has a fairly long tradition in the Muslim world as well. This article dissects the question’s rhetorical qualities through a discussion of its invocation by late nineteenth century Arab reformers. The analysis reveals that, both then and now, asking the question functions to preclude further inquiries, to silence disagreeing voices, and to strategically boost the agendas of the questioner.