The Tension Between Tradition and Modernity

Al Qabas, Kuwait, March 1

I’ve emphasized this point numerous times, and I will continue reiterating it for as long as I have a voice to speak: the path toward progress for any state lies in embracing modernity. We can’t have it both ways. Those who seek to embrace modernity while clinging to outdated identities are akin to those wanting to eat their cake and leave it whole; a futile endeavor doomed to failure on both fronts. The dichotomy between tradition and modernity goes much deeper than mere labels or superficial adaptations. It is a fundamental clash of ideologies and ways of life. Rejecting tradition in favor of modernity is not simply a matter of upgrading or enhancing an existing structure; it necessitates an all-encompassing societal transformation. One cannot truly embrace the trappings of modern life without shedding the vestiges of the past that hold them back. The very essence of modernity demands the abandonment of tradition, as the two are incompatible forces vying for the same space. Thus, the choice between tradition and modernity is an inevitable one that our societies must confront head-on. However, navigating this choice becomes exceedingly complex when individuals find themselves torn between their aspirations for modernity and their reluctance to relinquish the comforts of tradition. This inner conflict leads to a fractured existence, where individuals exist in a state of perpetual contradiction. The inability to confront this conflict directly has resulted in a pervasive culture of duplicity, where individuals lead double lives, conforming to modern values in one context and traditional norms in another. This struggle between tradition and modernity is a hallmark of many societies, particularly those in the Muslim and Arab world. The desire to simultaneously hold onto the past while embracing the future creates a tension that is not easily resolved. It is only through the establishment of a civil state, one that can reconcile these competing forces and pave the way for genuine progress, that we can hope to overcome this internal dilemma. Without such a transformation, the path forward remains fraught with obstacles. It is only by addressing this fundamental challenge that His Highness, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, can realize his mission of leading our nation toward a brighter future. —Ahmed Al-Sarraf (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)