Deconstructing Misinterpretations: Exploring Islam and Eurocentrism in Nadeem Aslam's The Wasted Vigil

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the depiction and interpretation of Islam in Nadeem Aslam's work The Wasted Vigil by, focusing on the notions of Said (1978) and Amin (1989) whose significant insights into the ideas of Othering, Orientalism, and Eurocentrism inform the analysis of the narrative. As a part of textual analysis, the paper uses thematic analysis as general method of research to explore the mechanisms in which Aslam's narrative construction is used to distort the historical events, Islamic philosophy, and practices. The analysis shows that Aslam's portrayal of Islam operates from a Eurocentric perspective, exoticizing the Islamic faith and perpetuating stereotypes that undermine its genuine nature. Additionally, the study emphasizes how Aslam's portrayal of Islam and his narrative decisions depart from authentic Islamic texts, including the Quran and Hadith, sustaining a narrative that portrays Islam as fundamentally superstitious and archaic religion. The results show that these distortions contribute to a cultural gulf that hinders a positive communication and comprehension between Western culture and Islamic dogma by reinforcing Eurocentric stereotypes.