Path of The Shadow

Arab Futurism, Faith & Inclusivity Across the Stars | Chapter Proposal

Abstract

         Dune is one of the few examples of modern literature to include extensive Arabic and Islamic themes. This chapter will look at the significance of the work, comparing the culture and faith of the Fremen and the Arabs. We will look at our attitudes towards Islam, ethnic minorities, ‘the other’ but more importantly, Frank Herbert’s view overall.

Background:

         The aim of this chapter is to explore the Arabic/Islamic themes in Dune, comparing the perceptions of the average audience with the Arab/Muslim demographic. Based on his own words, we will explore Frank Herbert’s opinions and usage of themes to portray the Fremen, including the reality of suffering and historical persecution. We will look at the film projects that were made and those that were not made, including both SyFy miniseries while exploring Arab futurism in the source material.

A Readers Approach to Desert People

         As with all work, we approach everything with our opinions, certain levels of conditioning and perhaps even prejudice. We will deconstruct what those prejudices could be and compare them to how readers who identify with the natives of Arrakis would react to the text.

Frank Herbert’s Attitude Towards Faith & Islam

         Frank Herbert did not just casually insert Arabic terms into the fray of his work without taking a considerable amount of care as to their proper meanings and etymological roots. It is very easy for one to read Dune and come to the conclusion that the work itself is against the idea of religion or more specifically, that Frank Herbert looks down on Islam. The astute however, will note that he was wary of blind following and fanaticism, not religion itself. Islam was chosen for the Fremen as a focal belief system for a number of reasons and here we will explore themes of faith in Dune.

Understanding Fremen Suffering

         Dune gives us the opportunity to reflect on the life of nomadic people, ethnic minorities and the psyche behind the oppressed. It makes us question what we would do in the scenario of the Fremen and perhaps sympathize with their situation. We will look at the reality of the Fremen and compare it to existing ethnic minorities in the Middle East in particular.

The Arab Futurism of Dune & Conclusion

         Hollywood has had a long standing problem of portraying the ‘other’ which has improved over time as attitudes change with increased public awareness. The Afrofuturism of Black Panther and the celebration of African culture was a step in the right direction for all ethnic minorities. We will look at the futuristic mega city ‘Neom’ developed in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and explore a new idea, Islamofuturism; the idea that a faith can advance humanity just as they once did during ‘The Golden Age.’ And explore the theory that perhaps this was ‘The Golden Path’ of the Arabs in comparison to the Fremen contribution to mankind in Dune.

Art by artxman

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