Beyond the Tradition-Modernity Dichotomy: Reinventing Tradition ( Tajaddod e Sonnat) as an Alternative Insight

This paper seeks to distinguish between the process of reinventing tradition (tajaddod e sonnat) and its ensuing result (Modernity) in order to 1) argue that the two terms are by no means synonymous, and 2)  to appropriate the literal usage of the term tajaddod as a means to introduce the process of reinventing as an alternative insight to step beyond the all too familiar dichotomy between tradition and modernity. I argue that the sociopolitical developments that have resulted in the rise of what many have called “the plurality of modernity” must take the concept of tradition as a central and foundational concept. For example, the dichotomy between tradition and modernity has served a fundamental conceptual tool in interpreting and explaining the sociopolitical events that took place in the Middle East during the 1950s and 60s. Of course, these two terms were often used metaphorically: modernity denotes the world of critical observers, whereas tradition denotes the object of critique. What is more disturbing is the cultural presumptions that ultimately guide the way in which  this dichotomy is expressed in theories of modernization: Modernity is attributed to the West, while tradition is “non-Western”. In contrast, my claim is that tradition and modernity cannot be regarded as opposing philosophies in historical progress; for Western modernity is itself a renewed tradition arising essentially from its preceding traditional values and principles.