What’s Needed Radical Reforms in Islam
“What’s Needed: Radical Reforms, Not a Revision of Public Discourse”
“A Call to Add Marginal Notes to Passages in the Qur’an”
(Al-Islahat al-Jidhriyyat, La Tajdid al-Khitab al-Dini)
By Jacob Thomas
23 June 2018
Al-Awan is a liberal/reformist online journal that calls for the de-coupling of the Islamic faith from the Public Square, via a process of radical reforms in the interpretation of the Qur’an.
Many reformist intellectuals have concluded that any genuine reformation in the Islamic religion must start with the adoption of a new hermeneutic that takes into consideration and critiques the time and circumstances for the “descent” of each Qur’anic Surah. Such an approach runs counter to the historic Muslim belief that the sacred text is “uncreated,” and remains normative for all time, and in all places! Notwithstanding this belief, liberal Muslims are working hard to initiate radical reforms, realizing that unless these changes take place, the exodus from Islam will only accelerate among future generations.
The following excerpts from the Arabic on-line article present the case for such a radical hermeneutical venture:
“The Qur’an declares that, the only acceptable religion to Allah is Islam (3:19) This Ayah implies that Islam is the most complete and worthy faith to follow. Islamists, most Muslims, even so-called ‘Moderates,’ regard all other religions as false.
“Can we claim then that Islam is a tolerant religion; or, are its detractors right, when they assert that Islam, is the most intolerant faith? When Muslim radicals commit crimes against humanity, the conclusion is obvious: Islam is a violent and belligerent religion.
“On the other hand, when we study the early chapters of the Qur’an (the Meccan Surahs 610-622,) we encounter Ayas that breathe a tolerant faith, with emphasis on freedom and mercy toward all human beings.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” 2:256
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)”.49:13
“Don’t these texts breathe a spirit of love and a view of a humanity living in harmony; where all people enjoy equal status; created to get acquainted with one another, and becoming friends, without reservation or preconditions, and regardless of differences in beliefs?
“However, it’s both painful and unfortunate when we encounter in the Medinan Surahs (622-630) Ayas that contradict the view of a peaceful Islam!
“Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah’s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.” 47:4
“Actually, the Qur’an reveals two ‘faces’ of Islam: an Islam of love, mercy, and tolerance; as when the Prophet was at peace with the Jews. On the other hand, there is an Islam of murder and intolerance. As one Hadith recounts Muhammad as saying, I’ve come to slaughter; another Hadith, where he describes himself as laughing while killing; and that Jihad is the apex of faith!
“There are around 500 Ayas in the Qur’an calling for violence and intolerance vis-à-vis non-Muslims; while those calling for tolerance, have been marginalized in the religious discourse. In contrast, the violent Ayas are clear, detailed, and form an essential part of the regular Khutbahs (sermons) of the Friday services at the mosques!
“We urgently need radical reforms. To attain this goal, marginal notes must be added to the Mus’haf (the printed copy of the Qur’an) where combative and intolerant Ayas, are explained, and declared as no longer normative.
“As an example, we may refer to The First Chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatiha .
“Al-Fatiha constitutes the text for the five-daily prayers; it has seven Ayas, the seventh Aya, as historically expounded by Muslim exegetes, refers to the Jews, as being under the wrath of Allah; and to the Christians, as those who had gone astray. This Aya requires a complete re-interpretation.
“Arab intellectuals must learn from the Europeans who made radical reforms in their culture, when their theologians employed textual criticism in the study of their sacred texts. They rediscovered that the Bible taught a separation, or a distinction between the role of the church and that of the state; each having its own sphere of authority. The distinction between religion and governance, secured the integrity of religion; at the same time, it allowed the state to deal with the affairs of the social life.
“When we come to Islam, the developments that took place in Europe are completely absent. Furthermore, it must be added that it was Western scholars who initiated serious and scholarly research of the early manuscripts of the Qur’an. While they encountered opposition from certain academic circles, yet they persisted in their ventures. We may mention among them, Patricia Crone, Christof Luxembourg, and Tom Holland. Some were forced to hide their identities, lest the radical Islamic authorities might issue fatwas legitimizing their assassination! The discipline of Orientalism was depicted as a Western colonialist anti-Islamic plan to spread Islamophobia, a term employed by Islamists, to silence opposition to their cause.
“As an example of this Islamist attitude, we may refer to the silencing of the documentary, Islam: The Untold Story, by the British historian Tom Holland. It was aired only once on the BBC Chanel 4 due to the pressure exerted on the channel by the Gulf States. In contrast, the same channel had aired programs critical of Christianity’s basic beliefs; however, neither the Christian Church, nor Christian groups, attempted to stop their airing!
“Nowadays, Islamists have become a global active force, thanks to millions of dollars they receive from governments to spread their propaganda among the Muslim communities living throughout of the world. Qatar is one of these states; its TV Station Al-Jazeera, works hard to stifle any reform movement in the Muslim world, while spreading archaic teachings about Islamist governance, and ethics. Its goal is to defend Salafism, based on the views of the late Sayed Qutb, the notorious ideologue of the Muslin Brotherhood.
“They employ all types of dissimulation in their polemics against reform in Islam, including criticism of Western democratic values that some Muslim states had adopted, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The totalitarian Islamist system is like Nazism. It goes beyond authoritarianism, as it seeks absolute control over every aspect of life, leaving no room for individual freedom. It subjects people’s morals, politics, economics, education, literature, and science to its worldview. In fact, it possesses a genocidal nature!
“For example, Kemal Ataturk’s authoritarianism led to the rise of modern Turkey, where secularism pervaded every aspect of life. Turkey became one of the advanced societies in the world. However, this Kemalist renaissance began to decline and wither, when Erdogan’s Islamist Justice and Development Party took over the reins of government, and began a ‘creeping Islamization’ policy, as some Turkish intellectuals have called it. He has succeeded in striking at the roots of Turkey’s secular tradition, by altering the Constitution through a series of plebiscites, the prosecution of journalists, and by weakening the two basic supports of Turkey’s secularism: an independent Judiciary and the Army.
“Adding to that, Erdogan initiated a campaign to denigrate secularism, while he began to glorify the history of the Ottoman Caliphate, aided by the neo-Ottomans headed by his foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu. Erdogan’s interest has shifted from an attempt to join the European Union, to his dream of reviving the Ottoman Sultanate, and control over the Arab world.
“In order to overcome the Islamist plague, with its debilitating illnesses, such as underdevelopment, and Irhab; it is necessary to embark on radical reforms. The West has already given us the tools and methods, by which we can accomplish the work. Now it’s our responsibility as Muslims who understand the dimension of the challenge, to take the required measures for the rise of a tolerant Islam, that’s utterly distinct from the violent Islam of the radical movements!”
Analysis
This essay is a bold call for radical reforms in Islam. The writer is suggesting that marginal notes be added to passages in the Qur’an that they deem incompatible with modernity. It requires the adoption of a new hermeneutic in interpreting Surahs of the sacred text that were “revealed” in Medina (622 – 630) The combative Ayas known in Arabic as “Ayat al-Sayf” (The Sword Verses) would be regarded as time-conditioned, and relevant only to the circumstances that Muhammad faced in Medina. They should no longer be valid in this age of globalization, especially nowadays, as Muslim communities reside permanently in several parts of the West.
Comments
The case for radical reforms in contemporary Islam has taken on new urgency as the Third Millennium begins. The spread of radical Islamist movements such as Al-Qaeda and Da’esh (ISIS) have troubled moderate Muslims. The biggest problem facing any genuine reform in Islam is the entrenched belief in the divine origin and applicability of the Qur’an for all time and in all places.
The rise of the Internet has spurred on both the radicals and the moderates. The radicals use it with evil intent to propagandize young people and urge them to join various causes against the Infidel. The moderates have also used it to good effect to rescue their religion from its extremist interpreters. Even for those who just want to live in peace, freedom of thought and action is infectious. The “Arab Spring” wouldn’t have spread from Tunisia to Egypt, without this new medium of communication. The events at Tahrir Square in Cairo serve as an example of how masses of young people gathered at the Square and succeeded in toppling the autocratic regime of Hosni Mubarak!
The fear of an acceleration of the exodus of young Egyptians from the faith, and the growth of Ilhad (Unbelief) make it an urgent matter to “save” Islam from an extremely serious condition. This fear is accentuated by the rise of Ilhad movements that are gaining strength by using YouTube, where interviews with leaders of secular worldviews, present their critique of the Islamic sacred texts, such as the activities of the Egyptian Dr. Sayyid al-Qimni
It’s very hard to forecast what the future holds for the much-needed reformation in Islam. One thing is certain, there can be no return to the past, to an era when discussions and articles on such topics could not have taken place! In all areas of life, and among all civilizations, history is accelerating toward an unknown future!
Islam cannot be reformed. Because that means the Koran has to be abolished. If the Koran is abolished Islam will cease to be existed. AND THIS IS A VERY WELCOME ACT.
The world will be peaceful without this satanic system ISLAM.
Dear Sammy
Can you prove that the Quran is the word of a divine being by quoting some divine verses from it?
You will find that the Quran is pure evil and from Muhammad who created it to satisfy his own wishes and desires. As stated by his child wife, Aisha.
“Aisha reported. ‘I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4788)
I’m always amused when people speak of “radical Islam” or of a “radical reformation of Islam”.
the word radical means “to the root” and as Walter has said here, quoting Qureshi and as Mark Durie has said elsewhere a “radical – i.e. to the root – reformation” of Islam gets you ISIL, al-Qaeda, Wahhab etc.
Be careful what you wish for!
Today, the growing orthodoxy within Islam worldwide is that “radical reformation” – a return to the roots of Islam and it is, in part, the recovery of the ancient supremacist and supercessionist dogmas that were severely challenged by the European colonial era that handed Islam its first world-wide reverses in history and thereby called that dogma into question in the minds of some, but by no means all, Islamic thinkers.
With the retreat of the “colonialist west” its continual pandering to and appeasement of the “Islamists” (that is orthodox Muslims) it should come as no surprise that orthodoxy is once more regaining ground as the “moderate” challenge to orthodoxy looks ever more threadbare.
You cannot reform something which is viewed as the literal, eternal words of a divine being, which Islam is, to do so is futile.
Those who have tried, have been despatched heavenwards forthwith.
On the topic of a reformation within Islam, a very different yet possible valid and true view on this had been explain by the Christian, Nabeel Qureshi ,who was in the past was a Muslim .He wrote in his book which is entitled ANSWERING JIHAD wrote about the suggestion “that Islam needs a reformation .What they may not realize is that radical Islam is the Islamic reformation. This might sound shocking, but consider: Just as the Protestant Reformation was an attempt to raze centuries of Catholic tradition and return to the canonical text, so radical Islam is an attempt to raze centuries of traditions of various schools of Islamic thought and return to the canonical text of the Quran and Muhammad’s life. This desire to return to the original form of Islam can be seen not only in the words of Sayyid Qutb, but also in his method. He focused almost entirely on references to the Quran. it is true also of the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS today, whose publications and proclamations are punctuated by references to the Quran and Hadith literature. Radical Muslim organizations are explicit in their aim to reform Islam.” page 75. Further on pages 79,80 the author makes his case clear by writing that “Radical Islam is the Islamic reformation . The endeavor to modernize Islam and make it relevant to the twenty -first century is called progressive Islam. Progressive Muslim thought leaders, though few in number and limited in influence are present and are working to recreate Islam’s religious framework from within. Indeed, that is what it would take for Islam to become devoted to peace – not reformation but reimagination. “
The above article leads to the topic of the terms “Radical Muslim” and “Islamic extremist” in contrast to the term “Moderate Muslim” are actually Western terms and not that well known in the Islamic Middle East. This is because what In the Islamic mindset in the Muslim Middle East as well as in Indonesia and other Muslim controlled country what the non-Muslims of the Western nations view as “radical and “extremist” the Muslims of those places in the world see as “Normal” and even Devout and committed to the Cause of Islam”. Likewise they view those who Westerns see as “Moderate Muslims” those of the Islamic worldview and non-devout and non –committed Muslims. The violent jihadists even see them as “hypocrites.” Therefore, this explains the jihadist chant of those jihad-minded Muslims in different Islamic terror organizations. When they chant out loud “Death to infidels and hypocrites.” Meaning Death to people who and not Muslims and people who are non- jihadist Muslims.