In the name of Allah most gracious most merciful
Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatahu
 

‘Moderating’ Islam

By Sharique Naeem

 

One misconception that those who speak of the ‘Enlighten Moderation’ have is that they tend to confuse two separate terms.

The ‘moderation’ and ‘modernization’ are not synonymous. In fact, moderation and modernization are two completely separate ideas. To be modern is to adopt to the latest science and technology.

This is not only acceptable within Islam, but is highly encouraged to keep ahead of those who may wish to attack Islam and Muslims. That is why the Muslims, under the Khilafah, were pioneers in the science and technology of their time. And as soon as Khilafah is established again, advancement in science and technology will be considered with seriousness.

Moderation on the other hand is an idea that has been twisted a great deal lately. People are being urged to follow a ‘moderate’ Islam.

A good Muslim is the one who sticks to Qur’an and Sunnah, accepting Islam as a complete ideology, a system as well as a way of life. Either one follows Islam, or one doesn’t. I don’t see how a person can follow Islam ‘moderately’. What does that really mean?

Does it means that such a moderate person, may accept part of the Quran and Sunnah, and reject a part thereof, based on his personal whims and desires? Such terms are quite dangerous and we should be quite clear that they are not from Islam.