Traditional Islam: What’s In A Name
September 15, 2006
We are often asked, ‘Why Traditional Islam?’ referring to our motto: English books on Traditional Islam. Well, the article in the Straits Times, Singapore, 15 September 2006 provides a beautiful answer.
Newspaper Headline: Traditional Muslims Show Way Forward
Excerpts:
“In the Ummah-wide struggle for the soul of the religion, and for the restoration of pluralistic Muslim thought, traditional Islam seems to offer an alternative. To ensure that this struggle is not won by the extremists, it is important that support and attention be given to efforts of traditional Muslims and that governments seek the advice of traditional Muslim scholars in formulating their policies on Islam.”
“In many parts of the Muslim world today, groups of moderate scholars and activists are working to educate Muslims about the dangers of radicalism. They are promoting a brand of Islam that many Muslims have forgotten due to the effects of an overly legalistic interpretation of Islam. This brand of Islam [that they promote] is traditional Islam.”
“Traditional Islam, loosely defined, is the understanding of Islam in terms of creed (aqidah), jurisprudence (fiqh), and self-purification (tasawwuf) that has been adhered to by the overwhelming majority of not only Muslim scholars, but Muslims in general. It entails recognizing that Islam is a living tradition that has been faithfully transmitted to each succeeding generation. It practices many distinct versions of spirituality …”
“One of the strongest manifestations of traditional Islam is Sufism. Contrary to common perception, traditional Muslims do not perceive Islamic tradition as being conservative and cast in stone. Rather, they see this tradition as fluid and able to accommodate changes in society.”
“Traditional Muslims have long been wrongly despised as heretical by radical Islamists, and are especially loathed by the Wahhabis. Yet, despite criticisms and attacks from radical Islamists, traditional Muslims have proven their resilience in withstanding such attacks and they continue to represent the silent majority of Muslims.”
“Efforts by activists of mosques such as the Abdul Aleem Siddique mosque, which is closely linked to traditional Islam, to organize talks and conferences catering to the younger segment of the Muslim populace are commendable.”
For further reading, Wardah recommends:
1. The Heart of Islam| Seyyed Hossein Nasr
2. The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam From the Extremists| Khaled Abou El-Fadl
3. Defending the Transgressed | Afifi al-Akiti
4. A Return to the Spirit | Martin Lings
You might be interested in these:
- An Overdue Review: The Islamist
- Best Reads of 2005
- What’s Right With Islam Is What’s Right With America
- Islam — Religion of Life
- Rumi, The Slave of the Quran
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