Islam and modernity: Rigidity or continual evolution

[gurufabbes]

Good day,

my question concerns examples of Islamic practice that have de facto evolved as the world has changed.

Although I assume the point is that the central message of revelation is supposedly the same and cannot be altered, my question has to do with the realm of practice, particularly how and whether Islam has changed with the introduction of new ideas from outside evolving around it: Particularly countries that have been more and more exposed to feminism and women's rights, whether or not that has led to women being more and more involved in areas that they otherwise would not have.

For instance, are there women that have requested to become muazins? And has this at any time been granted?
Perhaps the acceptance or non-acceptance of people who are of bad character within Muslim communities, where they would have been shunned or openly punished in former times?


Are there areas of controversy where there is a rigid position by traditionalists whereas others have adopted a more modern approach on practical questions?

 

[greenhill]

This question will no doubt have a variety of response. Nothing ever remains static and unchanging. Something will change (such as mode of transport etc)..

In principle nothing has changed very much. The basic laws have remained, only as we modernise and become more educated, more and more people offer variations in the interpretations, rightly or wrongly.

Thus, the practice of the deen may differ slightly from place to place.

However, what is considered halal or haram does not change with the times. Regardless if a muslim drinks alcohol or not, the verdict on it does not change and no muslim can say otherwise.

This is as brief as I can make it to answer your query.


eace:

 

[chatfriend]

The pillars remain the same. The teachings remain the same.

I think You shall get a better answer if you present a scenario.

 

[syed_z]

my question concerns examples of Islamic practice that have de facto evolved as the world has changed.

Although I assume the point is that the central message of revelation is supposedly the same and cannot be altered, my question has to do with the realm of practice, particularly how and whether Islam has changed with the introduction of new ideas from outside evolving around it: Particularly countries that have been more and more exposed to feminism and women's rights, whether or not that has led to women being more and more involved in areas that they otherwise would not have.

For instance, are there women that have requested to become muazins? And has this at any time been granted?

Peace be with you,

The following Verse of the Quran was revealed at the time of Farewell Pilgrimage of the Messenger of Allah (Saw):

(05:03) This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.

This historical declaration by the Al Mighty Sovereign of the entire universe was to give us the news that Quran would be the center of an Islamic Society and the parameters within which all Laws and principles for the society will be made.

Since Quran is the word of Allah (swt) and He is above 'space' and 'time' , therefore the Quran caters to the changes that take place within the human society with time. But the Quran and the Sunnah (way of the Prophet) also warn us of some types of changes which in order to adhere to, the Muslim society might have to either change or omit or even misinterpret according to our own whim and desires the clear and absolute commandments in Islam, which would be following the path other than Allah's and all paths other than Allah's are controlled by Satan. So Muslims have to be careful what type of new ideas we're dealing with.

So when you speak about subject like feminism, then feminism is a creation of this century, which actually is not only in clear contradiction of women's role defined by Quran and Sunnah, but it has also proven to be detrimental for all those societies in which it is being practiced. Post Soviet Russia came to realize this, the West will also and needs to realize this.

 

[gurufabbes]

So who makes the decision whether the types of changes adhere to the principles? And how much do these opinions vary?

 

[syed_z]

So who makes the decision whether the types of changes adhere to the principles? And how much do these opinions vary?

Thank you for your question.

From what I know that the Scholars of Islam who are people of knowledge make these decisions, but Muslims in general also have access to Quran and Sunnah and they can challenge the decision of the Scholars if they make mistake, for example trying to make feminism compatible with Islam like considering women to give the Adhaan or lead prayer.

 

[gurufabbes]

Is there a particular division or hierarchy of the scholars in Islam (ullamas?) ?

I.e: For particular countries, particular to the West that may have local scholars?

Are there scholars that are specialized in particular domains of Sharia?

Do people of communities pick and choose which they want to follow or is there some mechanism by which they must submit to a particular one?

 

[syed_z]

Thank you for your question.

There is no Hierarchy from what I know.

Since Prophethood came to an end and the Prophet (saw) himself said that the 'Learned one's are heirs of the Prophets'....therefore Muslims are supposed to refer to all decisions with the learned ones in Islam. Now we have about 52 Muslim countries and each country has a group of Scholars or famous scholars whom they refer to for decisions.

Similarly for Muslims living abroad, i.e. in the West , then the Muslim or Islamic Council representing the Muslim body there are to whom the local Muslim refer to for their affairs.

But one rule applies to all, i.e. the decisions are always supposed to be made within the parameters defined by Quran and the Way of the Prophet (Sunnah), and that they should not contradict both. And Allah (swt) knows best..

 

[fschmidt]

So when you speak about subject like feminism, then feminism is a creation of this century, which actually is not only in clear contradiction of women's role defined by Quran and Sunnah, but it has also proven to be detrimental for all those societies in which it is being practiced. Post Soviet Russia came to realize this, the West will also and needs to realize this.

Actually feminism is a recurring cultural disease that has afflicted most decaying cultures in history including the decaying Roman Empire and the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.