Liberal movements within Islam in World

Progressive Muslim have produced a considerable body of liberal thoughts within Islam^[1][2] (in Arabic: الإسلام الاجتهادي or "interpretation-based Islam", and الإسلام التقدمي or "progressive Islam"; but some consider progressive Islam and liberal Islam as two distinct movements ^[3]). These movements share a philosophy that depends largely on ijtihad.^[4] Liberal Muslims do not necessarily subscribe to the more culturally-based interpretations of the Qur'an and Hadith. They generally claim that they are returning to the principles of the early Ummah and to the ethical and pluralistic intent of their scripture.^[5] The reform movement uses monotheism (tawhid) "as an organizing principle for human society and the basis of religious knowledge, history, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics, as well as social, economic and world order."^[6]

Reform, not schism

These are movements within Islam, rather than an attempt at schism. As such, they believe in the basic tenets of Islam, such as the Six Elements of Belief and the Five Pillars of Islam. They consider their views to be fully compatible with the teachings of Islam. Their main difference with more conservative Islamic opinion is in differences of interpretation of how to apply the core Islamic values to modern life.

The liberal Muslim's focus on individual interpretation and ethics, rather than on the literal word of scripture, may have an antecedent in the Sufi tradition of Islamic mysticism.

However, this reformist approach has led liberal Muslims to adjust or qualify their criticism of various acts by extremist Muslims, including terrorism. Such faint or qualified criticisms have frequently been attacked by western critics, especially those who assert that there is a so called "clash of civilizations".

Central tenets

Several generally accepted tenets have emerged:

• The autonomy of the individual in interpreting the Qur'an and Hadith.
• A more critical and diverse examination of religious texts, as well as traditional Islamic precedents.
• Complete gender equality in all aspects, including ritual prayer and observance.
• A more open view on modern culture in relation to customs, dress, and common practices.
• The use of ijtihad (independent interpretation) and fitrah (natural sense of right and wrong) is advocated.