Embracing Scholarly Approaches to Islam: A Progressive Path to Combat Islamophobia
By
Adis Duderija, New Age Islam
17 October
2023
Islamophobic Rhetoric And Stereotypes
Perpetuated In Some Media, By Certain
Political Figures, And Societal Biases Contribute To The Marginalization And
Othering Of Muslims. Instances Of Hate Crimes, Mosque Vandalisations, And
Employment Discrimination Are Just A Few Examples Of The Real-Life Consequences
Of Islamophobia.
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In today's
complex and interconnected world, the rise of Islamophobia presents a pressing challenge that
requires thoughtful and informed responses. As a progressive Muslim scholar, I firmly
believe that embracing scholarly approaches to studying Islam, particularly
when rooted in progressive interpretations, holds immense potential to
effectively tackle and reduce Islamophobia. By contrast, the approach to Islam
adopted by some some Muslim celebrity preachers may
perpetuate misunderstandings, reinforce stereotypes, and hinder progress in
building a more inclusive society. In this op-ed, I will outline why scholarly
approaches, grounded in progressive Islam, offer a more
comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the religion, fostering empathy,
dispelling stereotypes, and promoting social cohesion. Additionally, I will
examine how the patriarchal, supremacist, and reductionist approach to Islam often
associated with some Muslim celebrity preachers contributes to increasing
Islamophobia in Western liberal democratic countries.
The Reality
Of Islamophobia In The West:
The reality
of Islamophobia in the West is a deeply concerning and pervasive issue that
cannot be ignored. Muslims in Western countries often face discrimination,
prejudice, and even violence due to their religious identity. Islamophobic
rhetoric and stereotypes perpetuated in some
media, by certain political figures, and societal biases contribute to
the marginalization and othering of Muslims. Instances of hate crimes, mosque
vandalisations, and employment discrimination are just a few examples of the
real-life consequences of Islamophobia. I am convinced that one of the best remedies within the
control of Muslims in countering Islamophobia is the progressive Muslim
approach to the Islamic tradition. This is because this approach, to Islam
embodies a cosmopolitan , inclusivist and ethically beautiful
understanding of Islam that can provide an important corrective associated with Islamophobic
sentiments, namely that Islam is an inherently violent, patriarchal and
supremacist ideology. I also am of the view that the approach of some Muslim
celebrity preachers to Islamic tradition often can contribute to Islamophobic
sentiments.
Contextual
Understanding and Historical Analysis:
Progressive approaches to Islam emphasize the importance
of contextual understanding of the
Qur’an and the importance of
critical-historical analysis in the very genesis and formation of the Islamic
tradition. Progressive scholars delve into the rich
tapestry of Islamic history, examining the
diverse interpretations, social dynamics, and cultural influences that have
shaped the religion. By exploring the historical context in which Islamic
teachings emerged, they provide a comprehensive understanding of Islam's
evolution, challenging oversimplified narratives that contribute to
Islamophobia.
Progressive
scholars scrutinize the complex , often highly contested and multifaceted
development of Islamic thought, including
the religious, social, political, and cultural factors that influenced
the emergence and the
interpretation of the normative texts , the
Quran and Hadith. This approach enables a nuanced understanding of
Islamic teachings, dispelling misconceptions and addressing Islamophobic
narratives that flatten the Islamic
intellectual tradition and ignore the broader context.
In
contrast, celebrity Muslim preachers often
adopt
a reductionist approach to Islam, focusing on cherry-picked verses or
ahistorical interpretations that reinforce patriarchal and supremacist beliefs.
This reductionist approach ignores the complex historical and cultural factors
that influenced the development of Islamic teachings, leading to an incomplete
and distorted understanding of Islam. Such an approach reinforces Islamophobic
narratives that paint Islam as inherently oppressive, backward, and
incompatible with Western liberal democratic values.
Critical
Thinking And Intellectual Rigor:
Progressive
Muslim scholars champion creative, critical thinking and
intellectual rigor as essential tools in the study of Islam. By engaging in
rigorous analysis, they bring forth diverse interpretations and challenge
regressive readings that often fuel Islamophobia.
Progressive
scholars emphasize the need for a holistic and nuanced understanding of Islamic
texts. They recognize that the Quran and Hadith based texts contain a wide and
,at times, mutually opposing messages that need to be interpreted holistically
and in light of their historical context and
overarching principles of justice, compassion, and equality. This approach
allows for a more contextually sensitive
understanding of Islam, one that transcends simplistic and heavily textualist interpretations
that contribute to Islamophobia.
Unfortunately,
some celebrity Muslim preachers often adopt a reductionist and
uncritical approach to Islamic texts, relying overly emotional and dogmatic
interpretations that reinforce patriarchal and supremacist ideologies.
This approach fails to acknowledge the historical and cultural contexts in
which these texts emerged and were subsequently canonised, leading to a
superficial understanding that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. By promoting
simplistic and uncritical interpretations, these preachers inadvertently
contribute to Islamophobic narratives that depict Islam as inherently
patriarchal , at times violent, and incompatible with modern values.
Promotion
of Inclusivity and Gender Equality:
Scholarly
approaches rooted in progressive Islam advocate for inclusivity and gender equality within the Islamic
framework. Progressive scholars recognize that the Quranic principles of
justice, compassion, and equality serve as the foundation for a more inclusive
understanding of Islam. They challenge patriarchal interpretations and call
for a re-examination of traditional norms that perpetuate gender inequality.
Progressive
scholars argue that when approached contextually and holistically Quran and Hadith can provide a foundation
for gender equality, emphasizing the equal worth and dignity of all
individuals, regardless of gender. They highlight instances where women played
influential roles in early Islamic history, including as scholars,
entrepreneurs, and political leaders. By emphasizing these examples,
progressive scholars challenge the patriarchal interpretations that marginalize
women and restrict their rights and freedoms.
In
contrast, some Muslim celebrity preachers often propagate a patriarchal understanding of Islam that reinforces gender
hierarchies and restricts the rights and freedoms of women. This approach not
only marginalizes Muslim women but also contributes to Islamophobia by
confirming stereotypes of Islam as inherently oppressive and misogynistic. By
failing to promote inclusivity and gender equality, these preachers
inadvertently fuel Islamophobic narratives that depict Islam as incompatible
with Western liberal democratic values, particularly in relation to women's
rights and gender equity.
Religious
Pluralism, Interfaith Dialogue and Building Bridges:
Progressive
Muslim scholars affirm religious pluralism, actively engage in interfaith dialogue, recognizing the importance of
building bridges of understanding and cooperation with people of different
faiths as well as within the Islamic tradition. They seek common ground and
emphasize shared values, working towards a society characterized by mutual
respect and harmony. By fostering interfaith dialogue, progressive scholars
humanize Muslims, dispel stereotypes, and challenge Islamophobic narratives
rooted in ignorance and fear.
Progressive
scholars approach interfaith dialogue as an opportunity to engage in meaningful
conversations with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. They not
only recognize the inevitability of religious pluralism at multiple levels (metaphysical
, philosophical and hermeneutical) but also are acutely cognisant of the fact
that religious diversity is a reality in today's globalized world and that
fostering understanding and respect is essential for for social cohesion. By engaging in interfaith dialogue,
they build bridges of empathy, dispelling misconceptions and fostering mutual
understanding.
By
highlighting these shared values, they challenge the notion that Islam is
inherently supremacist vis-a-vis other
religious traditions, thus countering Islamophobic narratives that perpetuate
division and fear.
In
contrast, Muslim celebrity preachers
often adopt a supremacist and exclusivist approach to
Islam, promoting a sense of religious superiority and alienation from people of
other faiths. This approach reinforces Islamophobic narratives that depict
Islam as intolerant and incompatible with religious diversity and coexistence.
By failing to engage meaningfully in interfaith dialogue and promoting a
reductionist and supremacist understanding of Islam, these preachers contribute
to the marginalization of Muslims and the exacerbation of Islamophobia in
Western liberal democratic countries.
Conclusion:
Scholarly
approaches to studying Islam, particularly those grounded in progressive
interpretations, offer a powerful antidote to Islamophobia. These approaches
emphasize contextual understanding, critical thinking, inclusivity, affirm
religious pluralism and importance of
interfaith dialogue. By delving into the depth and complexity of Islamic
teachings, progressive scholars challenge stereotypes, foster understanding,
and promote social cohesion. They recognize that Islam is not a monolithic
entity but a diverse and multifaceted religion that has evolved over centuries.
Progressive
scholars go beyond simplistic and reductionist interpretations of Islam,
engaging in contextual analysis and intellectual rigor. They recognize the
historical, social, and cultural factors that have shaped Islamic thought and
challenge regressive interpretations that perpetuate Islamophobic narratives.
Furthermore, they promote inclusivity and gender equality within the Islamic
framework, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for a more equitable
society.
By actively
engaging in interfaith dialogue, progressive scholars build bridges of
understanding and compassion, countering Islamophobic narratives that propagate
division and fear. They emphasize shared values and principles, fostering
empathy and dispelling misconceptions. Through these progressive approaches, we
can foster empathy, dismantle Islamophobic narratives, and work towards a more
inclusive and harmonious society where Islamophobia has no place.
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A
decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in
the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social
Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue,
Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books
are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty,
and Honor in Islam and Interfaith
Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African
Muslim News, Arab
World News, South
Asia News, Indian
Muslim News, World
Muslim News, Women
in Islam, Islamic
Feminism, Arab
Women, Women
In Arab, Islamophobia
in America, Muslim
Women in West, Islam
Women and Feminism