Will there ever be a 'Reformation' in Islam?

[Musty]

Luther and others changed Christianity for ever with the Reformation. Will something similar ever happen in Islam?

I can't see any wide-spread reformation occurring given the number of cultures Islam exists in and the lack of any central authority figure to drive change. I suspect the only change will occur amongst those Muslims living in the west where their religion while important isn't central to the wider culture allowing room for change.

Islam is a very structured and rigid religion that dominates all aspects of the lives of it's followers in Muslim dominated countries.

 

[TashaN]

Because the Middle East, theology aside, is not the center of the world, nor the crux of history. I mean, it would be simpler if it were, but when is reality simple?

Most of major incidents in history like the flood occurred in the middle east and most of Abrahamic Messengers lived there.

Nah. For one thing, Adam and Eve lived in Africa.

Major part of what we call the middle east consist of African countries as well, not only Asian.

 

[Caladan]

Reza Aslan believes we are witnessing the reformation of Islam, where some pull to the more extreme side, while others wish to moderate and reform. His book 'No God but God' gives a fresh perspective on the history of Islam, and Islam in the modern world.

 

[Storm]

Most of major incidents in history like the flood occurred in the middle east and most of Abrahamic Messengers lived there.

Things change over the course of millennia, and religion is not history.

 

[Caladan]

Most of major incidents in history like the flood occurred in the middle east and most of Abrahamic Messengers lived there.

Surely there are more relevant examples to the important role the Middle East has played/is playing other than theological narratives that many people don't hold to be historical to begin with.
I would agree that the Middle East has had a central role in the development of religious thought, especially as the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and as a region with other great cultural transformations and developments. But I would guess that people today would imagine oil reserves, the Suez canal, the straights of Hormuz, and historically its geographical passageways and important trade routes as the real points of relevance.

 

[Storm]

Surely there are more relevant examples to the important role the Middle East has played/is playing other than theological narratives that many people don't hold to be historical to begin with.
I would agree that the Middle East has had a central role in the development of religious thought, especially as the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and as a region with other great cultural transformations and developments. But I would guess that people today would imagine oil reserves, the Suez canal, the straights of Hormuz, and historically its geographical passageways and important trade routes as the real points of relevance.

FTR, I didn't mean to dismiss that the Middle East is important. It just seemed to me that the initial statement implied that the West isn't.

 

[Caladan]

FTR, I didn't mean to dismiss that the Middle East is important. It just seemed to me that the initial statement implied that the West isn't.

I understand. I don't know what the comment which says 'the most important place' means either.
Just for interest, many in the geographical community see the Arctic countries as taking the leading role in future economy and politics as natural resources will become more accessible to use.

 

[sandandfoam]

Reza Aslan believes we are witnessing the reformation of Islam, where some pull to the more extreme side, while others wish to moderate and reform. His book 'No God but God' gives a fresh perspective on the history of Islam, and Islam in the modern world.

I must read this - thanks

 

[Caladan]

I must read this - thanks

I found it highly informative, and the bibliography is helpful as well.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Major part of what we call the middle east consist of African countries as well, not only Asian.

Only politically, not geographically which was what my snarky comment was directed at.

 

[CG Didymus]

I was a member of the Baha'i Faith for a while. I later took a college course on Islam. To me, it seems that the Baha'i Faith could be considered a liberal off-shoot of Shi'ite Islam. It has similar laws, a fast, and obligatory prayers. The situation was also similar to what happened between Christianity and Judaism. The new "reforms" to the old religion made the Baha'i Faith a new and separate religion.
Another thought, when Islam started, Christianity was going in a direction that eventually led to Christians, themselves, breaking away from the traditional Church. What if Islam was a legitimate response to bad Christianity? It is easy to complain about Islam now, especially for Fundamental Christians. But there was no Fundamental Christianity when Islam started. So was Islam a reformation of wayward Christianity?
Something else, maybe radical Islam could be seen as a response to the bad in Western culture. Is there enough greed in what they see in our corporations? Is there enough schisms and in-fighting in our religions? If God is real, and they believe He spoke to them, then He should be the ruler, right? So why would they agree to separate church and state? Why would they want laws made by politicians over laws given to them by God?
Wow, it's a mess. There's plenty of room for some reform on all sides. Who's going to start?

 

[F0uad]

Define liberal? Anything you do dying, killing, stealing has a impact on a bigger whole.
I would define Islam having laws that is between communism and liberalism.


Reform what, why reform it and how should this be accomplished since there is not a single leader?

 

[Storm]

Define liberal? Anything you do dying, killing, stealing has a impact on a bigger whole.
I would define Islam having laws that is between communism and liberalism.


Reform what, why reform it and how should this be accomplished since there is not a single leader?

At the risk of putting words in Stephen's mouth, I don't think he meant specific reforms. I took it as a clear reference to the Protestant Reformation, when control of the faith was wrested from a rather conservative (and fair corrupt) institution and placed in the hands of the people.

 

[F0uad]

At the risk of putting words in Stephen's mouth, I don't think he meant specific reforms. I took it as a clear reference to the Protestant Reformation, when control of the faith was wrested from a rather conservative (and fair corrupt) institution and placed in the hands of the people.

Can you maybe more specific are you talking about certain countries?

How is Islam not in the hands of people?
Please elaborate

 

[Storm]

Can you maybe more specific are you talking about certain countries?

How is Islam not in the hands of people?
Please elaborate

Well, it's not as extreme as the Christian situation, so not an entirely accurate comparison. Also, I can't really elaborate without presuming to speak for Stephen, which I'd rather not do. I was just trying to explain the reference, I'm not sure I agree with the usage.

 

[TashaN]

I can't see any wide-spread reformation occurring given the number of cultures Islam exists in and the lack of any central authority figure to drive change. I suspect the only change will occur amongst those Muslims living in the west where their religion while important isn't central to the wider culture allowing room for change.

Islam is a very structured and rigid religion that dominates all aspects of the lives of it's followers in Muslim dominated countries.

We don't need a *central authority figure* like the Pope and the like. No such thing in Islam. People only can change themselves.

 

[TashaN]

"Tariq Ramadan: The Muslim Martin Luther?"

Tariq Ramadan

I thought this would be useful on this subject.

 

[Amechania]

We don't need a *central authority figure* like the Pope and the like. No such thing in Islam. People only can change themselves.

I think this is probably so. If enough people who practice Islam begin to feel as if it's strictures have become oppressive, then a major reform movement will occur. I see signs that is already happening, and that "radical" or fundamentalist Islam is in many ways a backlash against what is percieved as a more generalized, on-going liberalization of the faith.

 

[paarsurrey]

I recall a hadith of the Prophet which states that in every 100 years, a Muslim reformer would arise.

The reformation has ushered in with the advent of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) the Promised Messiah,Imam Mahdi and End Time reformer of all revealed religions; and as prophesied by Muhammad; he is the truthful Caliph/successor of Muhammad in our era, in my opinion.

 

[TashaN]

I think this is probably so. If enough people who practice Islam begin to feel as if it's strictures have become oppressive, then a major reform movement will occur. I see signs that is already happening, and that "radical" or fundamentalist Islam is in many ways a backlash against what is percieved as a more generalized, on-going liberalization of the faith.

Radicalism was like a sleeper cell. They slowly penetrated the education system, high religious and government positions, etc. But what happened after 9/11 made Muslims before anyone else aware, not only of their very existence but also about their threat. What happened, although being tragic and sad, was a healthy in a way that made Muslims disinfect radicals before growing bigger than they already are and warn the public from them.