Proceedings of the 42nd International Academic Conference, Rome

ISLAMIC MODERNISM: EXIGENCIES OF CONTEMPORARY ERA

SHAHZADI PAKEEZA

Abstract:

Muslim modernists, from Middle East to South Asia, asserted the need to ‘reinterpret and reapply the principles and ideals of Islam, formulating new responses to the challenges of Europe and of modern life. This paper attempts to make an assessment and analysis of the response of Islamic scholars and their debate to modernity and their contribution to ‘Islamic modernism’. The moderate and reformist calls are overshadowed by the fundamentalists, revolutionists and jihadists; so the current research will try to explore the concepts of reformists and modernists to make Islamic modernity as a reality that could meet the exigencies of modern era. Islam has been subjected to the effect of modernism and encountered the influence of modern life and its challenges in varied forms and manners. That is the reason that for many centuries the analytical elaboration and rationalization has been the fundamental genre of Islamic law in its quest for legal identity. The present study explored the response to the perception about Islam as conservative and extremist religion. An analysis of renowned Muslim scholars was included to elaborate the modernist trend in Muslim world and to point out which reformist trends actually create confusion about Islam in layman’s opinion. This investigative evaluation formed a major approach of this research. The Muslims’ response to the challenge of modernity and struggle to reconcile the requirements of modernization with their cultural and religious values will be the main focus of the study. The research will conclude by identifying the commonalities, comparisons, and trends in the modernizing movements in contemporary era.

Keywords: Islamic Modernism, Conservatism, Islamic Revival, Fundamentalism, Extremism

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2018.042.037

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