Inheriting a Complex World

1. The roundtable discussion entitled, ‘Inheriting a Complex World,’ was attended by 40 participants from MUIS Harmony Centre, Pergas, and mosques. The discussion centred on the responses and approaches for Muslims to contribute to society amidst a myriad of challenging issues in a highly complex world

2. Shaykh Dr Qadhi offered the following points for discussion: (a) Be cognizant of the different degrees of sacredness of the revealed Qur’an, the exemplary Sunnah of the Messenger of Alla (saw), and the intellectual heritage that was developed and accumulated over time - The Qurʾan and the Sunnah’s instructions, as a source of reference, are sacred and ought not be historicised; while the intellectual heritage, is a humanly synthesized body of knowledge that was developed in response to its peculiar set of socio-political circumstances – as such they may or may not be applicable to today’s set of socioeconomic and political realities; (b) Employ the critical and analytical methodologies of the past scholars, instead of applying their teachings as solutions to current day issues; and finally (c) It would also be beneficial for the ‘Ummah if scholars and asatizah kept the contestation of their ideas and their difference of opinion within the private sphere and refrain from publicizing such discussions in public.

3. In response, participants cited contemporary issues for deliberation and called for a nuanced understanding of the complexity and sensitivity such as in the case of freedom of expression and homosexuality.

4. Dr Qadhi related the American Muslim’s response to these issues. He asserted the value of a pragmatic relationship with the community and minority groups, including the LGBT. He espoused respectful freedom of expression that engages with contrarian views; and he deemed the wave of legitimatization of same sex marriages as a lost battle for the Muslims in America. However, he stressed the need for good parenting skills and practices to guide, model and dialogue with our young children/youth on these issues.

5. Dr Qadhi called for more unity among Muslims and for differences to be celebrated. He appealed for Muslims to develop genuine respect for others who differ from them. He closed the conversation with a reminder for scholars and asatizah to continue to seek knowledge for the benefit, unity as well as betterment of society and not to be the cause for division and disunity.

Executive Summary Dr Yasir Qadhi edited [PDF, 319 KB]