13.4 Islam in the Modern World

Islam in the modern world faces challenges and opportunities. From Islamic modernism to fundamentalism, Muslims navigate diverse ideologies while adapting to globalization. These movements shape contemporary Islamic thought and practice, influencing Muslim communities worldwide.

Secularization, diaspora experiences, and the growth of Islamic finance and halal industries reflect Islam's evolving role. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of Islam as it engages with modernity, balancing tradition and change in various cultural contexts.

Modern Islamic Movements

Islamic Modernism and Feminism

Top images from around the web for Islamic Modernism and Feminism

• 

  amina_wadud | Amina Wadud will speak on “Islam, Justice, and… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fatima Mernissi, sociologue, écrivaine et féministe marocaine (1940-2015) – Citoyennes View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  ‘Lady Imam’ on 25 years of the Gender Jihad | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  amina_wadud | Amina Wadud will speak on “Islam, Justice, and… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fatima Mernissi, sociologue, écrivaine et féministe marocaine (1940-2015) – Citoyennes View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Islamic Modernism and Feminism

• 

  amina_wadud | Amina Wadud will speak on “Islam, Justice, and… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fatima Mernissi, sociologue, écrivaine et féministe marocaine (1940-2015) – Citoyennes View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  ‘Lady Imam’ on 25 years of the Gender Jihad | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  amina_wadud | Amina Wadud will speak on “Islam, Justice, and… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fatima Mernissi, sociologue, écrivaine et féministe marocaine (1940-2015) – Citoyennes View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Islamic modernism emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to Western colonialism and the perceived need for reform in Muslim societies
• Islamic modernists sought to reinterpret Islamic teachings in light of modern knowledge and values, emphasizing the compatibility of Islam with reason, science, and progress
• Islamic feminism developed in the late 20th century, advocating for gender equality and women's rights within an Islamic framework
• Islamic feminists challenge traditional patriarchal interpretations of Islamic texts and promote alternative readings that support women's empowerment (Amina Wadud, Fatima Mernissi)

Islamic Fundamentalism and Islamism

• Islamic fundamentalism emerged in the 20th century as a response to perceived threats to Islamic identity and values from Western influence and secularization
• Fundamentalists seek to return to a strict, literal interpretation of Islamic texts and practices, rejecting modern innovations and influences as un-Islamic (Salafism, Wahhabism)
• Islamism is a political ideology that seeks to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law and to promote Islamic values in all aspects of society
• Islamist movements can range from moderate to radical, with some advocating for peaceful political participation and others resorting to violence and terrorism to achieve their goals (Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Al-Qaeda)

Islam in the Contemporary World

Secularization and Globalization

• Secularization refers to the process of separating religion from public life and institutions, which has affected many Muslim-majority countries in the modern era
• Some Muslim countries have adopted secular political systems and legal codes, while others maintain a greater role for Islam in public life (Turkey, Indonesia)
• Globalization has increased the interconnectedness of Muslim communities worldwide, facilitating the spread of ideas, practices, and movements across borders
• Globalization has also exposed Muslim societies to new cultural influences and challenges, leading to debates over identity, authenticity, and adaptation

Diaspora and Muslim Minorities

• The Islamic diaspora refers to Muslim communities living outside of traditionally Muslim-majority regions, often as a result of migration, displacement, or conversion
• Muslim minority communities can be found in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia (French Muslims, American Muslims)
• Diaspora communities face unique challenges in maintaining their religious and cultural identities while integrating into diverse societies
• Muslim minorities often navigate complex issues of citizenship, belonging, and representation, as well as discrimination and Islamophobia

Islamic Practices and Institutions

Islamic Banking and Finance

• Islamic banking operates according to Sharia principles, which prohibit charging interest (riba) and engaging in speculative or unethical investments
• Islamic financial institutions offer alternative products and services, such as profit-and-loss sharing agreements (mudarabah) and interest-free loans (qard hasan)
• Islamic finance has grown rapidly in recent decades, with Islamic banks and investment funds operating in many countries worldwide (Malaysia, Bahrain)
• Islamic banking aims to promote economic justice, social responsibility, and ethical business practices in line with Islamic values

Halal Industry and Certification

• Halal refers to that which is permissible under Islamic law, particularly in relation to food, drink, and other consumer products
• The halal industry encompasses the production, distribution, and certification of goods and services that meet Islamic standards of purity and ethics
• Halal certification ensures that products are free from prohibited ingredients (pork, alcohol) and are prepared according to Islamic guidelines
• The global halal market has expanded significantly, driven by the growing Muslim population and increasing demand for halal products in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries (halal food, cosmetics, tourism)