A common misconception about Islam is that it conflicts with modernity. I addressed several misconceptions about Islam in my previous post, “Understanding Islam Beyond Misconceptions,” but did not cover the relationship between Islam and modernity. Today, I want to share my thoughts on this topic. While I may not be an expert, as a Muslim, I believe I have enough knowledge to dispel this misconception.

There is no shortage of misunderstandings about Islam, and the idea that Islam conflicts with modernity is one of them. Interestingly, even many Muslims sometimes get confused about this and think that Islam might be at odds with modernity. On the other hand, some people attempt to modernize Islam and in the process stray from its fundamental principles. Today, I will discuss how to maintain a balance between these two extremes and the benefits of doing so. So, let’s begin in the name of Allah.

As always, I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah (Thank you)

Islam and Modernity: Understanding Islam

Lexical Meaning: The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root (س-ل-م) “S-L-M,” which means peace, purity, submission, surrender, and obedience.

Terminological Meaning: Islam means submission to the will of Allah Almighty (God).

Definition Of Islam:

“Islam is the only acceptable way of life ordained by Almighty Allah, where an individual’s will is surrendered to the will of Allah. It is not merely a religion but a complete code of life that encompasses every aspect of human existence, guiding believers in their spiritual, social, and moral conduct.”

Please note: that this is my own definition. You may accept or reject it based on your preference or if you find a better one. However, this definition resonates with me and makes it easier for me to understand, so I often use my own definitions in my posts.

I mentioned that Islam is the only acceptable way of life prescribed by Allah for us. This is not anything from me. It is from the creator Allah Almighty Himself. He says in the Holy Quran:

• “اِنَّ الدِّيْنَ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ الْاِسْلَامُ”  “Truly, the (recognized) religion in the sight of Allah is Islām”. [Surah Al Imran, 3:19]

The way of life prescribed by Allah can never conflict with anything beneficial for us. If something seems to conflict with Islam, it means that thing is not truly beneficial for us. This is not to say that modernity is inherently bad. Remember, Islam is a complete way of life, providing comprehensive guidance for humanity. It addresses all aspects of human life, from family matters to state governance. There’s no room to think that Islam lacks in these areas. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,

• ” اَلْيَوْمَ اَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِيْنَكُمْ وَاَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِيْ وَرَضِيْتُ لَكُمُ الْاِسْلَامَ دِيْنًا”  “Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you”. [Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3]

It’s clearly mentioned that Allah has completed the Islam for us. 

Now to understand whether Islam conflicts with modernity or not, we first need to properly define modernity.

Islam and Modernity: Understanding Modernity

The definition of modernity varies from person to person, so my perspective might not resonate with everyone. However, I’ll share what I understand about this topic.

To me, modernity signifies the advancements we’ve achieved in our standard of living compared to the past. This includes many areas such as medical advancements, technological progress, improvements in transportation, and so on. In simple terms, anything that has made our lives easier, more dynamic, and better can be considered modernity.

Moreover, I believe modernity encompasses the cultural, historical, and even psychological changes we have undergone. 

Now, there’s an important question: Is all modernity beneficial? That’s a different discussion which I will touch upon briefly later, particularly when I describe the types of modernity. For now, understand that I view modernity as the improvements and changes we’ve experienced from the past to the present that have enhanced our quality of life. Again, my perspective might not please everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.

Since today’s topic requires my opinion, I am sharing it with you. Let’s move on to the main discussion: whether Islam and modernity are in conflict.

Are Islam and Modernity in Conflict?

You’ve already been introduced to both Islam and modernity. Islam is the only acceptable way of life given to us by Almighty Allah, providing us with beautiful and logical guidelines to live correctly and achieve success in this world and the hereafter. It’s essential to remember that Islam operates on several core principles provided by Allah for our worldly and eternal benefit.

Modern advancements that do not contradict these fundamental Islamic principles are not in conflict with Islam. Conversely, those advancements that violate these principles are indeed in conflict with Islam. To better understand this, we must distinguish between two types of modernity: True modernity and So-called modernity.

True Modernity

True modernity is a system that improves our standard of living without harming anyone and does not contradict Islamic principles. Here are some examples to clarify this concept:

1. Hajj and Travel: Hajj is a significant act of worship in Islam. Every year, millions travel to the Kaaba for Hajj. Nowadays, many prefer flying or other convenient methods, making the journey much easier compared to centuries ago. This technological advancement, a part of true modernity, is fully supported by Islam because it simplifies and enhances our experience without conflicting with Islamic principles.

2. Medical Advancements: Consider modern medicine, where diseases that were once difficult to treat are now manageable, significantly improving our quality of life. This is another aspect of true modernity that Islam fully supports.

3. Communication Technology: Modern communication systems are incredibly beneficial, allowing us to connect with anyone, anytime, which was unimaginable a century ago. This, too, is part of true modernity and is supported by Islam because it enhances our lives without any contradictions.

Beyond these examples, there are countless instances of true modernity in our society, all of which Islam supports as they are blessings from Allah. Now, let’s look at some examples of so-called modernity, which actually pose threats rather than benefits.

So-Called Modernity

So-called modernity refers to advancements that directly conflict with Islamic principles, offer no real benefit, and often cause harm. Here are a few examples:

1. Immodesty in Clothing: Imagine an adult woman wearing minimal clothing in public and considering it modernity. Islam clearly conflicts with this view because it doesn’t consider such behavior modernity, no matter how widely accepted it might be. Islam does not operate on majority opinions but on the commandments of Allah.

2. Alcohol Consumption: Picture a scenario where four out of five friends are drinking alcohol and considering themselves modern while deeming the non-drinker outdated. Islam is inherently opposed to this form of modernity because alcohol is prohibited. Regardless of societal views, such practices do not align with Islamic values and are thus classified as so-called modernity.

3. Casual Relationships: Consider a young woman observing her friends engaging in physical relationships with strangers while she refrains. Her friends might consider themselves modern and her old-fashioned. Again, Islam is opposed to this behavior, deeming it a grave sin rather than modernity.

There are numerous examples of so-called modernity in our society, all conflicting with Islam. Such practices, although appearing modern on the surface, are harmful and detrimental to our well-being. Sometimes we recognize this harm, and other times we pretend not to, often due to hidden self-interests.

To conclude, any modernity that genuinely improves our standard of living without harming anyone and aligns with Islamic principles is supported by Islam and encouraged to progress further. Conversely, any form of modernity that brings harm, promotes selfish competition, and contradicts Islamic principles is inherently in conflict with Islam.

I hope I’ve been able to clarify this topic for you. If my writing has been helpful, please keep me in your prayers. Thank you for staying with me. As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings)