Contemporary Islamic thought: a critical perspective

Contemporary Islamic thought is characterized by diversified styles of thinking and a competition of ideas in the midst of ideological conflicts and enthusiasm for reform. It is naive and erroneous to speak of Islamic thought as monolithic. Five strands of thought can generally be found in contemporary Muslim societies: (a) neo-traditionalism and scripturalism; (b) neo-modernist reformism; (c) socio-political and cultural Islamism; (d) liberal humanism; and (e) Sufi spirituality. This article delineates and critically evaluates each strand, linking the dynamic relations between them. It ends with the affirmation that diagnostic thinking that is committed to the reconstruction of uncritical dogma needs to be developed in Muslim intellectual discourse, combatting all forms of dehumanized, exclusivist and essentialist thought. A critical pedagogical approach should be appropriated in the reform efforts in order to nurture a functioning Muslim intelligentsia to spearhead critical Islam discourse in their societies.