What kind of a muslim is considered a ‘moderate muslim’?
I was having a discussion with a friend about it and our definition of moderate muslims was completely different.
What is generally accepted in that category?
Re: Moderate Muslim
It definitely differs from person to person. But in my opinion, someone who is open to wearing western clothing but that doesn’t show too much skin. Tries to pray regularly, knows the difference between culture and religion, thus incorporates ikhlaaq in everyday life, isn’t too quick to judge, and has basic knowledge of the religion. Also eats zabiha. However, I am aware that for some people this might sound more conservative than modern per say.
Re: Moderate Muslim
The term “Moderate” muslim is silly because it is completely subjective. For example, what are the alternative types of Muslim?
Is it just “Moderate” vs “Extremist” ?
Or is is “Moderate” vs “Fundamentalist” vs “Extremist”?
Or it is “Liberal” vs “Moderate” vs “Extremist”?
Or it is “Liberal” vs “Moderate” vs “Fundamentalist” vs “Extremist”?
Or any “Liberal” vs “Moderate” vs “Fundamentalist” vs “Extremist” vs some other category?
Since everyone has a different answer to the above questions, everyone will have a different definition of “Moderate”.
A good example is that in Saudi Arabia they would consider themselves to be “Moderate”, because to them the example of “Extremist” would be Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Yet to others, what Saudis consider “Moderate” would be classified as “Extremist”.
Re: Moderate Muslim
I personally don’t like the label “moderate” Muslim. Was the prophet pbuh and the companions moderate Muslims? What about the prophets that came before? Ibrahim AS was probably seen as an extremist to his people. The prophet pbuh was probably an extremist to the Quraysh. If you are Muslim then you should try your best to be the best Muslim you can be. Islam demands excellence in every aspect of life. If you are a doctor be the best doctor. If you are a cleaner be the best cleaner. If you are Muslim try to be the best. The moderate label is an excuse for Muslims to stop bettering themselves in seen because they want to be in the good books of the west. That’s why you have Muslims today who say “I don’t read all my prayers but at least Im a good person.” “I don’t wear hijab but at least I’m not backbiting like the hijabi that does”. Instead of bettering themselves they make excuses and try to avert the blame.
Re: Moderate Muslim
For me moderate is someone who has a positive outlook in life. They are people who accept that people are a mixture of good, bad and ugly and instead of condemning people they will try to bring the good out in people by praying for them and being a positive influence in people’s lives. I find people with extreme behaviours will never look at people as individuals but a monolith to be condemned and already doomed for hell fire. So extremists don’t believe in redemption, forgiveness, or mercy but a moderate muslim does. As long as a person is alive they can repent.
I do not believe moderate Muslims are those who deliberately ignore Islamic teachings.
Re: Moderate Muslim
hahaha. Excellent.:lkk:
Re: Moderate Muslim
Moderate muslims are a species who would condemn radical groups like ISIS, Taliban etc…and also, would put the so-called fascist liberals in their place who want to change Islam by making alcohol and mini skirts halal etc etc.
Re: Moderate Muslim
moderate muslims do not impose their version of Islam down other people’s throats; they basically mind their own business.
Re: Moderate Muslim
I’ve never seen a self-respecting Muslim use that term for themselves. So, the first characteristic of the term is that it seems to be employed by non-Muslims in reference to Muslims that they find “acceptable” in either appearance or behavior. Now days, possibly even thought.
The media seems to use the term as an antonym to terrorists/violent fundamentalists. One can be a Salafist, but if non violent, they are “moderate”.
Re: Moderate Muslim
Would you like to share yours and your friend’s definitions?
The definition will vary from person to person. Though I’ve seen its label lean towards someone who is less serious about their deen, as pointed out by Thonewood9. Your question also reminded me of something that I’ve heard in a khutbah–the imam was saying that a man who grows a beard (for the sake of sunnah) or a woman who takes up wearing hijab, a person who makes sure to pray five times a day, regular tilawat Qur’an is labelled extermist, while those who don’t will be called moderate. He pointed out that Islam is moderate in nature (i.e. not going to extremes of ease or difficulty), so whoever is observing its basic duties is moderate by definition.
Re: Moderate Muslim
I agree with what you’ve written about extremists and forgiveness, redemption etc but quite often guys like Anjem Choudhary were drinking, dating and so on themselves before.. Same goes for some of those crazy Christian evangelists as well.. One rule for them and another for everyone else..
Re: Moderate Muslim
Yep that’s true…it’s a political term.
Re: Moderate Muslim
My definition was someone who does the basics such as not missing prayer, paying zakat, fasting, no riba, eating and earning halal, hijab and taking care of huqoq il ibad. Would listen to music, watch movies n stuff like that occasionally.
After reading the thread, I think everyone has their own definition of ‘moderate’.
Re: Moderate Muslim
Spot on
Thank You all for the replies. I can see now how one term can be interpreted in so many ways.
Re: Moderate Muslim
One must by now have realized the variations of these labels…and it must be understood that these labels are meaningless, arbitrary, oversimplified, overused, and relative!
Re: Moderate Muslim
I think someone who an party past can understand people better and guide them better using examples of their own life. I don’t think people who conceal their past as your examples mentioned above are using the power of knowledge to do any good. They are hypocrites. One sign of a hypocrite is that they say their method of performing religious duties is perfect and get annoyed when others try to show them they may not be on the right path. Such rigorous belief in ones piety is not what a moderate would do.
Re: Moderate Muslim
^Yeah, they should have more empathy..