So what sort of a muslim are you?
The pressures of modern-day living has an effect on muslims. So many people use the term “LIBERAL” muslim nowadays. I started thinking what does it mean in the over all scheme of things. I was thinking about myself when I drew up these classification of muslims. IMO in order of ranking, these are:
A. Momin: They know most (if not all) Islamic rulings (Quran and Sunnah). They are scholars, and practice everything which Islam dictates. Their lives are a true reflection of a perfect momin and a muslim. They live normal lives but are consistently enhancing their knowledge about Islam. They avoid all prohibited actions at all costs, and stay away from even those actions which have a suspicion of being prohibited.
B. True Muslim: They strive to know as much as possible about Islamic rulings. Are not scholars. They adapt their lifestyles based on Islamic ruling. Once they know of an Islamic ruling, they do not hesitate to modify their lives to comply with Islam. Identifying Characteristic Regular in their prayers (usually in the mosque) and keep regular fasting.
C. Typical muslim: They are the ones who seek knowledge about Islamic ruling. Are not scholars. Even if they know abt an Islamic ruling, they won’t change their lifestyles automatically. They do adapt to Islamic rulings which are easier to follow (selectively). They tend to accept the easiest, and not necessarily the correct, interpretation. Are prone to carry out ijtihad in their minds whenever a new problem comes in and take the most convenient option. They know they are doing wrong, but hope and pray that Allah will forgive their transgressions. Identifying Characteristic: Regular on Friday prayers and try to pray as much as possible for the remaining five prayers daily.
D. Liberal muslim: They do not actively seek, but are passive receivers of knowledge. They live their lives according to their own wishes. In most religious (or problematic) matters they tend to automatically do an ijtihad (in their minds) themselves and take the most convenient option. In many cases they do not even bother about any islamic ruling. Are firm believers that religion is a personal matter between man and God. They have fundamental and rudimentary knowledge about Islam and Islamic rulings. They consider that if you do not do harm to other people that will be sufficient. Haqooq-Allah are low on their priorities. Personal success and humantaranian concerns are top on their list. Non-confrontationist, they basically try to live life to the fullest. In the back of their minds they sometimes wonder if they are wrong, have a sense of loss, but hope Allah will forgive their transgressions. Identifying Characteristic: Usually regular on Friday prayers (only) and keep fasting (in Ramadan) if convenient.
E. Lousy muslim: They are similar to liberal muslims, with the added characteristic that they have no sense of loss. They do not even consider that they are doing anything wrong. They are called muslims only because they were born in a muslim household, but could as easily be idenitifed with any other community. Have no idea about Islam (even the fundamental mandatory aspects). Identifying Characteristic: They treat some Islamic occasions as a get-together opportunity e.g. Eid prayers and (rarely) Friday prayers.
This is not a critique on anyone or any group. Rather I tried to create a sketch of muslims, as I believe they are right now.
Do you folks care to share if these groups are accurate?
And which group do you consider yourself to be in?
Be honest, ok!
