Progressive Islam

Overview

A contemporary movement within Islam that emphasizes ijtihad (independent reasoning), social justice, gender equality, human rights, and the reinterpretation of Islamic texts in light of modern contexts. Progressive Muslims argue that the Quran's message of justice and equality must be read through its ethical principles rather than only through the lens of 7th-century Arabian social norms. The movement is diverse and includes scholars, activists, and intellectuals primarily in Western countries and some Muslim-majority nations.

Key Beliefs

• Emphasis on the ethical principles of the Quran over literal readings
• Gender equality and women's leadership in religious spaces
• Interfaith dialogue and pluralism
• Human rights as compatible with Islamic principles
• Critical engagement with the Islamic scholarly tradition