Progressive Islam can offer a way forward for Muslims disillusioned by injustice and discrimination

The exodus of Muslims from Islam, particularly in Western societies, has sparked alarm and debate within the Muslim world. While some dismiss this phenomenon as a product of Western influence or a lack of genuine faith, such explanations fail to address the complex and often deeply personal reasons driving individuals away from Islam. To truly understand and address this growing crisis, we must engage in honest introspection, acknowledging the very real concerns that fuel this departure.

As someone who has spent close to two decades theorising progressive Islam, I genuinely believe that progressive Islam — with its emphasis on philosophical reflection, universal spirituality, reason, justice and inclusivity — offers a compelling and viable path forward for a faith grappling with modernity and the diverse needs of its adherents. It presents a framework for reconciliation between cosmopolitan and humanistic dimensions of the Islamic tradition and the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world.

Breaking free from dogma and embracing reason

A growing number of ex-Muslims express a profound sense of intellectual dissonance — a struggle to reconcile traditional, often heavily textualist, interpretations of Islamic texts with their own reason, critical thinking and modern worldview. The rigidity of certain interpretations can feel suffocating, particularly in Western societies where questioning, critical inquiry and scientific understanding are highly valued.

Progressive Islam recognises the vital importance of intellectual freedom and critical engagement with religious texts and traditions. It encourages a move away from blind adherence to dogma and embraces reason as a vital tool for understanding and interpreting Islam. It emphasises the need for what I call “epistemological openness” in contemporary Muslim thought, urging Muslims to constructively and in an open-minded manner engage with emergent knowledges from various disciplines and cultures. This openness allows for a more dynamic and nuanced understanding of Islam — one that can accommodate scientific advancements, historical perspectives and evolving ethical frameworks.

By fostering a culture of intellectual exploration and critical thinking, progressive Islam can create a more intellectually vibrant and engaging faith, which can in turn resonate with those who value reason and intellectual honesty.

Reconciling faith with justice, equality and human rights

Many ex-Muslims, especially those raised in Western societies, find themselves increasingly at odds with interpretations of Islamic law and social norms that they perceive as unjust, discriminatory or oppressive. This ethical conflict often revolves around issues such as:

• The treatment of women: The idea that Islam relegates women to a secondary status and restricts their rights and freedoms can be deeply troubling for those who value gender equality and justice.
• LGBTQ+ rights: The condemnation of homosexuality within some interpretations of Islamic law clashes with the growing acceptance and affirmation of LGBTQ+ individuals in Western societies.
• Freedom of expression: The suppression of dissent and the punishment of blasphemy in certain Muslim-majority countries directly conflicts with the values of free speech and open dialogue cherished in Western democracies.
• The treatment of religious minorities: Historical and contemporary instances of persecution and discrimination against non-Muslims in some Muslim-majority societies raise serious ethical concerns for those who believe in religious freedom and interfaith harmony.

Progressive Islam tackles these ethical challenges head-on, emphasising the centrality of social justice, human rights and gender equality as core Islamic values. It advocates for reinterpretations of Islamic law and jurisprudence that align with these universal principles, promoting a more inclusive and just understanding of the faith.

Progressive Muslim scholars argue for what I term “gender-justice imperative” within Islam, challenging patriarchal interpretations of scripture and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women in all spheres of life. This involves reinterpreting traditional views on marriage, divorce, inheritance and women’s roles in society, ensuring that Islamic teachings and practices uphold the dignity and agency of all genders.
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Progressive Islam also embraces the “human rights imperative”, arguing that the inherent dignity of every human being, as a creation of God, demands the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. This commitment extends to all individuals, regardless of their faith, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

Moreover, progressive Muslims draw inspiration from movements like Islamic liberation theology, which emphasises Islam’s commitment to social justice and the fight against oppression. This approach connects faith with action, advocating for the rights of the marginalised and challenging systems of injustice and inequality. By prioritising ethical principles and actively working to dismantle oppressive interpretations within Islam, progressive Islam offers a more morally compelling and relevant faith for those disillusioned by injustice and discrimination.

Creating inclusive communities and challenging exclusionary practices

The decision to leave Islam is often deeply intertwined with negative experiences within Muslim communities. Feelings of exclusion, judgement, social pressure and even overt discrimination can alienate individuals and drive them away from the faith.

Progressive Islam recognises the importance of building inclusive and welcoming communities that respect diversity of thought and experience. It challenges the rigid social norms and expectations that can stifle individuality and create an environment of fear and conformity.

Progressive Islam encourages open dialogue and respectful disagreement within Muslim communities, recognising the richness that diverse perspectives can bring to the faith. It challenges the silencing of dissent and the ostracisation of those who hold different views, promoting a more intellectually stimulating and accepting environment.

Progressive Islam emphasises the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly towards those who choose to leave the faith or live alternative lifestyles. It calls for an end to the shaming, ostracism and threats of violence that often accompany such decisions, promoting a culture of respect and acceptance even in the face of disagreement. By fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community, progressive Islam can create a space where individuals feel valued, respected and free to express their beliefs and identities without fear of judgement or reprisal.

Confronting harm and promoting healing

For some ex-Muslims, the decision to leave Islam is a direct response to personal trauma or abuse experienced within Muslim communities or families. Physical, emotional or sexual abuse perpetrated in the name of religion or justified through distorted interpretations of Islamic teachings can leave deep scars and lead to a profound rejection of the faith.

Progressive Islam acknowledges the reality of abuse within Muslim communities and rejects any attempt to justify or condone such acts in the name of religion. It underscores the importance of protecting the vulnerable, holding abusers accountable and creating a culture of zero-tolerance for any form of harm or exploitation.

Progressive Islam promotes a more nuanced and contextual understanding of Islamic teachings, challenging interpretations that lead to the justification of violence, oppression or abuse. It emphasises the importance of interpreting scripture through the lens of compassion, justice and human dignity, ensuring that Islamic teachings are never used to harm or exploit others.

Progressive Islam advocates for support and healing for victims of abuse, recognising the trauma and pain they have endured. It calls for the creation of safe spaces within Muslim communities where victims can find support, understanding and resources for healing and recovery.

By actively confronting the issue of abuse and promoting a culture of safety and accountability, progressive Islam can help restore trust and create a more compassionate and just environment for all members of the community.

Embracing a future of hope and renewal

The challenges facing Islam in the West are complex and multifaceted, but they are not insurmountable. Progressive Islam — with its commitment to philosophical reflection, universal spirituality, reason, justice, inclusivity and compassion — offers a powerful antidote to the forces that drive individuals away from the faith.

By embracing the principles of progressive Islam, Muslim communities can:

• create a more intellectually engaging and relevant faith — encourage critical thinking, open dialogue and engagement with modern knowledge and perspectives;
• promote a more just and equitable society — champion human rights, gender equality and social justice for all, challenging oppressive interpretations of Islamic teachings;
• build more inclusive and welcoming communities — foster compassion, understanding and respect for diversity of thought and experience, creating a safe space for all members;
• confront and address the issue of abuse — protect the vulnerable, hold abusers accountable and promote healing and recovery for victims.

Through these efforts, progressive Islam can help revitalise the faith, making it more meaningful and relevant for future generations and offering a beacon of hope for those seeking a more just, compassionate and inclusive Islam.

The exodus of Muslims from Islam is a wake-up call, a stark reminder that the faith must adapt and evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. Progressive Islam, in my view, offers a fertile path forward in that respect.

Adis Duderija is Associate Professor of Islam and Society at Griffith University.