Free Religious Studies Argumentative Essay Example

Modernist and Fundamentalist Discourses of Islam

The modernist and fundamentalist discourses of Islam differ pretty much in major issues. They discuss the role of the Holy Prophet and his mission and duties as a Head of the Islamic State from the different points of view. It is interesting that the question of succession became so important and controversial that divided believers into different groups having impact on the idea of the Islamic State.
The modernist discourse is represented by the ideas of Ali Abd al-Raziq. He mentions that Islam is not a religion only for the Arabs; it is devoted to unite and save all people in the world. But the fact that Allah chose the Prophet among the Arabs means that all the changes should start among them. But the community differed too much and the ideology of Muhammad was not about establishing political authority, but praising Allah and completing the religion. It is complicated because the Prophet left no instruction about the successor, no source where people can find the answer about ruling the Islamic State. Moreover, the idea of the Islamic State was not ever mentioned by the Holy Prophet at all.
Khomeini suggests another point of view that falls within fundamentalist discourse. He believes that the Islamic State has not been achieved in any country yet. It is described as a “government of Law” and that Law was delivered by the Almighty Allah. That is why the Prophet as the one chosen by Allah can be considered as the Head of the Islamic State through the direct Commandment of Allah. The Holy Prophet and the Holy Caliphs should follow the Law of Allah, be just, know the Law thoroughly and not be an embodiment of evil. The main goal of them is to enforce the Islamic laws and to prevent anti-Islamic forces.