Good Example Of Argumentative Essay On Positions Of Modernist And Fundamentalist Discourses On Islam

Fundamentalism, according to the Collins Dictionary, is the act of faithfully and firmly observing essential values of a given belief. The Collins Dictionary also defines modernism as a movement with the aim of changing traditional ideologies and techniques. Hence, modernism and fundamentalism are two different ideologies on a given belief on something. This paper seeks to compare views of modernist and fundamentalist discourses on Islam.
Al Afghan’s article points out various views by propagated by modernists on Islam. He argues that the Quran’s teachings are inconsistent and curious in regard to human life. He further indicates that Islam requires that man be judged by his deeds; a factor that raises questions on Islamic morality. Further the article indicates that religion does not support science and its development. He gives an example of a situation in Baghdad where, in the past years, some philosophers are said to have been killed for supporting and developing science. He goes on to remark that religion demands true Islam believers to turn from scientific truths – something that has seen some Muslims convert to Christianity.
On the other hand, fundamentalists differ with the modernists. For instance, Sayyid Qutb (in his article titled Islam as the foundation of knowledge) argues that the conversion of some Muslims to Christianity is based on the Islamic stand against pork, but not the inconsistence in the teachings of the Islamic faith. He further argues that Islam allows studies from all disciplines, including science, aimed at improving one’s capabilities.
Overall, fundamentalists tend to disregard views propagated by modernists on the Islamic faith. The bottom line seems to be regard to human life and dignity. Whichever way one looks at it, the ultimate aim should be on his or her relationship with God. People are entitled to their opinion and preferred way of doing things. However, these freedoms should not cause any harm or hindrance to others.