PROF. DR. ANIS AHMAD Islam and Modernity Prof. Anis is meritorious professor of comparative religion and Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, Islamabad. He is also editor of west and Islam, a research journal published from Islamabad. He can be contacted at

1. In its common use of the term “modernity” refers to post Eighteenth Century Industrial society with unprecedented role of the economic growth and technology. It also refers to the globalization or economic imperialism of the west over the rest.

2. Modernity also means evolution of social thought in the writings of persons like, Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Weber, and Durkheim and a fading out of Church authority in society. A departure from the traditional rural society to an urban, industrialized, modern way of life.

3. Its social version meant a rise, particularly against Universalism, and collective interest vs. private interests and a dilution of the family values.

4. The political version of modernity focused on secular democracy, rise of nation state and empowerment of women

5. Modernity as a mind set expects all societies, rather all traditional societies to follow similar historical course or process of industrialization, urbanization, techno-culture and westernization.

6. Conceptually modernity in the west stands for individualism, empiricism, secularity, glamorization of life, and ethical relativism as its pillars of faith.

7. Westernized secular mind claims to liberate man from religious dogmatism, sectarianism and extremism. It subsumes ultimacy for secularism.

8. Islam, the very etymology of the term refers to peace within and peace without through recognition and acceptance of unionization (Tawhid) in life. Allah Subhanahu wa taala’s conscious acceptance as Sovereign Power, and Ultimate Judge brings unity in life, in society and humanity.

9. Islam does not call itself “religion” “The true din with Allah is Islam” Al-i-Imran 3:19 “This day I have perfected for you, your din and have bestowed upon you My Bounty in full measure, and have pleasure to assign for you Islam as your din.” Al-Ma’idah 5:3

10. Being comprehensive, authentic, and universal the Qur’an and the Sunnah provide explicit commands, directives, instructions and general principles for resolution of emerging issues and problems in human societies.

11. The key to resolution of relatively modern problems and modernity lies in application of the Qur’an and Sunnah through the methodology of ijtihad as directed by the Sunnah itself. The Hadith of Mu’adh bin Jabal proves Prophet SAW’s approval and satisfaction on ijtihad Abu Dawud, Sunan Abu Dawud, Eng tr. Ahmad Hasan, 3 vols, Lahore, Ashruf, 1984 Vol III p1019, hadith no. 3585

12. Ijtihad requires full knowledge and understanding of Usul-al-fiqh, objectives of Shari’ah as well as adequate knowledge of the contemporary issues and challenges in the social, economic, political, educational, legal, cultural, communicational and other intellectual and applied domains.

Conclusion: 13. Islam is unique in its nature and successfully responds within the parameters of universal Shari’ah, to the emergent threats and challenges in a dynamic, innovative and creative manner.

Wama tawfiqi illa bi Allah Wa shukran March 30, 2009