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IslamQA: Are all Muslims humanists?

Ikram Hawramani / Apr 13, 2019 02:10 PM / 6 Comments on Are all Muslims humanists? / 2657 views
Posted In IslamQA
Tagged Islam and humanism

Is it safe to say that all Muslims are humanists?

I don’t think so. Many Muslims are what I call “tribalists” who think only people from their own sect/religion/race are true humans. This is the opposite of what I understand by modern (non-secular) humanism.

I would love to meet fellow Muslim humanists but as far as I know even among intellectuals there is not much knowledge about what humanism is and what it entails.

And God knows best.

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Anonymous

5 years ago

Thank you for your answer. And what does it require for someone to become a humanist?

Author

Ikram Hawramani

5 years ago

Reply to Anonymous

You are very welcome. Please check out the book Imperfect Garden: The Legacy of Humanism by Tzvetan Todorov. It is a beautiful expression of the best that humanism represents.

Anonymous

5 years ago

I really appreciate your time and thank you once again for your recommendation.

Anonymous

5 years ago

Pardon me, but one more thing if you don’t mind me to ask. Can a Muslim be a humanist while staying true to his faith?

Author

Ikram Hawramani

5 years ago

Reply to Anonymous

Absolutely. Todorov’s humanism is perfectly in keeping with the highest ideals of my Islam.

Anonymous

5 years ago

Neato! Thank you very much! I’m happy to find it out right now. May Allah Bless you, brother.