The Future of Shari'aThe political crises facing the Muslim world provide the impetus for change. Further, the changing social norms of the Muslim world show that Muslims will accept and promote change.
Consider that several Muslim-majority countries have signed treaties that forbid discrimination on the grounds of religion or sex. Certain historical interpretations of Shari`a place women and People of the Book in secondary positions within society, but those interpretations arose from past cultures and are not inviolate rules. Accordingly, Muslims should mold new interpretations of Shari`a that better represent modern times.
To be legitimate and sustainable, the change must be grounded in the culture itself. Therefore, internal discourse among members of each community is the avenue for change. Civic reason, as discussed below, provides an inclusive avenue, and Muslims should champion secularism because separating Islam and the state is a safeguard against the political abuse of Islam. Lastly, any reform must be systematic and thorough, harnessing Islamic principles so that the reform can be properly rooted in Muslim society.
Why is an Islamic State Untenable? ->