Progressive Islam: Reviving the Prophet’s Vision in Today’s World

Sura Taha Verse Quran 20:25-28 are verses from Surah Taha where Moses (Musa) prays to God, Moses prayed, “My Lord! Uplift my heart for me, and make my task easy,
and remove the impediment from my tongue, so people may understand my speech,¹ This prayer seeks inner strength, ease in his mission, and clear communication for conveying God’s message.  I am sharing this prayer urging my friends to understand my understanding, you don’t have to agree.

قَالَ رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى  

وَيَسِّرْ لِىٓ أَمْرِى
وَٱحْلُلْ عُقْدَةًۭ مِّن لِّسَانِى

يَفْقَهُوا۟ قَوْلِى

What is Progressive Islam?

I often find myself in discussions with some conservatives who seem to reside within a strong fortress, preventing individuals from their group from meeting others, falling in love, or marrying outside their community—even among different denominations of Muslims.

While I respect their right to keep their flock together, I earnestly ask them, what happens to those who do not see these barriers and fall in love with someone outside their community? We no longer live in isolated societies; instead, we inhabit open societies like the United States, where we interact daily with people of different races, religions, and ethnicities. This dynamic is reminiscent of the society during the time of the Prophet and we need to find solutions for our kids. The conservatives have a point. But progressive Islam is a big umbrella and offers another perspective.

I know many Muslim women who have remained single for more than 25 years. They have fallen in love with their colleagues, but religion has prevented them from marrying and experiencing a fuller, God-given life. I have attempted to address this issue in a 5,000-word article titled “Can a Muslim Woman Marry a Non-Muslim Man?” The link is provided below.

An Interfaith Wedding in Boise, Idaho

I was once in Boise, Idaho, to officiate a Muslim–Christian wedding. The bride’s parents did not want to attend because they had disowned her for marrying a Christian man. They lived in the same town, so I asked the couple to drop me off at their home.

Wearing a Sherwani (long coat) and Topi (cap), I knocked on their door. A woman answered. “Who are you?” she asked. “I am here to talk about your daughter’s wedding,” I replied. From the back of the house, a man instructed her to let me in.

We sat on the floor, completely covered by Persian carpets. Within a few minutes, tea, spinach samosas, and biscuits were served – Afghan hospitality is legendary.  The father invited his three sons and their wives, his two daughters and their husbands, and several well-behaved children to join us.

A Father’s Concern

He said: “Look, we are all here and can talk to each other. You said ‘Salam Alaikum,’ and if we want, we can all pray together. You could even lead the prayers. We can connect. What about Daoud (the groom, David)? He cannot connect with us. He cannot speak a word. We have nothing in common. I want to keep our traditions intact.”

I replied: “When you came to the U.S., you knew no one, yet you learned to interact with others. Similarly, Daoud will, given time. You are concerned about what the community will say. But this community did not exist before you arrived, and if you move, there will be another one for you. However, Rafia will always be your daughter. Her joy must matter more than what the community says.”

Imams and Authority

He pressed further: “My Imam says one thing, and you another. Why should I listen to you?”
That is when the need to explain what progressive Islam was. He listened to and agreed how Islam changed the societies in a mere 23 years. But yet, he was not able to cross his own red line and did not attend the ceremony.

I promised Rafia that I would call her parents again, specifically two times. On their anniversary, her parents prepared her favorite dish, Afghan Pulao, and bought a beautiful Afghan suit for Daoud. The acceptance was bit by bit.  They are now enjoying happy times together. I have spoken to over 600 families, and without exception, all have given their blessings, including one Sharia teacher. All they have to do is study the Quran and question the dished-out interpretations. I say, if it is not common sense, then it is not Islam.

How Conservative Islam Emerged

We can debate if we can call it conservative or invented Islam, itdeveloped about 150 years after the death of the Prophet. The original progressive Islam was reduced to bureaucracy.

• Sharia laws were introduced to deliver justice, but some interpretations promoted exclusivism and misogyny. Women, minorities, and children did not have the same rights that the Prophet had propagated. Outdated punishments like blasphemy and apostasy were instituted.
• Hadiths were compiled, and the Seerah (biography of the Prophet) was written. Much of this was valuable, but some of the writing leaned toward a triumphalist perspective.
• For example, one hadith claims the Prophet cursed others—a false statement. The Prophet was a mercy to humanity, praying even for those who harassed him.

Misuse by Extremists

In a disturbing contrast, Abu Bakr Baghdaid of ISIS used certain Seerah passages to justify abuse of captured women. That is not Islam. The Prophet’s vision of progressive Islam aligns more closely with modern human rights conventions.

Justice, Evidence, and Women’s Rights

One troubling example is the insistence that a raped woman must produce three witnesses. The aim may have been to prevent false accusations, but in practice, it is cruel. What kind of men would witness a rape and stand by?

I wrote to scholars in Pakistan about DNA as conclusive proof of rape. Their response: “Three witnesses are mandatory.” This illustrates the problem of sticking to outdated rulings when modern science provides better tools for justice.

Correcting Misinterpretations: Verse 4:34

Classical commentators allowed men to “strike lightly” if women were unfaithful, even describing it as striking with flower petals. But Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar’s groundbreaking research corrected this thousand-year-old misunderstanding. The verse does not mean striking; it means separation.

Many modern Quran translations now reflect this. Even Ghamidi Saheb, known for common sense, was influenced by the old view until I shared Dr. Bakhtiar’s video with him.

Islam honors both men and women as equals, and that equality is fundamental to building cohesive and peaceful societies. Indeed, Islam is about creating peace.

The Quran as the Primary Text

Unfortunately, many conservatives forget that the Quran is our primary text. God promised to protect it—but not the tafsirs, hadiths, or sharia developed later. The Prophet himself said: “I am leaving this Book with you. Read, reflect, and understand.”

This means Islam is about reflection and reason, not blind imitation.

I recall my friend in Boise asking, “Why should I listen to you?” He was trapped in the rigid interpretations of imams. But the Prophet emphasized that everyone must learn to read, write, and question. Islam is a progressive faith. If something does not align with common sense, then it is not Islam. ©

The Prophet’s Progressive Reforms

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was one of history’s most progressive leaders. In just 23 years, he:

• Ended infanticide, the aborting of baby girls. However, this shameful practice continues in China, India and some other countries.
• He granted women the right to own businesses, possess property, initiate divorce, and marry by choice. Even in America until 200 years ago, women were chattels, men’s property.
• Took steps to abolish slavery—beginning with freeing Bilal. Over 1,100 years later, President Lincoln abolished slavery by law, but bonded labor still exists today.
• Signed the Medina Treaty, allowing Jews, Christians, Muslims and others to live under their own beliefs. This was one of the earliest pluralistic constitutions, 1300 years ahead of time. Today, besides the western democracies, India and Indonesia have

There was no concept of a “Muslim government” in his time; that came later. Progressive Islam seeks to revive these original principles.

Islam is about Adaptability: From Camels to Flights

When the Prophet encouraged people to go on Hajj, they were deciding which caravan or camel to take. A thousand years later, pilgrims debated which ship to board. Today, we must decide which airline to fly. While the methods of travel have changed, the essence of Hajj remains the same.

Conservative Islam, fortunately, does not require its followers to ride camels—what an exception, perhaps the only exception!  In contrast, progressive Islam embraces modern modes of transportation and adapts to contemporary cultural norms. 

Conservative Islam tends to pass judgment on those who hold different beliefs. They not only reject the lifestyle of the LGBTQ community but also condemn it. On the other hand, progressive Islam teaches that only God has the right to judge a person’s faith; humans should not take on this role. According to the Quran, doing so amounts to Shirk, which is the dilution of God’s authority.

Conservative V. Progressive Islam

Interfaith Marriage and Verse 2:221

Verse 2:221 is often misapplied to forbid Muslim women from marrying non-Muslims. Progressive Islam reads differently, take the airplane and not ride the camels. Its purpose was to protect dignity and faith, not erase love or deny agency. Today, when Muslims live in pluralistic societies, interfaith marriage can thrive with mutual respect and ethical commitments.

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ٢١

Quran 30:21 And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.

Why Progressive Islam Matters Today

1. Equality of Men and Women – The Prophet’s original message.
2. Justice and Evidence – Science like DNA must be embraced.
3. Pluralism – Interfaith coexistence is part of Islam’s heritage.
4. Adaptability – Essence is preserved, methods evolve.
5. Common Sense Religion – Islam is a reasoned, humane, and progressive religion.

FAQs

1. What is Progressive Islam?
It is the Prophet’s original vision: Quran-centered, compassionate, and adaptable.

2. How is it different from Conservative Islam?
Conservative Islam clings to later interpretations; progressive Islam revives the Quran’s essence.

3. Does Progressive Islam support women’s rights?
Yes—property rights, business, marriage choice, and protection from violence.

4. Can a Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim?
Yes, with mutual respect and commitment to dignity and ethics.

5. What about punishments in Sharia?
Progressive Islam adapts justice to modern knowledge, embracing evidence like DNA.

6. How does Progressive Islam view Hadiths?
They are valuable but must be tested against the Quran’s justice and mercy.

Conclusion

“Progressive Islam refers to interpretations and practices of Islam that emphasize adaptability, reform, and compatibility with modern values such as human rights, gender equality, and pluralism. It seeks to reconcile Islamic teachings with contemporary social, cultural, and intellectual contexts, often advocating for a return to the spirit of the Quran and Sunnah rather than rigid adherence to traditional or literalist interpretations.” Groc

Progressive Islam is not innovation; it is revival. It is about returning to the Quran and the Prophet’s vision of compassion, equality, and justice.

I have seen firsthand—through interfaith weddings, dialogue with conservative parents, and revisiting misinterpreted verses—that Islam is indeed a progressive faith. It calls us to read, reflect, question, and live in peace with one another.

For reflections

1. Essence of Islam
2. Can a Muslim Woman Marry a Non-Muslim
3. Understanding verse 2:221
4. Who is a Muslim and what is Islam 2:62
5. Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
6. Dr. Ghouse’s background

Dr. Ghouse is the President​ and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director​ of the World Muslim Congress. ​​He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and a social scientist. ​More on Google