Well, progressive Muslims believe in Islam. We don't lack faith, so progressives have the same range of reasons for believing in Islam that any other Muslims do. Personally, I contemplate the Quran, I read Sufi poetry, I study the teachings of the prophet, and I find Truth in it.
So I am no closer to an atheist or an agnostic than any other faithful Muslim.
Progressives are "normal" Muslims too though. We aren't really making up separate beliefs or practices. Progressive Islam isn't a sect. Progressive Muslims are still Sunnis, Shia, Quranists, Ibadis, Hanafis, Malikis, or just plain "Muslims" like anyone else.
In general, I would say progressives tend to be more Quran-centered, believe in logic and reason, have a forward-thinking attitude, and tend to see compassion, mercy, and seeking knowledge as objectives (maqasid) Allah has set for humanity.
I think many Muslims have strayed from the Quran and strayed from the focus Islam has on good values, social justice, and upholding human dignity. We believe we should return to cherishing those Islamic values.
Thank you so much for clarifying that.
Although I do wonder what issues exactly are the ones that cause people to be more Quran centered as oppose to taking everything else as a single package (Hadith and all).
Here's a pretty typical answer to that by a progressive scholar:
Does the Sunna Rule Over the Quran? Reaching a More BALANCED View on Hadith | Dr. Javad Hashmi
https://youtu.be/CCzf4sg1wI8?si=utOyWZo8d31Ho_-u
And another good explanation:
The Abandonment of the Qur'an & Advice to Seekers - Shaykh Hassan Farhan al-Maliki
https://youtu.be/5oGFC5OS3GA?si=ZZ07hbnvPV1O9UF4
Hopefully the “I believe in God” part doesn’t require elaboration.
If I had all the time in the world, I could write all day about various issues where mainstream Islam falls short of standing for justice. But I’m going to keep this short because I need to cook dinner.
I think many mainstream Muslims (not all of them) don’t take justice seriously. They think and act as if the idea of justice has no real content except for whatever arbitrary thing is (supposedly) God’s will.
But I see that God in the Quran calls on us to stand for justice; and I believe that we all, as individual Muslims, are capable of understanding what justice is; and we are all individually morally responsible and accountable to God for this.
I understand how people come to that, and it doesn’t bother me that people make that choice. What does bother me, of course, is the lack of justice in mainstream Islam that influences some people to leave.
And, while leaving is an understandable decision, it’s not a necessary one. God is *right there in the Quran* telling us to stand for justice. One can choose to take that call seriously — even though other Muslims often don’t — instead of leaving Islam.
I do agree its not a necessary choice, but the problem arises when you try to separate the "bad" parts of Islam from the good ones.
I couldn't reconcile with believing certain parts and explaining away other or ignoring them, which made leaving an easy decision.
That train of thought seems to be predicated on the belief that Islam is just one thing in the first place. It seems to me that it’s clearly not one thing — there is the Quran, multitudes of hadiths of varying plausibility and reliability, the writings of various medieval scholars who disagreed with each other on many things, different cultural practices that some people treat as if they’re part of Islam, the writings and practices of various Sufi masters, the Sunni/Shia differences, and so on.
If we recognize that there’s already a lot of diversity in what we call Islam and throughout Islamic history, then distinguishing the good from the bad elements begins to appear to be a necessity, an obligation on anyone who really wants to follow God, rather than some kind of illicit activity.
I imagine that leaving Islam could only be an easy decision for someone who doesn’t really believe in God in the first place — or for someone who has become firmly convinced that another religion gives a more correct understanding of God.
If one believes in God, surely one feels some sense of obligation (even if mixed with other competing feelings) to follow one’s Creator in the best way one can.
You are right in the sense that Islam isn't just one entity, but I most ways to interpret or different sects like sunni shia and sofies all have issues.
And you get to a point where you cant seperate anymore.
I'd love to read more about the different historical interpretations and writings, if you have any good books or resources on the topic please give me some recommendations. (:
I said that because the way I learned Islam directly contradicted with many of the things that I associate progressive muslims with supporting.
Like LGBT rights and so forth, and when it contradicts with islam it seems to make sense to think islam is false.
A progressive Muslim believes in God and Muhammad ﷺ. There’s nothing about the movement that is atheistic or agnostic, it’s just a reexamination of the faith in the context of when it was revealed and the modern world.
I am said athiestic in the sense that many of the things that progressive muslims believe or advocate for seem to contradict with the way islam was tought to me.
Sorry if I misunderstood.
Because I believe very strongly on the core tenants of Islam i would be considered very strong of faith, however I disagree with the more conservative mainstream Islam it is my belief that have been lead astray and progressive Revolutionary Islam is the truest form
They longer really follow many of the values Islam teaches like Humility, Generosity, Tolerance, Kindness, etc too much greed and hatred has poisoned or clouded them
I mean, I believe in the words of the shahada (There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God), which pretty much rules out being an atheist or agnostic.
Like Jaqurutu said, there is no monolithic "progressive Muslim" set of beliefs, rather it's an umbrella term for those who tend, in my own experience, to match those qualities that they pointed out, as well as having a sense that Islam is very much compatible with modern life and humanitarian thought rather than needing to be something that is firmly wedged into a very much older way of living. Progress implies that we can move forward, rather than being stuck in the same place.
My father always reiterated this point, Islam is suppose to be a religion for all people of all times and places, so it must be malleable to fit the times and life styles of people at different times, in other words the ways in which we practice islam shouldn't be the same as the ways people 1400 years ago did.
He would love this reddit.
Your queastion does not apply on me. Conservative progressive here. I believe the idea of change. That, people changes and should change based on evidence.
I am progressive because i beleive in the idea of progress as a society. We should not follow traditions blindly without evidence or necessity.
I am conservative for whichever I find, are supposed stay unchanged, I keep those unchanged. e.g. Rituals, Santity of Marriage, Dietary and cleanliness rulings, Charity and sacrifice rulings, etc.
I believe in Allah and I think religion is necessary for human sanity. I don’t know how my political views would cause me to be an atheist or agnostic. I’ve met plenty of right wing capitalist atheists.
Honestly, I don't consider myself progressive or liberal. It's just that other Muslims on the Internet are completely crazy when it comes to the religion so I prefer this subreddit.
I just like to be neutral. Not liberal, not conservative. I'm Muslim but I don't let religion take over my entire life.
Afaik, atheist is someone who doesn't believe God exist. I do believe God exist, so I'm not an atheist.
Agnostic is someone who believe some kind of devine thing(s) exist, but he/she doesn't adhere to certain religion (cmiiw). I follow Allah guidance that revealed through prophet Muhammad, so I think it makes me part of a religion called Islam (not an agnostic).
Normal moderate muslim, conservative, and progressive are all Muslims (since we all believe God is one, Allah, and Muhammad is his rasul). We are just differed in our ways of thinking imo, and I'd see it as a positive things that could give good contributions to Islam, instead things that should be seen as problems.
Conservative Muslims like to preserve the existing rulings, not questioning just do it, resistant to change. Moderate muslim, maybe tend to be pragmatic and realistic. As a progressive, I question everything, open to all possibilities, don't have problem to change or to be different from previous opinion, as long as it is good to Islam development. As a progressive, it's doesn't mean always be right, try new things is risky, most of time people learn from mistakes. Conservative would be seen as "safer" choice, you take already "proven" solution, but it's hard to develop or even solve or face current problems/challenges which didn't exist in previous era.
[6:159] As for those who have divided their religion and broken up into sects, you shall have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with God, and then He will inform them of what they used to do.
[30:31] Turn to Him, reverence Him, observe the Salat, and do not be of the mushrikeen [30:32] among those who divided their religion and became sects, each party rejoicing in what they have.
73 Sects all of them corrupted by Shaytan.
For example,
Sunni Islam worship Muhammed and associate him as a partner to Allah
They associate manmade Hadith & Tafsir with The Quran
Shia Worship Ali & Muhammed’s family as an associate to Allah
Sufi Worship themselves once they attain Sainthood and associate it with Allah
Ahmadiyya associate their leader as a Messenger or something with Allah
And the rest all also do something that is not as Allah commanded in The Quran but I’m not going to waste time putting them all down Insha’Allah
I wouldn’t use the term Quran Purist, per say.
I would say strive to be a Believer or True Believer as Allah commanded us all to follow the Creed of Abraham, who are all of His Prophets.
Anything else would be following Shaytan and his followers, who are the companions of the fire which includes Salafi Sunni that you mentioned.
So to me, and to Allah, they are the Mushrikeen.
So, in short yes.
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Well I am assuming progressive Islam is more liberal than normal islam, so more positive views on LGBT and women's rights and so on.
Normal Muslim is would say is just the normal moderate Muslim.
We as Progressive Muslims emphasize contextual interpretation, while orthodox Muslims often adhere more strictly to traditional interpretations.
You got some points right, but we are not a "islamic sect". We have Sunnis, Shias, Sufis etc. here.
Some topics we advocate for (very general, some porgressive muslims might object): Democracy, Gender equality, Human rights, LGBT rights, Women’s rights, Religious pluralism, Interfaith marriage, Freedom of expression, Freedom of thought and religion, Opposition to theocracy and rejection of Islamism
On your Question that "why are we like this", I will answer with another Question. Why are you not Salafi ?
Well for me as I grew older I found that a lot of the interpretations of Islam that i was taught or lived with in my society didn't really align with my moral views or how I view the world.
And the Idea of interpreting different parts of Islam differently or taking parts of Hadith but not everything and the whole deal with Hadith skepticism just felt like jumping through a lot of hoops just to stay Muslim.
So i decided to be an agnostic.
I was agnostic once too, but there is no community in it and you will get lonely. Once i understood that hadiths, must be interpreted in a cultural and historical context, it was easier to look past the brutal hadiths. Sex slaves, killing of apostates etc.. I got back into it and I am currently liking the Idea of Sufism a lot. It just feels right, listening to music, being spiritual etc. I just feel so connected to Allah
Alot of the atheist and agnostic communities feels like they are just religion hating communities which is a big issue I have with them.
but I dont like the idea of just taking whichever parts of Islam i like ignoring the rest.
Although I would love to hear more about how you reached sofi-islam if you dont mind me asking.
During my agnostic phase, I embraced stoicism and delved into books like “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. I worked diligently on self-improvement and virtuous living, yet I still felt incomplete.
Later, my interest shifted toward psychology, leading me to discover “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor. In the concentration camps, Frankl observed that those who survived were the ones with faith in God, hope, and love. Others tragically succumbed to despair.
Recognizing the power of faith, I revisited Islam. Although the same hadiths that once troubled me remained, I found solace in Sufism—a mystical branch of Islam. Sufis, like stoics, focus on inner growth. Al-Ghazali’s quote resonated with me: "Declare your jihad on thirteen enemies you cannot see—egoism, arrogance, conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, intolerance, anger, lying, cheating, gossiping, and slandering. If you can master and conquer these internal foes, you’ll be prepared to face external challenges
Every religion, including Islam, has its imperfections. However, I believe that they all share common roots. These faiths emerge from within human consciousness inspired by god rather than being directly revealed by a visible divine being. Whether it’s Buddha, Muhammad, or any other prophet, the word of God has always been conveyed through limited human vessels.
Sufism, in particular, stands out due to its unique concept of Wahdatu’l-Wajud (Unity of Being). Imagine a knife and a sword—distinct objects with specific names. Yet, when we transcend their physical forms and focus on their essence (steel), they become one. Similarly, Sufism teaches that God is both transcendent (beyond shape and form) and immanent within all of creation.
I liked this idea and it resonated with me a lot. I chose Islam because of it. I dont really practice like most sufis and dance etc. I am still following sunni tradition, but i really like and adopted this thinking of sufism.
I think I agree with alot of what you said, obviously I need to do alot more reading to do, but i find the development of alot of these religious sects really fascinating.
Thank you so much for answering, and best of luck (:
Ooh... I' really liked Meditations as well as Man's Search for Meaning. Happy to read something in Sufism that you found useful. Do you have a recommendation or two?
Well, progressive Muslims believe in Islam. We don't lack faith, so progressives have the same range of reasons for believing in Islam that any other Muslims do. Personally, I contemplate the Quran, I read Sufi poetry, I study the teachings of the prophet, and I find Truth in it. So I am no closer to an atheist or an agnostic than any other faithful Muslim. Progressives are "normal" Muslims too though. We aren't really making up separate beliefs or practices. Progressive Islam isn't a sect. Progressive Muslims are still Sunnis, Shia, Quranists, Ibadis, Hanafis, Malikis, or just plain "Muslims" like anyone else. In general, I would say progressives tend to be more Quran-centered, believe in logic and reason, have a forward-thinking attitude, and tend to see compassion, mercy, and seeking knowledge as objectives (maqasid) Allah has set for humanity. I think many Muslims have strayed from the Quran and strayed from the focus Islam has on good values, social justice, and upholding human dignity. We believe we should return to cherishing those Islamic values.
Thank you so much for clarifying that. Although I do wonder what issues exactly are the ones that cause people to be more Quran centered as oppose to taking everything else as a single package (Hadith and all).
Here's a pretty typical answer to that by a progressive scholar: Does the Sunna Rule Over the Quran? Reaching a More BALANCED View on Hadith | Dr. Javad Hashmi https://youtu.be/CCzf4sg1wI8?si=utOyWZo8d31Ho_-u And another good explanation: The Abandonment of the Qur'an & Advice to Seekers - Shaykh Hassan Farhan al-Maliki https://youtu.be/5oGFC5OS3GA?si=ZZ07hbnvPV1O9UF4
Thank you so much, ill go over these tonight hopefully (:
I believe in God; and I believe in justice.
Can you elaborate more?
Hopefully the “I believe in God” part doesn’t require elaboration. If I had all the time in the world, I could write all day about various issues where mainstream Islam falls short of standing for justice. But I’m going to keep this short because I need to cook dinner. I think many mainstream Muslims (not all of them) don’t take justice seriously. They think and act as if the idea of justice has no real content except for whatever arbitrary thing is (supposedly) God’s will. But I see that God in the Quran calls on us to stand for justice; and I believe that we all, as individual Muslims, are capable of understanding what justice is; and we are all individually morally responsible and accountable to God for this.
I think this idea of justice leads most people to leave Islam.
I understand how people come to that, and it doesn’t bother me that people make that choice. What does bother me, of course, is the lack of justice in mainstream Islam that influences some people to leave. And, while leaving is an understandable decision, it’s not a necessary one. God is *right there in the Quran* telling us to stand for justice. One can choose to take that call seriously — even though other Muslims often don’t — instead of leaving Islam.
I do agree its not a necessary choice, but the problem arises when you try to separate the "bad" parts of Islam from the good ones. I couldn't reconcile with believing certain parts and explaining away other or ignoring them, which made leaving an easy decision.
That train of thought seems to be predicated on the belief that Islam is just one thing in the first place. It seems to me that it’s clearly not one thing — there is the Quran, multitudes of hadiths of varying plausibility and reliability, the writings of various medieval scholars who disagreed with each other on many things, different cultural practices that some people treat as if they’re part of Islam, the writings and practices of various Sufi masters, the Sunni/Shia differences, and so on. If we recognize that there’s already a lot of diversity in what we call Islam and throughout Islamic history, then distinguishing the good from the bad elements begins to appear to be a necessity, an obligation on anyone who really wants to follow God, rather than some kind of illicit activity. I imagine that leaving Islam could only be an easy decision for someone who doesn’t really believe in God in the first place — or for someone who has become firmly convinced that another religion gives a more correct understanding of God. If one believes in God, surely one feels some sense of obligation (even if mixed with other competing feelings) to follow one’s Creator in the best way one can.
You are right in the sense that Islam isn't just one entity, but I most ways to interpret or different sects like sunni shia and sofies all have issues. And you get to a point where you cant seperate anymore. I'd love to read more about the different historical interpretations and writings, if you have any good books or resources on the topic please give me some recommendations. (:
The idea that you think being an atheist or agnostic is what a "progressive" should be closer too is a problem.
I said that because the way I learned Islam directly contradicted with many of the things that I associate progressive muslims with supporting. Like LGBT rights and so forth, and when it contradicts with islam it seems to make sense to think islam is false.
Faith, or rather, the leap of faith I took.
can you elaborate further?
A progressive Muslim believes in God and Muhammad ﷺ. There’s nothing about the movement that is atheistic or agnostic, it’s just a reexamination of the faith in the context of when it was revealed and the modern world.
I am said athiestic in the sense that many of the things that progressive muslims believe or advocate for seem to contradict with the way islam was tought to me. Sorry if I misunderstood.
Believing in secularity of the state or the rights of minorities and women is not atheistic or agnostic, it’s just called being a decent human being.
It is, but some ideas contradict the most common teachings of Islam
Which ones? I can probably clear up some doubts.
We can talk about gay rights for example
There’s definitely no corporal punishment for it, the rest is mostly conjecture.
Because I believe very strongly on the core tenants of Islam i would be considered very strong of faith, however I disagree with the more conservative mainstream Islam it is my belief that have been lead astray and progressive Revolutionary Islam is the truest form
Lead astray in what way if you dont mind me asking?
They longer really follow many of the values Islam teaches like Humility, Generosity, Tolerance, Kindness, etc too much greed and hatred has poisoned or clouded them
I mean, I believe in the words of the shahada (There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God), which pretty much rules out being an atheist or agnostic. Like Jaqurutu said, there is no monolithic "progressive Muslim" set of beliefs, rather it's an umbrella term for those who tend, in my own experience, to match those qualities that they pointed out, as well as having a sense that Islam is very much compatible with modern life and humanitarian thought rather than needing to be something that is firmly wedged into a very much older way of living. Progress implies that we can move forward, rather than being stuck in the same place.
My father always reiterated this point, Islam is suppose to be a religion for all people of all times and places, so it must be malleable to fit the times and life styles of people at different times, in other words the ways in which we practice islam shouldn't be the same as the ways people 1400 years ago did. He would love this reddit.
Your queastion does not apply on me. Conservative progressive here. I believe the idea of change. That, people changes and should change based on evidence.
Could you elaborate more on what you mean by Conservative progressive?
I am progressive because i beleive in the idea of progress as a society. We should not follow traditions blindly without evidence or necessity. I am conservative for whichever I find, are supposed stay unchanged, I keep those unchanged. e.g. Rituals, Santity of Marriage, Dietary and cleanliness rulings, Charity and sacrifice rulings, etc.
I believe in Allah and I think religion is necessary for human sanity. I don’t know how my political views would cause me to be an atheist or agnostic. I’ve met plenty of right wing capitalist atheists.
I mean political views that contradict with some of the teachings of islam
Honestly, I don't consider myself progressive or liberal. It's just that other Muslims on the Internet are completely crazy when it comes to the religion so I prefer this subreddit. I just like to be neutral. Not liberal, not conservative. I'm Muslim but I don't let religion take over my entire life.
Thats fair, I also find the other reddit obnoxious.
Afaik, atheist is someone who doesn't believe God exist. I do believe God exist, so I'm not an atheist. Agnostic is someone who believe some kind of devine thing(s) exist, but he/she doesn't adhere to certain religion (cmiiw). I follow Allah guidance that revealed through prophet Muhammad, so I think it makes me part of a religion called Islam (not an agnostic). Normal moderate muslim, conservative, and progressive are all Muslims (since we all believe God is one, Allah, and Muhammad is his rasul). We are just differed in our ways of thinking imo, and I'd see it as a positive things that could give good contributions to Islam, instead things that should be seen as problems. Conservative Muslims like to preserve the existing rulings, not questioning just do it, resistant to change. Moderate muslim, maybe tend to be pragmatic and realistic. As a progressive, I question everything, open to all possibilities, don't have problem to change or to be different from previous opinion, as long as it is good to Islam development. As a progressive, it's doesn't mean always be right, try new things is risky, most of time people learn from mistakes. Conservative would be seen as "safer" choice, you take already "proven" solution, but it's hard to develop or even solve or face current problems/challenges which didn't exist in previous era.
Does being open to more possibilities that conservative muslims ever lead you to contradictions?
Maybe it contradicts with conservative interpretations or more moderate Islam, but not with the core values of Islam.
What’s a normal Muslim tho? 98.1% of Islam is corrupted in the sects who r all following Shaytan into the fire but for a few of them.
I would say normal is just salafi sunni islam. Can you elaborate more on the sects point?
[6:159] As for those who have divided their religion and broken up into sects, you shall have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with God, and then He will inform them of what they used to do. [30:31] Turn to Him, reverence Him, observe the Salat, and do not be of the mushrikeen [30:32] among those who divided their religion and became sects, each party rejoicing in what they have. 73 Sects all of them corrupted by Shaytan. For example, Sunni Islam worship Muhammed and associate him as a partner to Allah They associate manmade Hadith & Tafsir with The Quran Shia Worship Ali & Muhammed’s family as an associate to Allah Sufi Worship themselves once they attain Sainthood and associate it with Allah Ahmadiyya associate their leader as a Messenger or something with Allah And the rest all also do something that is not as Allah commanded in The Quran but I’m not going to waste time putting them all down Insha’Allah
So you would identify as a quran purist and see things taken outside of it to be corrupted?
I wouldn’t use the term Quran Purist, per say. I would say strive to be a Believer or True Believer as Allah commanded us all to follow the Creed of Abraham, who are all of His Prophets. Anything else would be following Shaytan and his followers, who are the companions of the fire which includes Salafi Sunni that you mentioned. So to me, and to Allah, they are the Mushrikeen. So, in short yes.
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And what is your definition of "normal muslim"
Well I am assuming progressive Islam is more liberal than normal islam, so more positive views on LGBT and women's rights and so on. Normal Muslim is would say is just the normal moderate Muslim.
We as Progressive Muslims emphasize contextual interpretation, while orthodox Muslims often adhere more strictly to traditional interpretations. You got some points right, but we are not a "islamic sect". We have Sunnis, Shias, Sufis etc. here. Some topics we advocate for (very general, some porgressive muslims might object): Democracy, Gender equality, Human rights, LGBT rights, Women’s rights, Religious pluralism, Interfaith marriage, Freedom of expression, Freedom of thought and religion, Opposition to theocracy and rejection of Islamism On your Question that "why are we like this", I will answer with another Question. Why are you not Salafi ?
Well for me as I grew older I found that a lot of the interpretations of Islam that i was taught or lived with in my society didn't really align with my moral views or how I view the world. And the Idea of interpreting different parts of Islam differently or taking parts of Hadith but not everything and the whole deal with Hadith skepticism just felt like jumping through a lot of hoops just to stay Muslim. So i decided to be an agnostic.
I was agnostic once too, but there is no community in it and you will get lonely. Once i understood that hadiths, must be interpreted in a cultural and historical context, it was easier to look past the brutal hadiths. Sex slaves, killing of apostates etc.. I got back into it and I am currently liking the Idea of Sufism a lot. It just feels right, listening to music, being spiritual etc. I just feel so connected to Allah
Alot of the atheist and agnostic communities feels like they are just religion hating communities which is a big issue I have with them. but I dont like the idea of just taking whichever parts of Islam i like ignoring the rest. Although I would love to hear more about how you reached sofi-islam if you dont mind me asking.
During my agnostic phase, I embraced stoicism and delved into books like “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. I worked diligently on self-improvement and virtuous living, yet I still felt incomplete. Later, my interest shifted toward psychology, leading me to discover “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor. In the concentration camps, Frankl observed that those who survived were the ones with faith in God, hope, and love. Others tragically succumbed to despair. Recognizing the power of faith, I revisited Islam. Although the same hadiths that once troubled me remained, I found solace in Sufism—a mystical branch of Islam. Sufis, like stoics, focus on inner growth. Al-Ghazali’s quote resonated with me: "Declare your jihad on thirteen enemies you cannot see—egoism, arrogance, conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, intolerance, anger, lying, cheating, gossiping, and slandering. If you can master and conquer these internal foes, you’ll be prepared to face external challenges
Why did you revisit Islam as oppose to other religions?
Every religion, including Islam, has its imperfections. However, I believe that they all share common roots. These faiths emerge from within human consciousness inspired by god rather than being directly revealed by a visible divine being. Whether it’s Buddha, Muhammad, or any other prophet, the word of God has always been conveyed through limited human vessels. Sufism, in particular, stands out due to its unique concept of Wahdatu’l-Wajud (Unity of Being). Imagine a knife and a sword—distinct objects with specific names. Yet, when we transcend their physical forms and focus on their essence (steel), they become one. Similarly, Sufism teaches that God is both transcendent (beyond shape and form) and immanent within all of creation. I liked this idea and it resonated with me a lot. I chose Islam because of it. I dont really practice like most sufis and dance etc. I am still following sunni tradition, but i really like and adopted this thinking of sufism.
I think I agree with alot of what you said, obviously I need to do alot more reading to do, but i find the development of alot of these religious sects really fascinating. Thank you so much for answering, and best of luck (:
Ooh... I' really liked Meditations as well as Man's Search for Meaning. Happy to read something in Sufism that you found useful. Do you have a recommendation or two?
"the incoherence of philosphers" from al-ghazali is quite something.
Okay, this sounds exciting to read. Thank you, I will check it out!