On understanding Muslims

Neo-fundamentalist Muslims are those who strictly interpret the Islamic texts, often literally. They are fundamental in their thinking and may use violence to meet their goals. Their rigid interpretation of the holy texts leads them to become uncompromising with non Muslims who are considered to be a threat to Islamic values.

The latter group, societal Islamists, are those who have a narrow and inadequate understanding of Islam. Their observance of Islam is based on imitating the practices of their Muslim brothers without their having any intention to explore more detail about Islam. This group of Muslims may fall into political or apolitical groups in their social lives.

The group of “societal” Muslims also includes those known as “heritage” Muslims. Muslims of this group claim to be Muslims regardless of their lack of observance of Islamic principles and despite their limitations in practicing Islamic principles, or their failure to do so at all. This group of Muslims is argued to have an ascribed Muslim identity as discussed in the work of Ismail, in that they become Muslims because they were born into a Muslim family and thus their identity as a Muslim is ascribed to them.

In spite of their limitations in practicing Islamic teachings, this group of Muslims are concerned with the problems faced by Muslims around the world. For example, this group of Muslims are often those taking part in rallies regarding issues faced by diaspora Muslims; these Muslims, for example, often take part in rallies regarding the issues in Palestine or Iraq.

As has been described in this article the basic tenet of Muslims is that they are the followers of Prophet Mohammed; they believe in the oneness of God and that Mohammed is God’s last messenger. Their political, ideological orientations, and their level of observance of the Islamic principles, however, differ considerably due to their distinctive interpretation of the holy texts, the Koran and the sayings of the prophet.

Indeed, Muslims are ordinary human beings who happen to be guided by Islam in their religious values. Like other people in different religious groups - such as in Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism - some Muslims are moderate, some radical and fundamental and some are societal Muslims who hold a very basic understanding of their religion. This article hopes to be able to enrich the understanding of non Muslims in western society and elsewhere on the nature Muslimness or Muslim identity. It also suggests that generalising responsibility for a single criminal act committed by a single Muslim to all Muslims is not only unacceptable but also untruthful.