Doubts

There has recently been an onslaught from several anti-Muslim quarters against Muslims and the Islamic creed. This has caused some to question their faith and we would at the outset remind all readers that there are teaching materials on Islam available today that are outstanding and respond to many of the concerns that may arise within a mind that has been educated within a Western context.

The two main areas of concern seem to be liberalism and science. This is not without coincidence because both underpin the modernity within which we live. Questions on criminal law, the nature of the state, the right to various forms of freedom and pluralist politics are all derivative of a liberal approach to law, culture and society. Discrepancies between such and Islamic views on law, culture and society can lead some to question to the Eternal Verities of Faith. Secondly, questions on the nature of the material, time and faith as a psychological disposition are all derivative of a worldview that privileges one scientific view of the world. Again, apparent discrepancies can lead to a questioning of faith.

From our experience, we have found that those who suffer doubt tend to do so from a lack of knowledge. This is partially a lack of knowledge and understanding of Islam itself and secondly it is due to a lay understanding of what constitutes liberal and scientific perspectives. So at the outset, we encourage readers to spend some time exploring the issues of concern. If all else fails, then we are available to discuss faith as it means to us. This does not mean that we stand ready to answer every question. Instead, we are willing to explain how we have journeyed through similar explorations and discussions to a position of faith. If you would like to meet to discuss these matters, then please contact us at thoughts@clementsgate.org.uk