Why It Is Impermissible to Say “Islamic liberalism”?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  is His slave and Messenger.

The term “Islamic liberalism” is not permissible under Sharee‘ah (Islamic law) due to some considerations:

First: The so-called Islamic liberalism does not exist because this is a combination between two opposites. There is a huge difference between Islam and Liberalism. Therefore, whoever says this term has to interpret it in a way that empties it from its reality so that it becomes nonsense as stated in the aforementioned sentence. If Islamic liberalism means to act according to religion, custom and then the natural human morals such as kindness, mercy, and so on.; then, what is the benefit of the word liberalism? Acting according to religion, custom and then the natural human morals is included in the concept of Islam. So, what is the new meaning added by the word liberalism?

Second: This term beguiles people and makes them think that there is a convergence between Islam and Liberalism. Consequently, the thoughts of liberalism would be passed onto the hearts and minds of the common people while they are not aware of this matter. Undoubtedly, this is a great prohibited matter and its means must be blocked.

Third: Islam is a great integrated methodology. Combining Islam and worldly schools of thoughts which are the essentially the rubbish of minds is considered accusing Islam of incompleteness. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.} [Quran 5:3]

• {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.} [Quran 3:85]

• {So is it other than the religion of Allaah they desire, while to Him have submitted [all] those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him they will be returned?} [Quran 3:83]

• {Then is it the judgment of [the time of] ignorance they desire? But who is better than Allaah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith].} [Quran 5:50]

Allaah Knows best.

Fatwa No : 51488

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