ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Liberalism and progressivism within Islam

Okay kiddo, let's start with what liberalism and progressivism mean.

Liberalism is a belief system that emphasizes individual freedom and equal rights for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. Progressivism, on the other hand, is a political ideology that advocates for social, political, and economic reform to address social problems.

Now, let's talk about how these ideas relate to Islam.

There are some Muslims who believe that the principles of liberalism and progressivism can be applied to their faith, which means they want to see more individual freedoms and human rights granted to everyone. These Muslims believe that the religion of Islam should be interpreted with a modern and progressive lens, and that Islamic laws and practices should be adapted to meet the needs of the diverse societies we live in today.

For example, some Muslim liberals and progressivists may believe that women should have equal rights to men, that LGBTQ+ people should not be discriminated against in Muslim communities, and that Islam should be free from oppressive government control or influence.

However, not all Muslims agree with liberal or progressive interpretations of Islam. Some believe in a more conservative, traditional approach to the faith.

So to sum it up, liberalism and progressivism within Islam refer to a set of beliefs that emphasize individual freedom, equal rights, social justice, and adapting Islamic practices to modern times.