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ASK MAULANA Your Questions Answered Does Islam need a liberal interpretation? It is often said that in present times Islam is in need of a liberal interpretation. The question is when Islam in itself is liberal, why does it need a liberal interpretation? The original Islam, which was presented by the Prophet and followed by the Companions, does not have any aspect that needs to be liberalized. It neither consisted of extensive rituals or customs, nor did it sanction extremism. The need for liberalization is for the practices and innovations of present-day Muslims that are considered to be Islam whereas the original Islam has nothing to do with these innovations. Today, the term ‘liberal’ is used to convey non-extremism. The Quran alludes to this principle in the following verse, “Do not become extremists in matters of religion.” According to a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Do not be an extremist in religion.” Extremism therefore is prima facie shunned in Islam. In present times, many who claim to be Muslims have become extremists. Because there is unawareness in general about what original Islam was and how it was practiced by the Companions of the Prophet. What does a liberal interpretation of Islam mean? It means to find an interpretation of Islam that gives importance to peace, does not obstruct freedom, allows tolerance and shuns intolerance. But the original Islam already has all of these attributes. What we see today among certain Muslims is later-day innovation. In the full sense of the word, Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, compassion and justice. The need therefore is to revive Islam and not to come up with a new interpretation. Why is acknowledgment important? A glass of water is such a blessing that if all the people in the world come together and spend all their money, even then a glass of water cannot be created. The supply of water to mankind shall continue only if the One who is supplying continues to supply, otherwise not. Media extensively features reports that allude to the next world war which would be on the issue of water unlike the previous world wars which were fought for land. The issues of water shortage and water