THIS is apropos the letter ‘Islamic modernism: the way forward’ (May 29). The writer suggests that Muslims need to adopt a mixture of Islam and enlightenment-age philosophy in order to truly succeed. Such suggestions have a fundamental problem with them. If Islam needs to be complemented by any other man-made philosophy, then how can we say that Islam is complete?

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Surah Maidah-5:3)

So Allah has perfected Islam for us, and the only shortcomings that are there are on our part. Most --if not all-- of the concepts and ideals expounded by liberalism are in direct conflict with Islam. Islam does not need any of these philosophies for the rectification of the problems Muslims are facing today.

Muslims need to worry about following the principles of Islam in letter and in spirit first. This alone will bring solutions to not just our problems, but even to those of the world at large. There is no nation on this planet today which can confidently claim to be following Islam. And that is exactly what needs to be done.

Osaid Abdullah

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2018