Re: y2, on nature and morality

salaam Aisha

I'm not suggesting I have any exclusivity on defining these things, 
but frankly, I don't regard anyone who flippantly calls the Qur'an 
full of "outdated thingies" revealed 1400 years ago as at all a 
progressive Muslim. I think some of us mistake the notion of a 
'progressive Muslim' with someone who culturally is Muslim but is 
not terribly concerned about its sources, heritage and - often - 
even about Allah.

Our complete commitment to and thorough reliance on Allah and 
our understanding of the crucial place of His revelation and the 
need to understand it within all contexts and allow it to guide our 
lives in all contexts is, imo, the central point about being a 
progressive Muslim. Without this, one can be whatever one likes: 
liberal, socialist, capitalist, secualrist, but please don't call 
yourself a 'progressive Muslim' imho.

If paternity was the only limiting factor and paternity tests solve 
that 'problem' today, then hey, I could sleep with a (different) 
prostitute every night. And being unmarried, I don't even have the 
issue of a niggling guilty feeling of being unfaithful. And why get 
married anyway. Life would be so cool withouth such 
encumbrances. NOT!

na'eem

On 9 Feb 2004 at 13:25, Kate Ahmad wrote:

> Salaam,
> I agree Na'eem.  I just cant understand the viewpoint that sex outside
> marriage is Islamic.  I think of myself as progressive - but the Quran
> is still my guide.  Sometimes I think that so called progressives are
> twisting and distorting the Quran as much as our Wahabbi/Salafi
> friends.  I dont know how you can interpret that paternity is the only
> limiting factor in our sexual relationships.  Sounds like an excuse to
> enjoy yourself if you ask me!!!
> 
> Aisha