BRIDGING THE DIVIDE BETWEEN TRADITIONALIST AND PROGRESSIVE ISLAM: A STUDY ON RELIGIOUS ORIENTATIONS OF ASATIZAH IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Studies on religious orientations of Muslims explored issues of traditionalist Islam which is characterised by treating traditions as immutable. Some of these studies proposed various ways to critically engage with Islam, where we saw the rise of progressive Islam, which questions problematic interpretations of religious ideas. These religious ideas include concepts such as modesty, guardianship and Islamic state. Regardless of the diversity of religious orientations among Muslims, these ideas are constantly debated within traditionalist Islam and progressive Islam without necessarily engaging with the religious other. This thesis aims to examine the religious orientations of Asatizah and the socio-political forces shaping the former, as Asatizah are the ones who play a part in educating and guiding the Muslim community. With a better understanding of the factors shaping religious orientations, this thesis hopes to give a better understanding of intra-religious tension and works towards a more genuine intra-religious dialogue that is based on mutual understanding and respect.