EFL - read the whole thing
By Ibrahim Kazerooni
Most are unaware, but there was a time when Europe looked to Islam and the Muslim world as a highly advanced and progressive force. While Europe languished in its medieval period, the Muslim world made huge strides advancing human knowledge in the areas of science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy and more... Not unlike Europe's dark ages, many parts of the Muslim world today have slipped into a medieval-like period characterized by regressive tendencies, many of which are completely inconsistent with and foreign to the teachings of Islam... Unfortunately, regressive elements in the Muslim world - such as Wahhabism - have capitalized on Muslims' anger over their failed governments, colonialism and foreign interference in the internal affairs of their countries, to gradually win over more and more adherents... far too many Muslims have lost touch with the progressive nature of their religion and have chosen to focus on dogma, which can only breed intolerance. ... Sadly, this causes the religion - a living belief system - to become stagnant. Muslims could use a St. Thomas Aquinas of their own right about now.
The central pillar of Islam is the belief in the one, almighty God, the source of all things. Islam stresses the need for tolerance and cooperation, since God is the source of the diversity and differences among us. Islam also teaches ethical norms such as the sanctity of life; equality of all human beings regardless of race, language and economic status; honoring our parents; reverence for the law of God; humane treatment of people and animals; justice and aid for the poor and oppressed; kindness and generosity towards neighbors; equal justice before the law; respect for women; one's obligation to actively pursue knowledge; and many others.
| He's discussing what he thinks things should be, rather than what actually is, theory rather than practice. |
Over the years, some Muslims have forgotten many aspects of their own religious teachings and, as a result, have lost sight of genuinely Islamic solutions to the present-day issues and challenges facing them. Today, lack of tolerance and respect for others (especially those who disagree with our points of view), arrogance, oppression, disrespect for human life, and ignorance are among the prevailing characteristics in too many Muslim societies.
| Now he's discussing actual practice... |
If Muslims are to remedy the tragic situation many find themselves in now, we must rediscover the original Islamic ideas that will reintroduce innovation and creativity into our struggling societies.
FYI, this Imam also has an editorial entitled: Wahhabism a threat to world peace (linked to on that page) 
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