Name: Faith versus tradition in Islam
Uploaded: 2011-05-26T17:26:00Z
Duration: 16 min 54 s
Description: Journalist Mustafa Akyol talks about the way that some local cultural practices (such as the seclusion of women) have become linked, in the popular mind, to the articles of faith of Islam. Has the world's general idea of the Islamic faith focused too much on tradition, and not enough on core beliefs?

Mustafa Akyol: Faith versus tradition in Islam

Faith versus tradition in Islam

Journalist Mustafa Akyol talks about the way that some local cultural practices (such as the seclusion of women) have become linked, in the popular mind, to the articles of faith of Islam. Has the world's general idea of the Islamic faith focused too much on tradition, and not enough on core beliefs?

Many practices identified with Islam, like gender segregation or female circumcision, actually stem from local cultures, not the faith's foundational teachings. At the Kaaba, men and women worship together, defying strict Saudi customs outside. Islam’s core texts do not mandate practices like stoning or honor killings; these arose from later interpretations and outside influences. Understanding the difference between belief and tradition opens the door to reform and democracy within Muslim societies.