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I find all the talk about moderate versus extreme or modern versus fundamental etc quite irrelevant and totally missing the point. Islam is a faith – a belief system based on fundamental principles, doctrines and texts.

At the core is belief in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is His last Messenger. Islam is also a way of life. It is a religious way of life that puts worship of God at the centre.

It makes no sense to talk of "secular Islam". The main objective of the secular movement is to put religion into a box and remove its influence from the core of society. Unfortunately many Muslims are happy to go along with this view, largely because it gives them a good excuse not to follow their religion.

Here are a few examples of the benefits of a Muslim society where Muslims actually practise Islam:

1. It is free of alcohol and drugs and all the related disease, crime, costs etc.

2. The (extended) family is the fundamental building block of society.

3. Women are not exploited as sexual objects.

4. Children respect their parents and authority figures such as teachers.

5. Old people are respected, cared for by their families and not put into institutions when they can no longer care for themselves.

6. People respect each other and each other's property.

7. There is little crime.

8. There is justice.

9. People are honest.

10. There are no homeless people.

11. People do not get into debt by buying things they can't afford on credit.

12. Children have two parents.

13. Orphans are cared for.

14. People put the worldly life in proper perspective, are not beset by psychological problems such as depression and suicide is a rarity.

Nuff said

Best Regards,
Arnold Ali Cender