The Erosion of Beauty-Based Theology in Islam: The Impact of Puritanical and Highly Politicized Conservatism

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 21 November 2024 “Today it is even more urgent and necessary that Muslims reconnect with what is beautiful in their tradition and reclaim what has been lost to the puritanical forces within their religion. It is nothing short of devastating to witness the persistence, severity, and uniformity of the ugliness that has been committed across the Muslim world. Rather than finding peace and tranquillity in a shared understanding of beauty, today’s Muslims find more shared commonality in bitter understandings of violence, hatred, ignorance, pain, and tragedy.” Kh.Abou E Fadl, The Search for Beauty in Islam: A Conference of the Books, Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2005, 13 The Erosion of Beauty in Islam: The Impact of Puritanical and Politicized Conservatism In contemporary discourse, the beauty of Islamic tradition is often overshadowed by the harsh realities of puritanical and politicized interpretations of the faith. Khaled Abou El Fadl’s assertion that Muslims must reconnect with what is beautiful in their tradition highlights a significant crisis: the pervasive influence of conservative ideologies has distorted and undermined the rich, nuanced theology of beauty that Islam offers. In my understanding beauty-based theology in Islam refers to the understanding that beauty is an essential attribute of the divine and a guiding principle for human behaviour, emphasising that the appreciation of beauty in creation, art, and actions reflects the nature of God and fosters compassion, justice, and harmony within the community. This essay explores how these forces, particularly the rise of puritanical celebrity preachers, have led to a troubling disconnection from the aesthetic, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of Islam, fostering an environment rife with intolerance and despair. The Rise of Puritanical Interpretations The advent of puritanical movementswithin Islam has marked a significant shift in how the religion is practiced and understood. These interpretations often promote a rigid, heavily textualist approach to religious texts over personal reflection and the appreciation of beauty. This regressive view not only stifles creativity but also dismisses the profound philosophical and artistic heritage that has characterized Islamic civilization for centuries. By prioritizing orthodoxy over beauty, puritanical forces have marginalized voices that celebrate the richness of Islamic culture. Scholars who emphasize aesthetic dimensions of Islam are often side-lined in favour of austere, ethically ugly narratives devoid of aesthetics . This has resulted in a cultural landscape where beauty is considered suspect, leading many to abandon the very elements of their tradition that inspire joy and contemplation. The Role of Celebrity Preachers Adding another layer of complexity to this issue is the rise of puritanical celebritypreachers. These figures often wield significant influence in the Muslim community, using their platforms to propagate these aesthetically devoid interpretations of Islam. With large followings on social media and in public forums, they can amplify messages that prioritize rigidity and conformity over compassion and beauty. Celebrity preachersfrequently focus on dogmatic adherence to religious laws, often portraying a simplistic view of Islam that lacks nuance. Their charismatic presentations can draw in audiences, but this popularity often comes at the expense of deeper theological engagement. Instead of encouraging a love for the beauty of the faith, they tend to promote a culture of fear and judgment, where questioning and introspection are discouraged. This environment stifles the appreciation of beauty in character, art, and spirituality, leaving many Muslims feeling disconnected from the more profound aspects of their tradition. Highly Politicised Islam and Its Consequences The high politicization of Islamthat has been occurring over the last 2-3 decades further complicates this landscape. In many contexts, religion has been co-opted for political agendas, leading to an interpretation of Islam that is often more about power than about faith and similarly to puritanical Islam lacks aesthetic dimensions of the faith. This has profound implications for how many Muslims today understand their religion and their place within the world. When Islam is highly politicized, the focus shifts radically from personal spirituality. This shift often manifests in exclusionary practices and rhetoric that alienate not only non-Muslims but also those within the Muslim community who seek a more inclusive and beautiful understanding of their faith. The emphasis on conformity and power leads to a culture of fear and repression, where expressions of beauty whether through art, literature, or personal spirituality are stifled. The Loss of Beauty-Based Theology Central to the Islamic tradition is a theology that embraces beautyas a reflection of the divine. This beauty is not merely aesthetic; it encompasses moral and ethical dimensions, inviting believers to engage with the world in a way that is compassionate and just. However, the rise of puritanical and highly politicized interpretations has undermined this beauty-based theology. As a result, many Muslims find themselves in a struggle between their spiritual inclinations and the demands of a outdated, ethically ugly and aesthetically deplete rigid politico-theological framework. This internal conflict can lead to disillusionment and disenchantment with faith, as individuals grapple with the contradiction between a loving, beautiful God and the harsh realities imposed by certain interpretations of Islam. The absence of beauty in religious practice can contribute to a sense of despair, where the richness of the tradition is eclipsed by a culture of negativity and intolerance. The Impact on Community and Identity The erosion of beauty within Islamic practice has profound implications for community cohesion and identity. When beauty is devalued, individuals may feel isolated in their spiritual journeys, leading to fragmentation within the community. The shared experiences of violence and hatred that Abou El Fadl mentions are, in part, a consequence of this disconnection. Instead of finding common ground in the appreciation of beauty, many Muslims are united by experiences of trauma and exclusion. Furthermore, the rise of celebrity preachers has intensified this fragmentation. Their often divisive rhetoriccan create factions within the community, where differing interpretations of Islam lead to conflict rather than dialogue. This polarization hampers efforts to foster a Muslim identity that celebrates diversity and beauty. The emphasis on conformity to a singular, often harsh interpretation of faith alienates those who seek a more inclusive and compassionate approach. Moreover, the high politicization of Islam creates an environment where dissenting voices are silenced. Those who advocate for a more inclusive and beautiful interpretation of Islam often face backlash from these highly politicised factions that often dominate discourse on Islam and Muslims in contemporary times. This not only stifles diversity of thought but also deprives the community of the richness that comes from a multitude of perspectives, further perpetuating a cycle of negativity. Reclaiming the Aesthetic Dimension To counteract the negative impact of puritanical, highly politicized conservatism, it is essential for Muslims to actively reclaim the aesthetic dimension of their faith. This involves not only a revival of traditional arts, literature, and philosophy but also a re-engagement with the ethical teachings of Islam that champion beauty in character and community life as in the case of rationalist and progressive Muslim thought. By fostering environments where beauty can flourish, through art, music, spirituality , intellectualism and literature, Muslims can begin to mend the fractures caused by puritanical and highly politicised interpretations of Islam. The urgent need to reconnect with beauty in Islam is underscored by the damaging effects of puritanical, highly politicized interpretations and the influence of puritanical minded celebrity preachers that have gained prominence in recent decades. By undermining the beauty-based theology inherent in Islam, these forces have contributed to a culture of despair that alienates individuals from their faith and one another. Reclaiming beauty is not merely an aesthetic pursuit; it is a necessary step toward healing, and the restoration of a vibrant, compassionate Muslim identity. In this journey, Muslims can rediscover the profound beauty of their tradition, allowing it to illuminate their lives and the world around them. ------ Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website at: https://dradisduderija.com/ A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/debating-islam/erosion-beauty-based-theology-puritanical-conservatism/d/133776 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism