The Foundational Difference between the Modernists & the Traditionalists

 

One of the major challenges we face today is the difficulty in figuring out who is a modernist and who is a traditionalist. 

The rule of thumb regarding this issue is that a traditionalist uses the sources of the Shari'ah as his basis and guide to come to a decision and conclusion. His goal is the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, guarding his religion, and avoiding the pitfalls of accepting rare, unsubstantiated views, and flawed analogies. 

On the other hand, the modernist uses his base and carnal desires as his guide, and demotes the Shar'i sources as secondary - to prove his incorrect decision and lend credence to his deviation. The modernist presents rare and unsubstantiated views to appease his heart and mind, with the goal of acquiring name, fame, wealth, and prestige. 

We can understand from the above that modernism and traditionalism are two paths, leading to two totally different ends. Traditionalism leads to felicity, although the path may be rough, whilst modernism leads to tribulation and strife, although the path looks smooth and enjoyable. 

The other problem we face is that outwardly a modernist and a traditionalist look the same. So, how do we gauge who is on the path of tradition and who is on the path of modernism?

The principle is to look at the sources of the views that each one has and speaks about. A modernist will quote rare things to impress his audience, whilst the traditionalist will speak using the pristine and pure primary sources of the Shari'ah - as he has learnt from his teachers and elders. 

Hold on to the path of traditionalism. It is worth more than gold.