The initial years of Islamic history, characterised in the first half century since the advent of Islam, are generally conceived as the foundation of Sunna (tradition). This era is also misconceived as a utopia by contemporary Islamic Fundamentalists who idealise the norms and practices of that era and strive to copy them in all aspects of life. They generally believe that the present should be rebuilt on a model of the past. This is a superficial understating of tradition and Shari’a. On the other hand, contemporary Islamophobic discourse targets Islam by interpreting it using a similar method of misconstruing the past. This form of reductionism and essentialism equates Islam with an idiosyncratic understanding of the initial years. Any attempt to replicate the past in another era is subject to failure - the initial years of Islamic history do not suit contemporary society. For instance, merely imitating Shari’a in the way that was practiced in the initial years could be an obstacle to the principles of Islam.

In this presentation Professor Kadivar argued that the understanding and practice of predecessors cannot be the model for Muslims in the 21st century; nor can they be a legitimate basis for a critique of Islam. This presentation was therefore, simultaneously, a criticism of Islamic fundamentalism and Islamophobia. Although the general norms and methods practiced in the initial years by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) have been accepted by the Muslims as eternal norms, but all the details of his administration, the style of his companions, and administration of righteous khalif are not eternal; they could not be replicated and applied outside of their context. A critically selective and interpretative approach to Sunna and Shari’a is required - what could justifiably be called the practice of Ijtihad.

Theologian and philosopher Mohsen Kadivar is one of Iran’s most prominent advocates of the reconstruction and reform of Islamic theology, jurisprudence and politics. Imprisoned for 18 months for his political and religious views, Professor Kadivar was forced into exile. Since 2009, he has taught Islamic studies at Duke University in the United States. Professor Kadivar has published a number of influential books in Persian and Arabic, as well as a dozen essays in English. His scholarly interests span both classical and modern Islamic thought, with a special focus on Islamic philosophy, theology, law, ethics, Qur’anic studies and Shiite political thought.

The views expressed at public lectures are those of the presenters and do not necessarily represent those of the Australian National University.