Drawing the line: Faith, modernity, and challenge of Muslim unity

IN today’s rapidly transforming world, Muslims everywhere face the delicate task of knowing when, where, why, who, and how to draw the line — a line that defines both our moral boundaries and our openness to engage the world. It is not a line of exclusion or rigidity, but one of wisdom and balance guided by Qur'anic insight, prophetic example, and human understanding.

- By Mahil Dole

Drawing the line means recognising our responsibilities before Allah while navigating the complexities of life in a globalised, pluralistic environment. It requires not emotional reaction, but reflective wisdom — to protect our faith without isolating ourselves, and to engage with dignity without compromising identity.

Faith and modern realities

The modern Muslim is constantly negotiating spaces between tradition and progress, modesty and professionalism, faith and visibility. These are not contradictions unless we make them so. A profound example recently came from the sporting world — a young Muslim woman who became the fastest runner in South Asia, winning three sprint events and bringing pride to her nation and community.

Yet, rather than celebrating her historic victory, much of the discussion turned to her running attire — the shorts she wore as part of her athletic uniform. For some, this became a debate about modesty and faithfulness to Islamic dress codes. But before judgment, we must pause and reflect:

It is Allah, the Almighty, who created her, nurtured her, and made it possible for her to come this far — to achieve this champion status.

To see her triumph through this lens is to recognise divine will and purpose. Her success, like all human excellence, is not apart from Islam but part of Allah’s creative power and design. It should inspire us to rethink how we draw the line — not through condemnation, but through compassion, guidance, and context.

Faith, jurisprudence, and necessity

Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) teaches adaptability through the principle that “necessity permits the prohibited” (al-darurat tubih al-mahzurat). This maxim does not abolish divine law but recognises contextual flexibility when higher objectives (maqasid al-shariah) — like preservation of life, dignity, or public benefit — are at stake.