Many Voices, One Umma: Sociopolitical Debate in the Muslim Community

Authors

James A. Toronto

Keywords

Mormon studies, Islam, Muslim community, world religion

Abstract

As a religion expands beyond its original setting, it encounters new historical, economic, social, and geopolitical forces. The resulting clash between sacred truth and secular reality created ideological tensions within a religious community that lead its followers to engage in a process of dialogue, reform, and reconciliation. This process of dialectical exchange occurs both between members of the community and between the community and outside forces. Often it gives rise to traumatic, even violent, conflict and frequently leads to schisms and the establishment of break-away religious movements. The history of religion provides abundant evidence that the ability of a nascent religious community to deal effectively with these dialectical tensions is a crucial factor in determining whether it will remain a tradition of limited influence or become one of lasting, worldwide significance.

Recommended Citation

Toronto, James A. (2001) "Many Voices, One Umma: Sociopolitical Debate in the Muslim Community," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 40: Iss. 4, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol40/iss4/4