The Minimalist Muslim

Minimalist Muslim:

This is a term I first heard from Dr. Kalim Siddiqui.

In one of his articles he wrote about "The Minimalist Muslim". Whether it was his own concept, or borrowed from others, I do not know. His argument was that when the Imperialists invaded us, occupied our lands, toppled Muslim governments, killed many Ulema and leaders, and sent missionaries to convert us to Christianity, the Ulema decided to save what Islam was left in Muslims, by defining Muslim at a level of practice and knowledge that was barely sufficient - like saying the shahada, offering the Salah, attending the Jumma Khutba and prayers, keeping the fast in Ramadan, and performing Hajj when legally binding.

There is some truth in this thesis, although maybe not all the Muslim generations before Imperialism were so learned in Islam. it seems that after the so-called independence, the definition has been further downgraded, by the liberal Muslims. On the other hand, many groups have emerged which narrow the definition to apply to their own followers.

As I review the world of my times, I see that there has not been real independence. There is somewhat more freedom of choice. Unfortunately the choices are usually between Haram activities.

To link with the topic of the initial post here, look at the methods of making a living.

If a friend or brother lands a well-paying job with the IMF, or even a local bank, we are proud, although his work involves and benefits the haram interest system, and helps in subjugation of the Muslim people. But if a sister or daughter joins the film industry, or the modeling profession, we disown her.

We watch all types of movies, we see tennis - mixed or single gender, other mixed sports, etc., but wouldn't allow our own to engage in these.

What I say is: Keep our people within the fold. Let us have the definition of a Minimalist Muslim. Let us be happy when someone passes that definition. He/she can be encouraged to become better later in life.


Which one of us can claim to be pious enough to cast the first stone?



Events are taking place that lead up to the Qiyyamah, and before that the coming of the Dajjal, and we are not equipped.

Let us save ourselves, and our families from Hell.

Ingrain in them the love of Allah (swt) and the Prophet (saw). Teach them to fear the growing of shirk and the loss of Eemaan. Equip them with duas and recitations for protection.

§ Surah Fateha

§ Ayatul Kursi

§ Surah Kahf, every Friday before the Jumma Salah

§ Surahs Ikhlas, Falaq and Naas


Teach them the masnoon dua:

Allahummak fena be halaleka un harameka wa aghnena be fadleka umman sewaak

and wird of:

Subhanallah, wal Hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, walla Allahu Akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah

And don't push a sinner away. He/she is not najas, the action is.