Islamic Humanism has two pillars in relation to humanity-society:

1. Self autonomy (khalifattollahi)


2. Alter accommodation

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Alter, here, means the ‘Other’, the other subject which can be nature, or other persons or other cultures

Human being are created and endowed with self autonomy to find the truth and to act in relation to each other. Such autonomy is comparable to God’s autonomy; human beings regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, social status, are the Caliphs of God on the earth. Any behaviour and action is merely valuable or condemnable regarding the level of autonomy. The more we have autonomy in conducting our actions the more we are responsible and accountable to ourselves and others. The more autonomy we have, the more we will be able to create values. The more we are determined by the willingness of others, the less our actions are valuable. So, since human beings are all created equally free and autonomous from the beginning to be able to maximize the values, they are supposed to maintain their autonomy in a way not to limit other people’s autonomy. So the best way to realize such a balance which can produce the maximum of autonomy for all members of society equally, they need to be alter accommodative. This means everybody needs not only to be sympathetic to other people’s interests and concerns, but also is required to deliberately organize the most reliable, honest and equal relations with others especially those who are disempowered.

Therefore, human rights, democracy and justice must be all inclusive and nobody should be excluded due to political authority, economic inequality and social discriminations. Spirituality/morality cannot be gained completely in a society where there are groups, even if minority, who are experiencing exclusion, discrimination and injustice, violence etc. In such a situation, the only way left to enhance spirituality and morality is to struggle for the Self and the disempowered Other’s rights in the most peaceful and non-violent manner (Jihad). The most devastative and dangerous enemies of Islam, are those who do violence, injustice, and discrimination in the name of Islam. Struggling with religious dogmatism, extremism, and patriarchalism through increasing the consciousness of our fellow Muslims who are enchanted by many Mullahs and Clergies is the first priority for Progressive Muslims. There are Imams or Mullahs who might condemn terrorism and violence but their basic knowledge of Islam is corruptive and in contradiction with the abovementioned pillars. They consider for themselves exclusive right for interpreting the messages of Islam. Their knowledge is not discussed in free public spheres and carries lots of aggressive, violent elements that many of them might not be detected in the first place.