Internal Critique in Muslim Context

A common perception, of apologetic nature, is that religious criticism is not possible within Islamic theology and jurisprudence. It is based on the notion that in Islam the Quran is regarded as the word of God and thus forever constant. Likewise, the prophetic tradition is seen as something to be followed by Muslims because Muhammad was chosen by God and thus inalienable. It is impossible to ignore the fact that these beliefs have had a firm grip on Muslim thinking, especially in theology and Sharia jurisprudence, but the question is whether they have prevented disparate interpretations and critique within Islam. A look back on the history of Islam shows that Muslims have been involved in a long dispute concerning the supremacy of interpretations in many areas like theology, philosophy, jurisprudence, and even sectarian disagreements. The critique has been expressed in rather harsh words against the opposite camp, which in some cases has gone as far as stamping each other as heretics and renegades. The critique within Islam is not limited to contemporary Muslim thinkers. We find many historical examples of critical views within Islamic theology and philosophy as well as the broad literary tradition of the Muslim world. Criticism has been designed in different ways. Common to the criticism is its internal character, that is to say, the critics are Muslims themselves.