Controversy
The PMU was a controversial organization. PMU's definition of Muslim (including "based on social and cultural commitments" according to PMU's principles) differs radically from the usual definition, which is purely based on faith. While some Muslims on the far left accused it of cozying up to pro-Bush Administration personalities, conservative Muslims are uncomfortable with its liberal positions, which include a call to jettison those parts of traditional Islamic scholarship that are seen as "wrong" according to Western mores, as well as a call by some to "reform" Islam by interpreting the Qur'an in light of modern wisdom and scientific knowledge. Other Muslims objected to the call by some PMUNA members to define atheists with cultural or social affinities to Muslims as "Muslims."
A number of the original Board members departed the Progressive Muslim Union in the summer of 2005 due to an inability to reach agreement on a number of controversial issues, most notably the degree to which Progressives should engage more conservative Muslim organizations and scholars. Former Board members Omid Safi and Laury Silvers continue to support Progressive interpretations of Islam outside of PMU but taking a more tradition-oriented approach.
Read more about this topic: Progressive Muslim Union
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