The Future of Islam?? Statement of Principles of "The Progressive Muslim Union of North America (PMU)

The Progressive Muslim Union of North America (PMU) aims to provide a forum, voice and organizing mechanism for those in the Muslim community who wish to pursue a progressive religious, intellectual, social and political agenda. Progressive Muslims have not yet developed sufficient platforms from which to advocate their views within the Muslim community and to the broader North American society. All too often, they have found themselves spoken for and defined by others. PMU was formed in recognition of the widespread misunderstanding of Islam and the diverse Muslim community, and the urgent need for greater and more coordinated articulation of the pluralistic and compassionate sentiments of vast sections of the community.
Our work is guided by the following principles:
We affirm that a Muslim is anyone who identifies herself or himself as "Muslim," including those whose identification is based on social commitments and cultural heritage.
We affirm the validity of Islamic ritual and practice as an expression of love for God, while acknowledging that specific forms of ritual and practice are individual choices and should never be imposed through coercive means.
We affirm the equal status and equal worth of all human beings, regardless of religion, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexuality. Islam holds that this essential dignity is due to humanity’s rank as precious creations of God, and recipients of divine breath, as stated in the holy Qur’an.
We affirm that justice (‘adl) and compassion (ihsan) should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. Islam holds that these qualities are characteristics of God as revealed in the holy Qur’an, divine qualities that are the ethical virtues to which all human beings should aspire to emulate.
We affirm the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace a commitment to justice and compassion, including a profound faith rooted in religious traditions, ethical imperatives developed throughout the centuries, and secular and humanist values shared by many Muslims today.
We reject authoritarian, racist, and sexist formulations as antithetical to the principles of justice and compassion.
We call for critical inquiry and dynamic engagement with Islamic scripture, early Muslim sources, the Islamic intellectual heritage, and traditional and current Muslim discourses. Critical inquiry should always proceed from a commitment to justice and compassion for all, and not degenerate into blaming or stigmatizing others.
We believe that there are multiple paths that lead to truth.
We support the political separation of religious institutions and state functions, and the strict neutrality of the state on matters of religion.
Recognizing our participation in the broader human family, we seek to engage with and contribute to other philosophical and spiritual traditions and progressive movements.