Our Understanding

MAS' understanding of Islam is bound only by the original sources of Islamic guidance: the Quran and the authentic Prophetic example, interpreted in light of our reality.  MAS is inspired by the accumulated experiences of past and present Muslim scholars, thinkers, reformers, and reform movements- interpreted in the American context and bound by the original sources.  MAS embraces everything beneficial in the human heritage.  The tenets of our comprehensive, balanced Islamic understanding are the following:

1. Allah is Our Goal.  Godliness, or Ar-Rabbaniyyah, means that all of our actions and speech are centered on fulfilling Allah's will to earn His pleasure.  That is why we concentrate on connecting ourselves and our community to Allah and aligning our lives with His guidance. 
2. Islam is the Ultimate Source of Guidance. We believe in the validity, relevance, and superiority of the divine guidance of Islam.  We are convinced that it is the only system capable of guiding humanity to the path of truth, goodness, justice, and peace.  We believe Islam secures happiness and success, both in this life and the Hereafter, for all those who choose to embrace its way of life. 
3. The Flexibility and Relevance of Islam.  We believe that Islam is a complete and timeless system, with a built-in flexibility that allows it to evolve and accommodate change and progress, without diluting its essence.  Indeed, Islam shuns all forms of extremism and stagnation, for it intended to be applicable and relevant to all times and in all human circumstances.  Among Islamic teachings is the concept that every useful idea can be embraced by Muslims, as long as it is compatible with core Islamic principles.