This is a summary of the original article by Dr. Abdullah Al Andalusi that may be found here
Dr Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist, rose to fame (or infamy) when he challenged a proposed law in Canada which would potentially criminalize as “a form of discrimination” those who use the wrong gender pronoun for people identifying as a different gender to their biological sex (e.g., “transgender”).
Jordan Peterson is a controversial figure who is often criticized for his views on political correctness, identity politics, and religion. His ideology is a combination of right-wing conservatism and classical liberalism, and he is known for his emphasis on personal responsibility and self-improvement. However, Al-Andalusi argues that Muslims do not need to align themselves with Peterson’s ideology, as it is not consistent with the teachings of Islam.
Peterson’s views on individualism, free speech, and the role of the state are at odds with the collectivist and communitarian values of Islam. He asserts that Islam promotes the idea of the collective good and the responsibility of the community to care for its members, whereas Peterson’s ideology places a greater emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of the individual. This can be seen in Peterson’s emphasis on personal responsibility and self-improvement, which does not take into account the role of societal and structural factors in shaping an individual’s circumstances.
In Islam, the community is responsible for ensuring that its members have the resources and support they need to thrive. This includes providing for the basic needs of its members, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as supporting their spiritual and emotional well-being. Islam also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equality, and promotes the idea that wealth and resources should be distributed fairly among the members of the community.
In contrast, Peterson’s ideology places a greater emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of the individual, and promotes the idea that individuals should be responsible for their own well-being and success. This includes the idea that individuals should be responsible for their own financial stability and should not rely on the government or other institutions for support. While this ideology may appeal to some Muslims, Al-Andalusi argues that it is not consistent with the values and principles of Islam.
Peterson’s understanding of Christianity and the Bible is flawed and he is not qualified to speak on Islam as his views on religion are informed by his own personal experiences and biases, and that they do not accurately reflect the teachings of Islam.
Muslims need to consider the values of Islam rather than aligning with non-Islamic ideologies. Muslims should not be right-wing or left-wing, but rather should focus on upholding the values and principles of Islam in their political beliefs and actions. Islam promotes justice and equality, and that Muslims should not be swayed by the appeal of right-wing conservatism or classical liberalism.
For example, The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is often depicted as being a left-wing figure due to his emphasis on social justice and equality. However, the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) political beliefs should not be reduced to a left-wing or right-wing ideology, as these terms are not applicable to the teachings of Islam. Instead, the Prophet Muhammad’s political beliefs and actions should be understood in the context of Islam and its values and principles.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) upheld the values of justice, compassion, and equality in his political beliefs and actions. He promoted the idea of the collective good and the responsibility of the community to care for its members, and worked to establish a just and equitable society. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also supported the rights of the individual and the importance of personal responsibility and self-improvement, but balanced these values with the needs of the community and the importance of social justice.
Muslims do not need the guidance of figures like Jordan Peterson, as they already have a comprehensive and complete ideology in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to study and understand their own religion, rather than seeking guidance from non-Muslim sources.
The views expressed herein may not necessarily reflect the views of JI FAD and/or any of its affiliates
