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Types of Muslims
June 2008
Terrorism studies and counterterrorism studies require an understanding of
fundamentalist Islam and various kinds of Muslims. Military schools and military
colleges must have Islamic studies integrated into their curriculum. Studies
about the origins of terrorism, militant jihad groups such as Al Qaeda, homeland
security, and WMD are critical topics. Regional and domestic terrorism threats
should be analyzed in the context of the Muslim mind, the Islamic world-view and
Middle East culture.
Those seeking counterintelligence jobs, such as analysts and linguists,
should understand different types of Muslims. The Muslim world is not a
monolithic bloc. Knowing the differences between types of Muslims is a valuable
frame of reference.
Many different types of
Muslims claim to be true Muslims. Some Muslims make the claim that other Muslims
are not really Muslims. The fundamentalist Muslims issue fatwas and
proclamations against secular and moderate Muslims. Meanwhile moderates of
various stripes claim that the fundamentalists have "hijacked Islam," which is a
rather strange concept when you think about it for a while. Understanding
different kinds of Muslims within the theological and ideological framework of
Islam is a way for non-Muslims to gain perspective and insights about the
Islamic world-view as lived out by Muslims today.
The following list is intended to be a starting point and a frame of
reference for non-Muslims to gain awareness and understanding about different
types of Muslims. The list does not cover the various sects of Islam (Sunni,
Shia, Ahmadiyya) nor the schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi, Hanbali).
This type of Muslim supports his views with detailed explanations from the Quran and gives examples from the life and
teachings of Mohammed as recorded in the Hadith. He tries to live a life which is consistent with the character and life
example (sunna) of Mohammed, which include details of how to dress, bathe, and
groom among other things.
These Muslims include the religious leaders. They are considered to be orthodox in their theology and world-view.
This is the Muslim who pretends to be a
well informed moderate.
At best they “proof-text” some of their claims by emphasizing certain verses and texts from the Quran.
They try to position Islam as compatible with freedom and democracy and seem very
intellectual. They are often well spoken. well educated and very pleasant personalities.
The savvy fundamentalist understands the American mind and culture very well and
can present Islam effectively in it's best light to the American audience. They
will use vague generalities about what is or is not Islam. They attempt to make Islam seem benign.
These are often Muslim leaders in the west and are held up as moderate Muslims. They are quick to make
the point that Muslims are victims and they have conspiracy theories to explain how Muslims are innocent.
The ignorant fundamentalist
This type of Muslim can’t always point to chapter and verse in the Quran and Hadith, but believes the teachings
of the loyal, well-informed fundamentalist.
Can be easily manipulated by both the fundamentalists and the moderates depending on the context of an issue.
The well-informed moderate understands fundamentalist Islam and understands that a moderate form of Islam is
contradictory to the orthodox teachings of Islam. They don't want to have anything to do with fundamentalist Islam,
are often secular in their lifestyle, and trying to position Islam and influence the Muslim masses into a moderate
and tolerant world-view. They are often highly educated in the west and may view Islam from a cultural rather than
a religious perspective. Some Muslim political leaders are in this category and they struggle to keep the
loyal, well-informed fundamentalists from gaining too much
power by opposing them at times and appeasing them at other times. The savvy fundamentalist
tries to position himself as the well-informed moderate, and thus the two are often difficult to distinguish from one
another without a careful examination of their statements and actions.
This is a non-religious, secular Muslim who doesn’t like Islamic theology. He is self-convinced that his view of Islam is the
correct view and believes that his view ought to be developed by Muslims in America. He has given some serious thought
to his world-view and if pressed would be shown to be one who has actually broken his ties with Islam. He may not really
believe Mohammed is a prophet of God but would never say so. Will often go along with the
well-informed moderate, sometimes an active opponent of the
loyal, well-informed fundamentalist, and sometimes ignorantly works
in partnership with and lends credibility to the savvy fundamentalist.
The ignorant moderate
This type of Muslim has a belief system, world-view, and life-style which is unsubstantiated by the Quran and Hadith.
The vast majority of Muslims in America fit into this category. They are often very friendly, nice, easy-going.
They don't want to give too much time and attention to understanding Islamic theology. Neither an active opponent
of fundamentalist Islam nor an active supporter of secular forms of Islam. They just want to be left alone and live in peace.
Although they are somewhat theologically and ideologically passive, they will sometimes go along with the
self-deceived moderate when required to take a stance.
NOTE: I have observed a few things in common between these different types of Muslims. The biggest commonality
is that they all are sensitive about protecting what they perceive to be the honor of Mohammed, the one Muslims call a
prophet. Even the well-informed moderate is reluctant to say anything that could be construed as dishonorable to the
prophet of Islam. On a practical level, one of the greatest sins a Muslim could ever commit is to deny the prophethood
of Mohammed, especially by becoming a Christian. For this reason, even moderate Muslims never speak out for freedom of
religion to the extent that they support Muslims leaving Islam.
This list of types of Muslims was developed by John Marion, director
of Truth For Muslims.
Originally published July 2005, updates: August 2006, June 2008