If it is said: "Would you say that in the modern age with all the considerations surrounding sovereignty and inter-connectedness, the classical labels (of Islamic law) do not apply any longer...?"
We say: As Imam al-Ghazâlî would say:
"Once the real meaning is understood, there is no need to quibble over names."
Labels can never be relied upon; it is the meaning behind them that must be properly understood. Once they are unpacked, they immediately become relevant for all times; just as with the following loaded terms: jihâd, mujâhid and shahîd. The result for Muslims who fail to notice the relevance and fail to connect the dots of our own inherited medieval terms with the modern world may be that they will live in a schizophrenic cultural reality and will be unable to associate themselves with the surrounding society and will not be at peace [sukûn] with the rest of creation. Just as the sabab al-wujûd (reason for existing) of this article is a Muslim's misunderstanding of his own medieval terminology from a long and rich legacy, the fitna in the world today has been the result of those who misunderstand our Law.
Pay heed to the words of Mawlânâ Rûmî (may Allâh sanctify his secrets!):
"Go beyond names and look at the qualities, so that they may show you the way to the essence.
The disagreement of people takes place because of names. Peace occurs when they go to the real meaning.
Every war and every conflict between human beings has happened because of some disagreement about names.
It's such an unnecessary foolishness, because just beyond the arguing there's a long table of companionship, set and waiting for us to sit down."
- Sheikh Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti
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