| Approach | N/A | Rationalist/Modernist | Systematic/Orthodox | Traditional/Conservative | Literalist/Salafi |
| Reason vs. Revelation | "And He lays abomination upon those who do not reason" - Quran 10:100 | Strong emphasis on rational theology; reason as tool to understand revelation; acceptance of kalam methodology | Balanced integration; reason serves revelation within systematic framework; cautious use of kalam | Moderate use of reason guided by tradition; skeptical of excessive rational theology | Minimal role for reason; strict adherence to text and early understanding; rejection of kalam |
| Action and Tawakkul | "Tie your camel and trust in Allah" - Tirmidhi 2517 | Emphasis on taking means (asbab) then trusting Allah; rational planning encouraged | Balanced approach; systematic methodology for determining when effort vs. reliance is required | Follow established precedent in balancing effort and trust; community practice guides application | Primary focus on tawakkul; minimal emphasis on human planning; complete reliance on Allah's decree |
| Sects | "My ummah will divide into 73 sects, all in Fire except one" - Tirmidhi 2641 | More tolerant of theological differences within Sunni framework; emphasis on unity through dialogue | Systematic categorization of acceptable vs. deviant groups based on methodology | Judge groups based on adherence to traditional practices and historical precedent | Strict rejection of sectarian divisions; most groups viewed as innovations requiring correction |
| Fard 'Ayn vs. Kifayah | "Establish justice" - Quran 57:25 | Flexible application based on circumstances; both individual and collective responsibilities emphasized | Systematic determination through comprehensive textual analysis and legal methodology | Community-focused approach following Medina model; collective obligations prioritized | Individual purification as foundation; personal obligations before communal ones |
| This World vs. Hereafter | "Seek the hereafter through what Allah has given you" - Quran 28:77 | Rational engagement with world as means to hereafter; balanced worldly involvement | Systematic framework balancing temporal and eternal priorities through methodical approach | Traditional patterns of engagement following prophetic model and righteous predecessors | Minimal worldly engagement; focus primarily on hereafter preparation through textual adherence |
| Innovation (Bid'ah) | "Every innovation is misguidance" - Muslim | Distinguish between religious and worldly innovations; some innovations acceptable if beneficial | Five-category classification system (obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked, forbidden) based on evidence | Literal application but contextual within historical precedent; innovation acceptable if following established practice | Strict literal interpretation; virtually all post-prophetic innovations rejected as misguidance |
| Secularism | "Judge by what Allah revealed" - Quran 5:44 | Conditional engagement where Islamic principles not compromised; pragmatic accommodation possible | Systematic evaluation accepting beneficial aspects while rejecting contradictory elements | Limited engagement based on necessity while preserving traditional Islamic governance models | Complete rejection; separation of religion from governance viewed as fundamental contradiction |
| Dealing with Non-Muslims | Quran 2:256 ("There is no compulsion in religion") | Universal principle of religious freedom; verse establishes fundamental human right to choose faith based on reason and conviction | Systematic interpretation balancing this verse with other texts; no compulsion in belief but Islamic state may enforce public order | Apply within context of prophetic precedent; no compulsion refers to People of the Book under Islamic governance with dhimmi status | Accept literally but limited to specific historical context; verse abrogated by later militant verses, compulsion allowed for societal protection |
| Dawah | Quran 16:125 ("Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction") | Rational argumentation and intellectual engagement; use reason and logic to demonstrate Islam's coherence with human nature and universal truths | Systematic presentation of Islamic teachings; methodical approach using clear proofs and comprehensive understanding of recipient's background | Community-based dawah following prophetic model; emphasis on practical demonstration of Islamic values through established Muslim communities | Direct textual presentation; simple conveyance of Quran and Sunnah without adaptation or cultural accommodation |
| Leadership Change | "Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you" - Quran 4:59 | Community has rational responsibility to evaluate and change leadership based on competence and justice; consultation (shura) paramount | Systematic evaluation of leadership based on adherence to Islamic methodology; removal justified through proper legal framework | Follow established precedent of early community; leadership change through consensus of righteous community members | Obedience to established authority unless clear contradiction to text; removal only in cases of explicit apostasy or abandonment of prayer |