The Crisis of Islam

Islam is experiencing a crisis of credibility and authority that stems directly from the nature of Islam itself. This makes it difficult to come up with solutions of any sort because few Muslims will be willing to alter the structure of their religion.

Today’s crisis grows in part out of the structure of Islam itself- a faith without denominations, hierarchies, and centralized institutions. The absence of such structures has been a source of strength that has permitted the faith to adapt to local conditions and win converts around the world. But it is also a weakness that makes is difficult for Muslims to come together and speak with one voice on important issues-to say what is and what is not true Islam.