The Ethical Imagination in Islamic Thought: Mona Siddiqui’s Call for Shared Humanity

 

The Ethical Imagination in Islamic Thought: Mona Siddiqui’s  Call for Shared Humanity

Adis Duderija

 

“"An ethical imagination must lie at the centre of Islamic thought. Imagination is about seeing and understanding the world and this is inherently a moral activity. It is through observation that we become aware of human freedom to think and act, of our relational existence, of a moral impulse to make things better for all. Yet in our increasingly pluralist societies, faith in God should be a vessel for a shared imagination. This requires thinking beyond our personal struggle and beyond our personal salvation." Mona Siddiqui  Human struggle: Christian and Muslim perspectives. Cambridge University Press. p.155

 

In today’s world of rapid change and intricate socio-cultural dynamics, the concept of ethical imagination takes on an urgent significance, particularly within Islamic thought. Drawing on the insights of Mona Siddiqui, we can argue that ethical imagination must lie at the centre of our understanding of faith, morality, and community interaction. Imagination, as Siddiqui highlights, is not merely a whimsical fantasy but a vital means of perceiving reality—one that intertwines with our moral orientation and responsibility.

To engage with this notion, we must first unpack what is meant by ethical imagination. This concept compels us to envision a world where moral considerations are paramount, encouraging us to see beyond individual desires and struggles. It insists that our understanding of existence is inherently relational; that we are intertwined with the narratives and experiences of others. Siddiqui posits that this awareness of human freedom—our ability to think and act—is both a gift and a responsibility. As Muslims, faith in God could then be a lens through which we pursue a collective ethical vision, transcending personal salvation to embrace a larger communal aspiration for justice, equity, and peace.

The Role of Imagination in Religious Discourse

Imagination serves as a bridge between the individual and the collective. In Islamic thought this is particularly evident in its progressive version. The Quran repeatedly encourages believers to ‘reflect’ and ‘ponder’ the signs of God in creation. This reflective engagement is not merely intellectual but is deeply moral; it seeks to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of communal responsibility.

When we imagine a just world, we are not only contemplating ideal scenarios but are also challenged to envision the mechanisms through which we can achieve such realities. This requires examining our personal struggles in light of communal narratives. The ethical imagination compels us to ask difficult questions: What does justice look like for those who are marginalized? How do our individual actions intersect with the larger tapestry of societal well-being? These questions point us towards a vision of co-existence and collective flourishing.

Pluralism and Shared Imagination

As our societies become increasingly pluralistic, the role of ethical imagination becomes even more crucial. Pluralism invites diverse voices, each with its own narratives, traditions, and perspectives. However, the challenge lies in harmonizing these voices in a way that promotes shared understanding and respect. In this context, Siddiqui’s assertion that faith must be a vessel for shared imagination takes centre stage.

Religious faith should not isolate or fragment communities but rather encourage dialogue and collaboration. In a pluralistic society, an ethical framework grounded in love, compassion, and justice can serve as a common ground for diverse communities. The Islamic principle of ‘Ummah’ , when conceptualised universally rather than confessionally, emphasises the importance of community, suggesting that our faith must drive us towards building inclusive spaces where all voices are valued.

Beyond Personal Struggle

Taking Siddiqui’s argument further, the notion of moving beyond personal struggle to embrace collective aspirations is imperative for fostering a moral society. The challenge of the modern age often revolves around individualism—the idea that salvation and fulfillment are personal quests, detached from the struggles of others. However, such a view is myopic.

In Islam, personal salvation is inherently linked to social justice. The ethical imagination calls us to remember that our actions have ramifications for the broader community. Each act of kindness, each struggle for justice, contributes to a collective narrative of moral progress. Recognizing this interdependence reinforces our duty to not only seek personal improvement but to uplift those around us as well.

Cultivating an Ethical Imagination

To cultivate this ethical imagination, we must look to education, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement. Educational initiatives that encourage critical thinking, empathy, and multi-faith interactions can help nurture a generation capable of envisioning a fairer world. Furthermore, interfaith dialogues foster a sense of solidarity with those from different backgrounds, enabling us to learn from one another’s experiences and beliefs.

Engaging with the broader community through acts of service also plays a critical role. When we invest in shared goals—whether through local initiatives, advocacy campaigns, or global movements—we begin to embody the ethical imagination Siddiqui advocates. These actions serve as reminders that we are part of a larger whole, and our efforts contribute to the collective moral fabric of society.

Mona Siddiqui’s assertion that ethical imagination must lie at the heart of Islamic thought is not just a philosophical claim but a call to action. In a world that is increasingly complex and divided, imagining a better future requires us to transcend individualism and embrace our shared humanity.

It is through this imaginative lens that we can confront the myriad challenges of our time—systemic injustice, inequality, and apathy. By seeking a shared vision grounded in our ethical principles, we can pave the way toward resilient communities that uphold justice, compassion, and mutual respect. Ultimately, our faith should inspire us to imagine not only a better world for ourselves but a world where all can thrive, reminding us that our true salvation lies in the well-being of our collective humanity.