ABSTRACT
As with the distinction between “Islamist” and “non-Islamist” Muslim NGOs, the terms “conservative” and “progressive” voluntary welfare associations must only be applied with a degree of caution. Roughly speaking, the discourse of (relatively) conservative associations is primarily oriented toward the protection, strengthening and development of what may be considered Islamic tradition and heritage. In other words, it is focused on defending the Muslim lifeworld against (perceived) menaces emanating from (secular) modern society considered to be alien to Islamic – and therefore authentic – values. Such menaces usually involve temptations such as (free or openly exposed) sexuality and eroticism, drugs and alcohol and of materialism, consumerism and socially disintegrating individualism. The vision of progressive associations, on the other hand, is determined more by dissatisfaction with conservative or traditional interpretations of the Islamic faith, and by the need to change and modernize such interpretations. NGOs belonging to the latter type usually interact more intensively with foreign and international institutions, such as Western (but sometimes also Muslim) development-agencies, UNICEF, UNIFEM or foreign embassies, and with the social welfare and development discourses of the latter. The religious discourses of these NGOs are deeply affected by this interaction. They are less focused on (cultural) conservation and protection vis-à-vis external influences and more on (socio-cultural and religious) progress and change in tandem with such influences. This usually implies working for greater social, and especially gender, equality.
