Muslims for Progressive Values

Muslims for Progressive Values was co-founded by Ani Zonneveld and Pamela Taylor, and incorporated August 2007 in Los Angeles. It is a U.S., Canadian and French religious organization which provides support, advocacy and educational resources for Muslims who are doctrinally and religiously liberal or progressive.

In December 2013, United Nations recognized Muslims for Progressive Values as an official non-government organization (NGO) association member.^[1] The NGO/DPI Executive Committee represents 1,500 NGO organizations with monthly meetings.^[2] MPV’s consultative status enable its members to work with the U.N member nations on issues of intolerance.^[3]

Goal and vision

Muslims for Progressive Values’ (MPV) mission is to embody and be an effective voice of the traditional Quranic ideals of human dignity, egalitarianism, compassion and social justice. Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) envisions Islam and an Islamic community that embodies the ten principles of MPV. Further, MPV envisions a future where Islam is understood as a source of dignity, justice, compassion and love for all humanity and the world.^[4]

Guiding principles

MPV is guided by the below listed ten principles which are in Islam.^[5]^[6]

Principle	Description
Collective Identity	MPV identifies anyone as Muslim who identifies as such.The organization strongly believes that the veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, and is not a matter for the state nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge. MPV welcomes all who are interested in discussing, promoting and working for the implementation of progressive values – human rights, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state, as well as inclusive and tolerant understandings of Islam.
Equality	MPV affirms the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identification, ethnicity, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, or ability. The organization is committed to work toward global societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for all.
Separation of Religious and State Authorities	MPV believes that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qu’ranic view of humanity.
Freedom of Speech	MPV advocates for freedom of expression and freedom of dissent. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions whether, political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive or that dissent may be considered blasphemous.
Universal Human Right	MPV is committed to social, economic and environmental justice. They believe that full self-realization of all people, in a safe sustainable world, is a prerequisite for freedom, civility, and peace. MPV supports efforts for universal health care, universal public education, the protection of our environment, and the eradication of poverty.
Gender Equality	MPV supports women’s agency and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. They believe in women’s full participation in society at every level. They are committed to reproductive justice and empowering women to make health decisions regarding their bodies, sexuality and reproduction.
LGBT Inclusion	MPV endorses the human and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals. The organization is committed to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and supports full equality and inclusion of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, in society and in the Muslim community.^[7]
Ijtihad (Critical Analysis and Interpretation)	MPV promotes interpretations that reflect traditional Qur’anic principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, mercy, compassion, and fairness. They call for critical engagement with Islamic scripture, traditional jurisprudence, and current Muslim discourses.
Compassion	MPV endorses that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. The organization strongly repudiate violence, whether on an individual, organization, or national level.
Diversity	MPV embraces pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace justice. They engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions to pursue a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Activities

MPV Unity Mosques

MPV Chapters offer progressive and inclusive prayer spaces in the US and Canada. All members of the community, men, women, and LGBTQ members can take turn leading prayers, giving sermon and doing the call of prayer [adhan]. MPV mosques are 100% funded by members of the community.^[8]

Los Angeles,CA

Located at 5998 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035-2657 and members can also attend virtually. The adhan, prayer and khutbah may be led by a man or a woman, and the congregants participate together. Individual men and women can choose to stand/sit one side or the other if they prefer.

MPV in the News

"Why Do Progressive Religious Institutions Support Conservative Muslims? Part 1," Huffington Post, April 2014.
"A new Muslim Renaissance is Here," TIME, April 2014.
"A Lesbian Muslim Unveiled - Moving Forward with Muslims for Progressive Values," SheWired.com, January 2013.
"Progressive Muslims Launch Gay-Friendly, Women-Led Mosques In Attempt to Reform American Islam," Huffington Post, March 2012.