▪︎The tension between traditional and reformers
There is a historical long conflict and tension between those who identify as traditional, and those who believe to be reformers in religion.
Traditional scholars accuse the reformist on working to destroy religion, or perhaps to weaken a certain creed that is followed by people. They see any new thought as a dangerous attempt in going against the mainstream.
While the reformers on the other hand, may use the same accusation of causing destruction to religion by the traditional scholars, due to their backwardness and limitations in understanding the texts.
I have a problem with the separation between traditions and reform, as you can be a traditional scholar and yet a reformist. In my series of lectures 'Reformation in Islam' I presented the idea that all the main traditional Muslim scholars from both schools were reformers.
You cannot place all those who claim to be reformers in one category. Our method, is to reform through holding to the traditions, and thus, we do not accept to be separated from the main path of Islam.
The strongest method used by traditional scholars in facing the reformers, is spreading accusations of attempting to destroy religion, or working to please other sects, or they may go far in claiming that reformers are working for the interest of the enemies of Islam.
True reformist scholars, must firmly refuse the attempt of separating them from the traditional path. As a reformer, you represent our traditions, and you ensure the correct and reformed interpretation of them to passed to others.
Someone who identifies as traditional, may be following the traditions of Abu Jafar Al Tabari, assuming it is from Abu Jafar Al Baqir (as). A reformist, may come and prove those traditions not to be from the Ahlul-Bayt (as) and present the correct teachings of the Imams.
In this case who is the true traditional scholar? The one who follows blindly without investigating the authenticity of the text, or the reformer who works hard to protect our traditions from the creeds of the wickedness?
To succeed in your reform, you should not approach the aggressiveness of the other side with more aggression. They get angry so quickly due to a psychological fear and insecurity. You should be there to extend a brotherly hand and comfort their fear.
Never get low and accuse those who identify as traditional, with the same accusations they throw at you. Always repeat, 'May Allah forgive my people...' and be armed with the strong evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah in approaching everyone.