Many "Internet Muslims" will insist that there are NO denominations in Islam - that everyone is one big happy Ummah. Well, I live in the real world, and this is not the case. There aren't, however "denominations," in the same sense as in the Christian Churches (e.g. Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc.). For one thing, in most of the Middle East, the media (TV and Newspaper) is controlled by the government. Therefore, what you see/read is what the Government allows to be seen or read. And many countries adhere to a censorship policy as far as books and videos, etc. With this background in mind..........
Are there liberal, moderate and fundamentalist denominations in, say Iran or Pakistan?
Yes, but generally, the majority parties are majority in an overwhelming statistic. By this I mean, the minority is quiet, small, and generally not really heard from. And fundamentalist is usually referred to as "Islamist" which means Islamic-religiously, but not operating solely in the realm of religion - more so in politics and society instead of solely theological concern.
Is there religious tolerance by the fundamentalists for people who have more liberal views?
Yes, religious tolerance - but not personal and political. Technically, religiously-speaking, there must be tolerance and peace. However, in the real world, there is not. Why? Individual persons don't always come with Buddha-like compassion in their personalities. In other cases, as is true world-wide, politics incites tempers, anger, intolerance, and impatience. Besides these facts are social factors. In the United States people live under the tenuous separation of Church and State... and this has aided in the country's ability to grow as a culture and develop dozens of subcultures. However, in many countries in the Middle East, CULTURAL traditions as well as politics AND religion can create intolerance. Thus, a very old traditional family will not be tolerant when they are on the street and see girls that are (for example!!!!!) wearing miniskirts. Mainly, this occurs as glares or looks, in rare cases a comment. But nothing more than that. CULTURALLY its not proper for a co-ed habitation that is not marriage connected. That's not Islamic, its CULTURAL. But in many places, this is changing - as all societies do change... gradually.
Would a muslim who does not subscribe to mainstream theology be safe, and what muslim majority countries are more tolerant about differing beliefs and what ones are not?
Yes, generally safe. Frustrated, probably. Egypt, Dubai, Jordan are very tolerant. Places like Saudi and Iraq and Iran are less tolerant. But this is an opinion question.... but I think most people who live in the Middle East would agree with me.
~ Kazem
