Most U.S. Muslims say there is more than one true way to interpret Islam %FFU.S. Muslims who say there is true way to interpret Islam
For American Muslims, being highly religious does not necessarily translate into acceptance of traditional notions of Islam. While many U.S. Muslims say they attend mosque and pray regularly, sizable shares also say that there is more than one way to interpret their religion and that traditional understandings of Islam need to be reinterpreted to address the issues of today.
At the same time, American Muslims openly acknowledge that there is room for multiple interpretations of the teachings of Islam. A majority (64%) say there is more than one true way to interpret the faith’s teachings, while just half as many (31%) say there is only one true way to interpret Islam. And it’s not just less-religious Muslims who express this sentiment: While 72% of Muslims who say religion is somewhat (or less) important in their life say they are open to multiple interpretations, a majority (59%) of those who say religion is very important in their life also say there is more than one true way to interpret the faith. Among U.S. Christians, there is a similar balance: 60% say there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their religion, while 34% say there is just one true way.
About half (52%) of all U.S. Muslim adults also say that traditional understandings of Islam must be reinterpreted to reflect contemporary issues, while 38% maintain that traditional understandings of Islam are all that are needed to address today’s issues. On this question there is more of a difference of opinion among Muslims when it comes to how important religion is in their lives. Those who say religion is very important in their lives are evenly divided (43% say traditional understandings should be reinterpreted vs. 46% who say traditional understandings are all that is needed), while about seven-in-ten (71%) of those who say religion is less important express the view that Islamic teachings need to be reinterpreted.
Most U.S. Muslims say there is more than one true  | way to interpret Islam  | %FFU.S. Muslims who say there is  | true way to interpret Islam  | 31%  | 64%  | 5%  | Other/DKY ref.  | Only one  | More than one  | % of U.S. Muslims who say traditional understandings of Islam  | 10  | 52  | 38  | Need to be reinterpreted  | Are all we need Other/DK) ref.  | Source: Survey conducted Jan. 23 May 2 201 7  | "U.S Mus lims Conce rned About Their Place in Society, but Continue to Believe  | in the American Dream"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 