Muslim Conservatism at a Crossroads

Religious conservatism, in this case for Islam, has become a source of optimism and concern as of late. There is the view that the growing numbers of Qur'anic study groups at many offices and even shopping malls, the wide use of Islamic garb like the hijab, and the increase in the number of people going for the pilgrimage to Mecca are evidence of increased piety in society--in its most extant form. Many hold that worship of the Creator is a source of goodness. It increases patience, social cohesiveness, and the desire to do good towards others.