Islamic Liberalism: Mustafa Akyol

I read an article written by Mustafa Akyol titled "Faith: Freedom and Islam" in which he argues that Muslims not only need democracy but also need liberalism. He summarises the main points as:

"First, “freedom from the state,” or the acceptance of secular (not secularist) governments. Yes, Prophet Muhammad happened to be the head of a state, but none of us mortals are divinely guided as we believe that he was. Thus, none of us should impose our own limited understanding of Islam, via the state, as “the real Islam.”

Second, there is the need to accept “the freedom to sin.” Not because we endorse sin, but because when we try to ban it with authoritarian means, all we create is hypocrisy, not genuine piety.

Third, we Muslims should recognize “freedom from Islam.” If any of our coreligionists choose another religion, in other words, we should just respect that choice. That would be a much bigger service to our faith, rather than depicting it as a club with a free entry but no free exit."

Source: http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/08/07/080711-opinions-faith-islam-liberalism-akyol-1-2/