Fazlur Rahman was one of the great 20th-century Muslim modernists, whose prolific writing and sheer number of students who make up a who's who of Islamic studies throughout North America reveal the impact that he has had on both academe and on Muslim communities throughout the world.
The modernist approach is contrasted with the radical approach of Mawlana Mawdudi of Pakistan. The comparison is made richer by the fact that the two men knew each other personally. The need to contrast the Islamic views presented by Fazlur Rahman with those espoused by Al-Quaida are critical to avoid stereotyping the worldwide Muslim community.