For Muslims, the teachings of Islam have as much importance and relevance today as they did when the revelations first came to the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is not seen as set of rigid rules that were set in the 7^th century by Muslims but rather a path of guidance that cultures and communities will make their own throughout time.

In its opening chapter the Quran describes religion as being the straight path and presents a picture of a guiding path that runs alongside time (Quran, 1:5). The message of Islam is for all time and all places.

The Quran gives examples of how different prophets were chosen by God throughout history to teach the same eternal message, to worship and serve the same true God. Within the very finite area of the core beliefs of Muslims and the ritual worship they perform, matters are seen to consist of eternal truths and practices of a permanent nature. However most things in the vast arena of human and social interaction are subject to change and rational interpretation for the purpose of human welfare. We can see this in areas of politics, economics, gender relations and family life where debates have changed in accordance with shifts in social norms.