You know, that actually explains a lot on how some people in my entourage reacted back when I complained that the current Islamic othodoxy was in fact contrary to both the letter and the spirit of Muhammad's teachings and revelations, and that they should be re-examined thoroughly, and that a new, better, more consistent morality should be extracted from them. I was told that wouldn't be Islam anymore, and that why don't I start my own sect I'm at it (said in tones of disbelieving indignation). That didn't make any sense to me back then, but now it all fits...