Concerned British Muslims, mostly of South Asian origin, want to open their religion to critical enquiry and debate
“Let's be honest. There's a clear link with Islam.”
This was heading of a Times opinion piece on the controversial case of a group of Muslim men jailed last week for sexually abusing young and vulnerable white girls. The writer, David Aaronovitch — a social liberal and ex-communist to boot — suggested that Islam was inherently misogynist: a culture that treated its women as “red meat.” But here's the irony: it was a Muslim Chief Crown Prosecutor who paved the way for their conviction by insisting on reopening the case after it had been closed. This, of course, in no way diminishes the shame that the Muslim community ought to feel over the criminality of these men, but where Mr. Aaronovitch appeared to go off at a tangent was in linking a vile criminal act with a specific community and culture. After all, nobody (and rightly so) has blamed Christianity for the conduct of hundreds of priests found involved in child abuse scandals around the world.
So, what is it that allows such glib assumptions about Islam?
Echoing a perception
To be fair, The Times writer was simply echoing a widely-held perception of Islam: inherently violent and intolerant. The idea of Islam as a set of strict taboos and pieties in which everything is a “given” and there is no room for ifs and buts — let alone serious critical thinking — has become deeply embedded in the public mind.
It is easy to blame it on anti-Muslim prejudice and accuse critics of Islamophobia. But the truth is that a great deal of public misreading of Islam is down to Muslims themselves. From the neighbourhood maulvi dispensing forbidding fatwas on everything in sight, to hard-line scholars with their self-serving interpretation of Islamic scriptures, they all have contributed to the notion of a good Muslim that is akin to Tennyson's caricature of British soldiers who led the catastrophic Charge of the Light Brigade: theirs is “not to make reply,…not to reason why… but to do and die” in the name of supposedly divine injunctions.
But now a group of concerned British Muslims, mostly from South Asia, has set out to put this idea of Islam on its head by stimulating debate around the very issues that “good” Muslims are forbidden to explore. Importantly, the men and women behind this initiative are no airy-fairy left-wing liberals — a label routinely hurled at Muslims seen to be “out of line” — but practising believers with deeply held Islamic beliefs. These are very much the voices from “within” and many sufficiently well-versed in theology to be able to back their argument with chapter and verse from Islamic texts.
The Critical Muslim, a new international quarterly from the London-based Muslim Institute, is as much an attempt to intellectually reclaim Islam from fundamentalists and reshape it for a modern age as it is a response to those who believe that there is no such thing as a moderate Muslim or moderate Muslim viewpoint. It promises to provide a “Muslim perspective on the great debates of contemporary times” through “open and critical engagement in the best tradition of Muslim intellectual inquiry.” Ziauddin Sardar, Professor of Law and Society, Middlesex University, and a co-Editor of Critical Muslim, believes that there is an urgent need for Muslims, particularly in India and Pakistan, to think critically.
“Lack of critical thought, over centuries, has allowed extremism and obscurantism to become intrinsic in our societies. Without criticism, and an openness to embrace the wider world, Islam and Muslims are reduced to ciphers — incapable of generating new and original ideas, solving the pressing problems of our societies, and making their mark on the world,” he says.
The theme of the latest issue is The Idea of Islam which, the contributors argue, needs to be revisited with a bold re-reading of the more contentious interpretations of Islamic scriptures currently presented as something divine that cannot be questioned. Islam, they lament, has been reduced to a series of “no-go” areas which, let alone Muslims, even non-Muslims are prohibited from exploring.
Held captive
“The idea of Islam is incarcerated, not in one, but many prisons,” argues Mr. Sardar. And the biggest of these “prisons,” according to him, is Shariah or Islamic Law which has been used to justify “almost any injustice on God's bountiful earth,” including xenophobia, misogyny and homophobia.
Samia Rahman, a writer and daughter of Pakistani immigrants, writes about misogyny in Islam — how an all-male cast of clerics and scholars have selectively plucked out bits from Islamic texts to justify the inferior status accorded to women in patriarchal Muslim societies. The idea that Islam does not give women the same rights as men has become so institutionalised, she points out, that even young and educated women born and brought up in the liberal West have come to believe it — much like victims of the so-called Stockholm Syndrome where the hostage starts to identify with the captor.
“Most of this misogyny is justified on the basis of the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad…The question is how to pull Islam out of the quagmire of misogynist practice and interpretation and revive its pro-woman ethos,” she writes.
Other issues that the journal debates include the notion of jihad in Islam, questions about Muslim orthodoxy, the idea of Muslim cosmopolitanism that many believe doesn't exist, and the “state of enmity” between Muslims and Jews despite being the “closest of cousins.” And if you thought jazz was an all-American thing, read Andy Simons who insists that jazz is just as Muslim as it is American.
The upshot of the Critical Muslim debate is that what Islam needs is a renaissance to recast it for a modern age.
“It is time to leave the prisons of shariah…break free from the traditionalist thought and bury the notion of the ‘Islamic state' ….,” says Mr. Sardar.
Whether or not it happens, at least a debate has started and it would be interesting to see where it goes from here. The next issue is on Pakistan. Will moderate Pakistanis join the debate?
Keywords: British Muslims, Islam, Critical Muslim
The moderates of any religion believe that their modern, revised
readings of the holy books is the correct one. The extremists
believe that their, often literal, readings of the holy books
best reflects the will of god. How do you resolve this? Unless
God himself or herself comes down and says "Look fools, this is
what I actually meant..", there is no end to this disagreement.
Of course there is little chance of that because invisible sky-
gods don't exist.
The fundamental trouble with this whole thing is "faith". When an
extremist believes what he believes based on blind allegiance to
a book against all evidence and sense, how can you reason with
him? How can you reason people out of positions that they haven't
reasoned themselves into? This is the problem that confronts
moderates of all religions.
@Basid - there is no binding requirement in "western liberalism"
that requires women to wear a bikini. They're free to dress
themselves as they please. Some wear clothes you would deem as
modest, some would wear dresses you might deem provocative, but all
of them wear dresses of their choosing and what they're comfortable
with. They live in a free society and culture that privileges their
individual freedom over the rules of society as dictated by some
invisible sky-god or by a bunch of old men in fancy clothes who
claim to speak for the sky-god.
The author's example about Catholic priests is a poor one. The reason
Catholic priests who are abusers do not besmirch all of Christianity
is that non-Catholic denominations do not have the same incidence of
abuse - to whit, non-Catholic priests are usually married or are at
least allowed to marry or have relationships. It is the Catholic
church's unholy insistence on celibacy that is at the root of the
problem with Catholic priests, not Christianity. On the other hand,
the notion that Islam is misogynistic is not even up for debate; all
religions were misogynistic in the 7th century and Islam is a 7th
century religion that is still firmly ensconced in the 7th century.
Many misconceptions, misquotes, misunderstandings and misrepresentations are tossed around in the media,news and public discussions about Islam and what it teaches. The best solution to learn about Islam is to go back to the sources Quran and authentic traditions of the Prophet (pbuh). Quran has solution to every problem. It has to be interpreted exactly as done at the time of Prophet and his followers. Entire chapter named An-Nisa ( The Women)is dedicated to women in Quran wherein women rights were highlighted 1433 years ago. Man' chief duty is to provide financially for his wife according to what is customary, so she will not be forced to work to support herself or rely on other people for her support. Another aspect of this duty is to provide her with proper clothing and shelter and safeguard her respect and honor. Islam is innocent of such distortions of its teachings. Muslims must conduct in the most ethical manner and set an example of moral virtue.
It is a good move indeed.The followers should praise it as it allows them to understand the true meaning of Islam and not what the subjective interpretation of the native mullahs says.The members of other religions should also get involve and reduce their misconceptions and islamophobia to decide for themselves what is good and what is bad. as Quran is the book of guidance for all of humanity not only for muslims. The muslims who are against a constructive debate should shun their narrow mentality as Quran says "Analyse and Investigate you will be guided".
@Mustafa
"Best of the planner"
"No one can hurt Allah"
I guess that makes you secure. I mean you feel that since you pray to your allah, and he has those characters, you are safe!
You remind of Hindu fanatics. You are no better.
Let me put it this way. No one in this world can dig back whatever was changed in that holy book(or whatever holy book). So it would be good if we bury these religions and listen to our heart. It isn't really tough, just live without your book for one year and you will know there are people that don't need the book and live a better life.
Anything which is spread by sword or lure of money will meet its end
through the same means. you can see that happening slowly in the world.
The moderates of any religion believe that their modern, revised readings of the holy books
is the correct one. The extremists believe that their, often literal, readings of the holy books
best reflects the will of god. How do you resolve this? Unless God himself or herself comes
down and says "Look fools, this is what I actually meant..", there is no end to this
disagreement. Of course there is little chance of that because invisible sky-gods don't exist.
The fundamental trouble with this whole thing is "faith". When an extremist believes what he
believes based on blind allegiance to a book against all evidence and sense, how can you
reason with him? How can you reason people out of positions that they haven't reasoned
themselves into? This is the problem that confronts moderates of all religions.
@Basid - there is no binding requirement in "western liberalism" that requires women to wear
a bikini. They're free to dress themselves as they please. Some wear clothes you would
deem as modest, some would wear dresses you might deem provocative, but all of them
wear dresses of their choosing and what they're comfortable with. They live in a free society
and culture that privileges their individual freedom over the rules of society as dictated by
some invisible sky-god or by a bunch of old men in fancy clothes who claim to speak for the
sky-god.
@Aaliya Khan: Which Quran are you reading ? Of course it has verses about wife beating. Part of growing up is to take criticism and fix issues that are irrelevant to the modern age. I hope the Muslims come out of their "victim" mentality - it is only going to beneft them.
Arun Subbu
Chennai
These days it has become sort of fashionable to speak on Islam and its
tenets by the 'talkers' of all ilk. Although we are not sure about
their intentions, but as a follower of Islam it makes us happy that
there is a spotlight on the relevance of Islamic thought and
principles in the modern age. Adherents of Islam mostly as a result of
conversions tripled in the USA post 9/11. Anyhow, coming to the point,
in any debate the discussion must be holistic not abstracted, what is
the alternative that western liberal thought has offered women apart
from nudity, drugs, crime, (rate of incarceration in USA the fountain
head of western thought is highest in the world). Therefore, we as
adherents of Islam are not bogged down by the attacks, it rather
beseeches our aptitude to introspect and address. The important aspect
is that there is a difference between systemic issues linked to a
particular thought or idea (like the transgression by christian
clergy) and individual crimes.
George Bernard Shaw who studied Islam & Prophet Muhammad(SAW) filly, quoted in his book, "The Genuine Islam' in 1936 that, "I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today."
When he said 'Islam can make itself appeal to every age' even in 1936, why can't it be applicable now. Pls study Islam & comment.
I wonder the author does not have good knowledge on Islam even thoug he is a muslim. The truth is, Quran and the preachings of prophet Muhammad(SAW) are always fine, applicable for all the ages. The shariah rules can't be changed as it's given by God and not made by men. Men have no rights to ammend/append. There is nothing called modern. People are deploiting good mannerism/culture in the name of modernism. Islamic preachings do not guide male muslims to dominate female muslims. The one who talks about a culture should have studied it well before putting his ideas about it on public. If one has studied Islam fully, he will not go against it's law anytime. Why people are against shariah law and shouting modernism is, sharial law is difficult to follow, because it will not allow you to commit even a single smaller sin. But if you study, implement and follow the shariah law, then you will be a perfect gentleman. U can't blame the Islamic preachings, if some muslims are doing wrong things
Let Muslims study their own history in a critical way. And let thier holy book be a judge for them. If they also study their hadees (reported traditions) critically without bias. Then most of their problems can be solved. Lets be humans first & then religious.
No falsifiers will change the Lat and true words of Islam. It will not
happen go change your own don't go trying to change ours. What ever the
disbeliever says cannot hurt Allah(swt) and he is the best of planners
Just know that.
I once came across a father and son duo who practised Islam. While travelling in train in the holy month of ramzan, the father who had problem in knee joint wanted to sit and pray while his son insisted that the father kneels down or else he would be an infidel.I checked with my friend who practises Islam and he said that such rigid interpretation brings disrepute to Islam. Does it matter to Allah whether a person kneels or sits while praying. I know it does not. But people who wear islam on their sleeves want to exhibit their piety by such rigid interpretations. I think this article shows that not every one agrees with the interpretaion of the like of the son in this anecdote. Islam like any religion is a great one and it's correct interpretation is the need of the hour.
So what is the alternative idea for Muslim women? something based on Western Liberalism?
That which has reduced the women as an entity whose body and feminine beauty is for commercial adverts. one where teenage pregnancies, rapes are rampant.and women starve to death just to please mens' eyes. The question is that why is that if women in Islam are treated as stated in the article, even then more than 60% of women have chosen to convert to islam in the West, are they illiterate?
Most of the women decide to do hijab by their own will.(see surveys and statements of Muslim women)
If there is freedom to wear a bikini then why is there no freedom to cover the body? The systems of Islam are not based on whims and desires of man but based on the Qur'an.
Asif Murjani absolutely missed the point. There is no 'beating up' mentioned and it was not acceptable in 7th cent. Arabia too.
I second Hashim.
True value of religion.
In majority of people the basic common sense is missing or not learned from teachings of religion, how to behave in civilized society and how to portrait true religion by Godly and good actions.
in the case of Muslims, Just performing out worldly rituals and practice of shariah does not open the eye of the higher understanding and make one a desired Insaan (good Human being). As where the true religion concerns, the true religion, any religion is meaning full, high quality Godly designed shining Human life if followed but unfortunately inability to comprehend pure knowledge of Quran by men which is the science and revelations of truth have lost it.
We have left God knowledge and Godly virtues far behind and made and follow shariah as God blindly. So folks, its time to wakeup to Higher Knowledge and Higher understanding if we were to live in peace and harmony side by side.
Though I accept the backwardness of Muslims in many spheres other religions are much worse.They are not even mentioned in the media.Mullahs who had the answers in the past rightly or wrongly have no more because the lack of knowledge of the world and its relation to Islam.
One of the problems Muslims face is from the Arabs.Arabs not only propagated Islam but also their culture.Muslims need to make the distinction and explore for a better future for humanity.Because the world will finally end up in to two spheres.With Islam and without Islam.
It is really nice for The Hindu to bring this to discussion. I as a physician have had more opportunity to see the societies up close, how the muslims and Hindus behave ( while I worked in India) and the western society (as an immigrant in USA).We have gone through very critical decade since 9/11 .
I believe ,there are problems in all religious communities including the Hindus where wommen are chastised and even murdered for not bringing enough dowry to the in-laws. untouchability ,sati etc etc. The Catholic churches have systematically sexually abused children. We muslims have problems too. I believe it is the result of not knowing Islam. Islam just does not teach misogyny. Islam has given honor to women folks. Muslims have done great injustice to Islam. They have failed to learn Islam and teach it .It might be that new people (non-muslims)will discover the virtues of Islam and take the banner in their hands. Human mind continuously looks for excellence.
Completely agree with Hashim's comment. Islam doesn't need a renaissance. The need of this modern age is true meaning of Islam (Peace) is learned and taught, so that the wrong interpretation and misinformation about Islam which are being spread by some section of media can no longer mislead people.
Surprisingly COMMENTS ARE OFFERED BY THOSE WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS Islam ? (non Muslims)where as follower of Islam are hardly available for comments.
I welcome Z. Sardar's move and wish him good luck. Having lived 46 years in
Canada and experienced many things come & go, I just want to point out here that my very good Egyptian friend asked me some 30 years ago this simple question:
Practically, none of the Indo-Pakistani Muslim has a good grasp of Arabic, the language of the Koran; yet these are the loud mouths who frequently create trouble for the peace loving & hard working Muslims like myself. I used to console him: TIME WILL TELL.
You can reshape Islam only when you can alter its scripture, the Holy Qoran. And since, it has not been altered so far (not even a letter in it), you cannot do anything but create associations, communities to criticize the religion and its practices etc. As mentioned by Samia Rahman in the article "even young and educated women born and brought up in the liberal West have come to believe it — much like victims of the so-called Stockholm Syndrome where the hostage starts to identify with the captor".
The trend is called as Stockholm Syndrome according to Miss Rahman which is kind of funny. Earlier everyone used to say that Islam is a religion for ignorant people, who believe blindly in what their clerics(Mullahs) told them. And now when they see educated people believing in Islam's teachings, they call it as Stockholm Syndrome! :) So, there is definitely something weird/magical with this religion that educated people of Western countries are still embracing this religion!
It is about time. For far too long the extremists have dominated
the dialogue. Open debate and evolution is the only way forward.
Notice though that the only muslim sounding person here is for
status quo. Lord help us.
In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Islam, nor its practices. A religion which has survived 1433 odd years, is presently doing fine, and will be practiced at a more ardent, or should I say, more fervent level in time to come. There may be a few hundred characters out there, who have hijacked the teachings in Islam, to gratify their own needs. That does not mean Islam is radicalised, or is a fundamentallistic religion. Islam has laid out strict rules which must be adhered to, and no Muslim is a Muslim if those laws are violated. So please leave Islam alone and don't mess with it, not even waste your time and effort. You cannot modernize real life practices (Arabis term: Sunnah's)of the prophet. and change it to suit so called 'modern' lifestyles. Something the West will struggle to comprehend. Whatever changes that intend to be introduced will need to be passed by learned scholars of the faith, like Mufthi, Imaams or Moulavis for study, before passed on to the people.
@Hashim
That is the point. Everyone thinks he as knows this true idea of islam
and that is the biggest drawback of your religion.
Some of the problem is that Muslims have not interpreted the Quran for the modern age. for example, the verse 4:34 commands men to beat up their wives if they disobey. This may have been acceptable in the Arabia of the 7th century but is not acceptable now and the word "beating" must be given new meanings.
Early in the article the author, Mr.Suroor, chides David
Aaronovitch for making misinformed attacks on Islam, with the
implication that his views are islamophobic. Yet, later in the
article, the Muslim intellectuals and theologians seem to be making
exactly the same points as Mr.Aaronovitch.
Anyway, reinterpreting these medieval texts to fit with our modern
secular morality is the best way to defang and tame them, and is
therefore a welcome move, long overdue. But it remains to see if
these publications will have any influence on young muslim minds.
No Muslim studies the Quran except for the purpose of recitation with
out understanding even a word of the Quran, even the Arabs do not
study it to ponder upon it. The Muslim theologians only read secondary
sources books written by men centuries after the prophet and follow
those books for religious guidance I would recommend all my non Muslim
brothers to read the translation of the Quran in English by Mohd.Asad
and then compare its teachings to what the Muslims practice and they
will find that Muslims do just the opposite to what is written in the
Quran.
My main question is why on the earth we needs religion, caste, Gods, Temples and babas in 21st century. Is it not the right time the humanity get rid of all these evil things and renaisse itself with a true love for the fellow human beings and other living beings. Eventhough it's clear that in another couple of centuries all the religion will become nonexistent, why can't we start it now to produce a harmonious society which doesn't belive in this harmful things.
The more important question is whether RELIGION itself is relavant today? One of the most important roles of traditional religions was "morality" i.e. doing what is RIGHT and avoiding what is WRONG? The notion of MORALITY changes with age. Depending on the AGE of the religion, the definition of MORALITY has also developed with each. Developing alongside with it were human rights and freedom. We as a global society, stand today with the most developed framework for morality, freedom and human rights (eventhough we don't always abide by it). So, why do we need any of the 'old religions'? No religion offers the same benefits and same rights and freedom as the current framework developed by HUMANS (unlike religious injunctions which were supposed to be from a non-human source). The framework I am referring to is the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" which was adopted by the UN in 1948. This separation of MORATLITY from religion, is the "leap" in thinking that we ALL have to make.
@ Hashim: When you observe that "What Islam needs is educating its
followers about the true values of Islam, and nothing else." you are
trivializing a grave issue. The issues are much more grave and
fundamental. There is no need to be a scholar of Islam to understand
the dilemma of modern Muslim. It quite evident to most well informed
literates that as suggested by Prof Sardar in "Today's Problems,
Tomorrow's Solutions: Future Thoughts on the Structure of Muslim
Society" "Muslims have been on the verge of physical, cultural and
intellectual extinction simply because they have allowed parochialism
and traditionalism to rule their minds." He adds: "We must break free
from the ghetto mentality."
I am so very disappointed with the articles as far as the shariah lawas are considered.
I agree that the Mulas have reduced the status of women in islamic society. But, this is their interpretation of the shariah.
Quran clearly defines the position of women in islam and its very high. Women in islam are to be honord. The roles and women and men are different. men are best in their ventures and women are best in their ventures. So, we shud bring out the real points in the shariah rather than read out of context. Respect the shariah and support it
A great piece of analysis,kudos to Hassan Suroor for this brilliantly
put column .Even though the author has put this in the Muslim
perspective and rightly though, where it is nessasary for every muslim
in this world to introspect.Moreover there is a lesson for every other
religion and its followers to learn from the past mistakes,often made
due to misinterpretations and over emphasis on sacred religious texts
in this modern age living. We cannot forget that religions were made
for betterment of mankind in a particular region where it was
formulated and not to establish superiority of one over the other.
Islam was not misogynist in the begining as women took part in combats and freely moved everywhere without burqa.Quran only forbids woman not to entice men with their adornment.It was in the later period of Abbasides rule under the influence of Persians and Byzantines that strict edict were ordered to confine women in houses and Muslim scholars followed it.It is now time for Muslims to agree on adopting new code for woman to emancipate woman from bondage and they should come foraward to participate in work like other women of world.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in UK and in London have been spreading the message of peace and Love and its motto is Love for All Hatred For None. They recently carried out a campaign to congratulate the queen and every year they organize a Peace Symposium to honor people who have contributed in establishing peace. It's a voice of moderate and liberal Muslims and it presents a true picture of Islam and how women have equal rights regards to men in any society. It is a community which has almost 100 percent literacy. Why not the Muslims learn from such a peaceful community. Islam teaches you to be loyal to your country.
Excellent initiative for the starters.I think Indian muslims can play a leading role in this and be a beacon of light to other muslims of the world, as they inherit a tradition of tolerance unlike their counterparts in the middle east.
Early in the article the author, Mr.Suroor, chides David
Aaronovitch for making misinformed attacks on Islam, with the
implication that his views are islamophobic. Yet, later in the
article, the Muslim intellectuals and theologians seem to be making
exactly the same points as Mr.Aaronovitch.
Anyway, reinterpreting these medieval texts to fit with our modern
secular morality is the best way to defang and tame them, and is
therefore a welcome move, long overdue. But it remains to see if
these publications will have any influence on young muslim minds.
I wonder how many of you have studied Islam before suggesting 'need a renaissance to recast it for a modern age'. What Islam needs is educating its followers about the true values of Islam, and nothing else.!!!
Very well written appearing none too soon, coming at time when good
number of Muslim youth throughout the world are wrestling with contradictions of the religion beliefs rooted in the Arab world of eight century and ultramodern fully inter connected global society. All is not lost with eminent scholars like Ziauddin Sardar co-Editor of Critical Muslim ceaselessly working to uplift Islam to modernity. He has developed new discipline based on five principles “1: Islam must engage with the contemporary world not just as a religion, but as a way of shaping and understanding the world. Islam can provide a matrix and methodology for tackling problems and generating future choices and possibilities for Muslim societies. 2: Muslims must perceive themselves as being a civilisation, rather than members of a set of fragmented nation states. This is the only way to avoid stagnation and marginalisation. 3: Plurality and diversity must become the cornerstones of Islam. 4: Shaping viable and desirable futures for a Muslim civilization must involve the active participation of communities and conscious effort at consultation (shura) at all levels of society with the aim of achieving a broad consensus (ijma). 5: To shape desirable alternative futures, Muslims must engage constructively with the
contemporary world in all its dimensions.”
The roots of all religions is spirituality. How about going to that root and seeing Islam/all religions with a neutral perspective?
You said it. "what Islam needs is a renaissance to recast it for a modern age. " It is a good move and all liberal minded people should not only welcome it but help in its progress. Islam,like other religions, is a faith in the supreme and there need not be any quarrel about it. It is only the practices that are being discussed in the open and it will strengthen the religion. ultimately
Islam as a religion can stand shoulder to shoulder with other relegions of the world. Practioners of the relegion have hi-jacked the tenets of Isalm to further their own ends. Hence the islamic world can neither live in peace with itself or with the outer world. Like the Arab spring another revolution needs to take place across the Muslim world to unite, overthrow the misleaders, modernaise the concepts without diluting the basic tenets of Islam.
This is a welcome development and very appropriate at this time. Whereas, several open minded Intellectuals frequently go to great pains to distinguish between Islam and some misguided Muslims, unfortunately the average person meets a Muslim and does not think beyond. All the stereotyping about Muslims must hurt a lot but no other religion produces monolythic groups like Islam. The idea of being a non-believer is unheard of and open discussions are a taboo! For all the Intellectual discussion herein, the average poor, uneducated Muslim living in Villages knows no different. The need to open up the discussion must happen at all levels and this is very hard, when the pressure is to become inward thinking and conservative. The West has started to fear the Muslim and this automatically creates distrust. The Critical Muslim is an excellent start
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