Islam vs Islamism: A Fair Hearing?

Submitted by Paul Gewirtz (United States), Apr 3, 2008 at 09:27

Sorry, but in Islam, this can't be done without vituperation or punishment being required. In Judaism, a "moderate" or non-observant Jew can simply say he's not Orthodox, but is Reform or Conservative, and neither the Torah nor rabbinic rulings require that he be killed.

In Islam, a "moderate" or non-observant Muslim is branded a "hypocrite" or--worse--an apostate, and is required to be killed, according to the combined rulings of the Quran, the Hadith (muslim traditions from the time of Muhammad), and the Sira (precepts from how Muhammad behaved, which is considered a model of excellent behavior to be imitated even today).

How can "moderate" or non-practicing Muslims discuss their more modern beliefs with a death sentence hanging over their heads--and plenty of orthodox willing practitioners willing to carry out that sentence? This is Islam. To say that Islamism is a radical offshoot of Islam is to deny the very precepts of the totality of what defines basic, everyday Islam. Islamists are simply Orthodox Muslims, following their religion. You might not like the implications of this, but don't insult Orthodox Muslims by calling them radical or Islamists! If you do insult them, you are "making mischief in the land," and you too are required by basic, everday Islam to be killed! I am not a Muslim, but I have studied Islam quite extensively.

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