Islam needs a revival

Submitted by Rekha (United States), Jan 2, 2009 at 15:14

Injustice was done to people everywhere regardless of religions. Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus were all persecuted one time or the other through out the history. But most religions tried to forget their past persecutions and started a revived life. Christianity went through a great revival.

The old testament is similar to Quran where one can have several wives, enemity towards other people who do not believe in jehovah, crude punishments, eye for an eye etc. Crusaders massacared innocent people in the name of religion.Church had the ultimate say and even ruled over kings. The Bible was interpreted word by word. But when Christianity underwent a revival, it became moderate, people began to interpret the words in the bible not literally but through its context. The essense is given more importance then exact words. Even though polygamy is allowed in old testament, no priest or church will endorse it in the modern world. The revival paved way for open thinking, freedom to women and advancement of Western countries. Islam should undergo a similar revival. It doesn't come in a fortnight.

Educated muslims should unite and work for it. When Quran says, respect and protect women, it is not by making them wearing burqas and restricting their freedom. That was the choice in olden times when lawlessness prevailed in Arabia and women had no protection. Most men died at an early age in battle between tribes leaving women unprotected. Now situations have changed. One should understand the essense of Quran and not word by word. Once Islam undergoes a revival, then the terrorism will end. Mumbai attack was just one among the many. I am hoping for a new world when religious extremists understand the essense of their religion and learn to live in peace.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".