Irshad Manji

Submitted by S.A. Rizvi (Canada), May 12, 2004 at 12:55

Unfortunately neither you, nor Irshad Manji , nor those that you refer to as Islamists understand Islam, yet all the above are anxious to alter what they do not understand.

Of all the mainstream religions Islam in fact is the most tolerant. Study the 1934 Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, if you are serious. In 1934 the "clash of civilizations" rhetoric, or politics did not exist. Yet even then this Author had the foresight to write that it takes a lot to translate and interpret the Quran. He himself studied, and refers to the works of several leading translators before him, in those areas where differences in interpretation exist.

Many learned scholars, from many religions have over the years studied Islam and chosen to become Muslims. Anyone who was not politically inclined would make a note of this fact, and find out what the attraction is. Certainly it is not to the Al-Qaeeda types, or the sad political leadership in most Islamic countries,

For Irshad Manji, the problem is personal. She has herself written about it in the past. She had an unfortunate experience in Madressah (Sunday School) as a child, has chosen to become a homosexual, which neither Judaism, Christianity, or Islam will accept. She can call herself a practising Muslim as much as she likes, but the hard fact is that she is not. She wants to create her own brand of Islam, as do the French, and yourself. This will never succeed.

Anybody who truly wishes to promote world peace, and Harmony will spend the resources in supporting Islam as it was preached by Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him), and his descendents. Yes, Irshad Manji and all those who think that somehow man is more gentler and refined today, would be horrified to hear that I am suggesting that you go back 1200 to 1400 years. That being said, if you compared the actions of the American Army in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay with the practices of Imam Ali and his descendents, you would be pleasantly surprised as to how refreshingly beautiful the teachings of Islam are.

---

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".