How to draw the distinction?

Submitted by Cat (United States), Jun 8, 2010 at 10:13

Mr. Pipes, you have always been careful to draw the distinction between Islam and "Islamists." But how can this distinction be sustained, in light of Turkey -- and for only one of many other examples, in light of Malaysia's descent into sharia?

Is it realistic to claim that the "devotional" aspects of Islam (the prayers, pilgrimage, "charity" and the like) can be separated from its "social" commands regarding the treatment of unbelievers (especially Jews) and women? When a prayer that condemns Jews and Christians is required from Muslims five times a day in order to ensure that their deity hears them at all, how can this division be possible?

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