I Respectfully Disagree

Submitted by Mark D. (United States), Jun 13, 2010 at 22:04

---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? ---

This is actually a great post.

Yes, in Dr. Pipe's neck of the woods, on the surface, at least, day in and day out, as far as I can tell, he proceeds gingerly, somewhat takes a nuanced position and mindful because it's a combustible issue.

And so he says Islamism, not Islam, is the enemy.

In fact, Dr. Pipes keeps on warding off withering, scurrilous attacks of critics by decidedly saying he has never attacked that religion but only Islamism.

I disagree with him on this one.

Mark D.

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".