Reinterpretation or abrogation is the only way out and ...

Submitted by Prashant (United States), Jul 5, 2013 at 15:24

Dear Dr Pipes,

In responding to the reader Mahendra Mathur (who questioned some objectionable verses in Quran), you correctly said that some content of the book can be reinterpreted or abrogated. I will also add the word 'ignored' to this list. As a Hindu, I find enough references to caste system in Hindu scriptures. As I read them, I just ignore them. The same can be done for unacceptable references in Quran.

But, I will also add, that it will not happen by force of sword. It can only happen by the force of evidence and opinion. With time, Islamic societies will realize that defending every single Islamic principle under every circumstance is more expensive than let the principles survive or die on their own merits. Similarly they will realize that giving jobs to minorities, letting them play in sports teams, and letting them have their beliefs and opinions brings more good to all people than persecuting them until they believe in one straight jacketed philosophy.

As Morsis of the Islamic world fight with Mubaraks and then they fight with the military, they will realize that the entire thing is unsustainable. It is just a matter of time. I hope in twenty years from now, Islam will not be our planets primary issue of attention. The primary issues of attention will be food, population control, and prosperity. The muslims who are being born, today as I write this, will bring that change. As the thought of freedom enters Islamic societies, it will grow exponentially as an unstoppable force.

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