It might be dangerous but it ought to be done

Submitted by Prashant (United States), May 23, 2016 at 21:04

Dear Dr Pipes,

Our own DNM gives many examples how attempts to reform Islam can be dangerous. Indeed, reforming Islam can be dangerous. All reforms are dangerous. But they ought to be done. I contend that we have never attempted to reform Islam the right way. Islam cannot be reformed by sword. Nor can it be reformed by ignoring its deficiencies. But it shall be reformed by polite but blunt criticism.

Just as we once criticized the church in Europe or we criticized the caste system of Hinduism, we ought to bluntly say, for example, that Sura 5:32 of Quran is not worthy of a mention because 5:33 takes away every single thing that 5:32 giveth and then some. We have to criticize everything that is wrong or objectionable. And we must do it as often as we can. There are no holy cows that must be protected at every costs. And, surely, there are no holy cows in Islam.

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