Islam as a Religion

Submitted by Tahir (United Kingdom), Aug 26, 2005 at 14:37

Considering that I am an atheist, my views about religion may seem extreme to some but they are grounded in fact and logic.

Forget about reformation, we need rationalism. We need to follow the western traditions of the enlightenment. For too long have the Ulema held sway over the Islamic communities. Their choking grip over the hearts and minds of Muslims is one we need to loosen. Muslim parents have exacerbated the situation by sending their children to mosques. They are indoctrinated, and while their indoctrination may not directly result in militancy, it certainly lays the ground for it.

I have no problem with being an ethnic Muslim. I proudly call myself a Surati Muslim. Even though there is a debate in Britain about whether Muslims should adopt "British" identity, this debate is futile. I don't see why I should adopt British culture rather than French or Japanese culture. The problems of militancy do not arise from them adopting British culture, but their religious beliefs. Jews have maintained their separateness from other people for thousands of years, but this hasn't resulted in them committing acts of terrorism. The same thing can be said about Hindus and the oriental peoples living in America. It is just sad to see the British Right don't seem to understand this.

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