Submitted by A very concerned reader (Australia), May 6, 2021 at 16:17
Dear Jeff,
So glad to count on you here as well to keep reflection upon what's wrong and need to be addressed in Islam.
I love both your examples:
1. Slavery. Yes! I love your illustration. Not only were the dhimmis as well as the people from different religions their slaves. Don't forget to mention the numerous concubines that Muhammad had, although I think we can consider his wives at the same level as slaves since we all can read what Surat An-Nisa mentions about women's role in Islam. No one in their sane mind can find acceptable what is stipulated for women according to this religion.
2. The heated topic about moderate Muslim versus non-moderate Muslim. A distinction that is not found in other religions. True. However, Jeff, I disagree in this distinction within Islamic terms because I don't believe that the figure of moderate Muslim exists. Being Muslim entails accepting each and every word of the Qur'an as well as hadiths'. They can pretend to mix in Western countries or behave like us by doing some haram things. But as you have very well described, they can't accept jokes about their prophet, religion or mention of Allah in a non-religious context. Even the most liberal Muslim would tell you that he understands terrorist attacks executed towards those who incurred in such a blasphemy. They say that they wouldn't do it, of course, but understand the act and justify it. This is why I'm repeating constantly that we are not safe as long as this mentality keeps expanding.
3. The warlike nature of Islam. I couldn't be more agree. And it's far from being over.
Thank you so much for your post. Very thoughtful, sensitive and coherent as whenever you come here.
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