Two Islams, Muhummadians and "real" Islamists: De jure v. De facto

Submitted by Joe (United States), Feb 14, 2006 at 02:18

After extensive study on Islam, I have come to realize that there are two, distinct Islams. There is the Islam of Muhummad and the Islam of Allah. Most extremists come from the followers of Muhummad-those who literally translate the Qur'an, follow his hadith and sunnah, etc. Furthermore, those Muhummadians follow the hadith of other early Islamic warlords, such as Umar.

First, we must make a distinction between Muhummads Koran and perhaps Allah's true intentions. Muhummad was a salesman, and a sinner. Those who follow Allah's Islam believe it is something beautiful from God. There is a thin line between the de jure Islam and the de facto Islam for most Muslims. Perhaps it teaches one thing, but for the most part, people aren't following it. The de jure Islam, as well, has exceptions and contradictions. Both are flawed, but "real" Islamists try to follow the word to Allah's meaning.

The moderate Muslims, whom I call the followers of Allah, purport the "real" Islam: a peaceable and tolerant religion. "There is no compulsion in Islam" Those who follow Allah and the real Islam believe this for all. Conversely, the followers of the indeed sinful Muhummad hypocritically do not observe this doctrine.

The problem with the Muhummadians is that they do not follow Islam's peaceful teachings (although arguably they follow the true nature of the Qur'an). The problem with the real Islamists is that they fabricate the nature of the actual (Muhummad) Qur'an, and by declaring a real Islam, are denouncing Islam's real teachings, with esoteric meanings, and by disregarding its militancy. De facto Islam is increasingly more militant, but is perhaps not of the Qur'an. De jure Islam is simply false in itself.

---

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".