What makes a Muslim a moderate?

Submitted by Pat (United States), May 8, 2007 at 22:50

Without doubt, most Muslims (the vast majority who are not Arab) are definitely "moderate": "servile" would be too strong a term, but definitely, "retreating" and "reticent".

Alo,

You say that the majority of Muslims are moderate, but compared to what? Will the majority of Muslims accept (not just accept, but willingly accede to) being ruled by anyone other than a Muslim? Would they accept the building of a new church or synagogue in their neighborhood? If they had the power, would they allow a Christian to wear a cross or carry a Bible in public? Would they outlaw the jizya and treat the blood of a Muslim equal to that of a non-Muslim, even though both positions contradict what is said in the Koran?

What is it, in your view, that makes a Muslim moderate? You seem to see it as the difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, but Indonesia is (I believe) the world's most populous Muslim country and its people and leaders have carried on a very real jihad against non-Muslims within the country. Buddhist preachers are being murdered in Thailand. Asian Muslims are not immune to violent jihad.

I see the problem as one that stems from Islam itself. Its very nature dictates a need for total control over all aspects of society. It doesn't even accept the legitimacy of anyone who doesn't believe. Such people have no rights under Islamic law. How can anyone accept Islamic tenets and still be a moderate? Compared to what?

Pat

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