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Your letters - posted March 21, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Mar 21, 2007

 

With students at University of California, Santa Barbara

Posted March 21, 2007

People: Before we get to this week’s Q & A, notice that I’ve re-organized some content on the site so that it’s more user friendly. The new section called “Got a Question?” offers instant support to students, queer Muslims, and Muslim/non-Muslim couples. I’ll keep adding to this section as your emails identify your needs and priorities. Enjoy the new resources. Now back to our regularly scheduled dialogue…

The challenges I love most are those that come from fans of my book. Yes, even fans dissent with me! Being clever (which I adore), they take my words and turn them against my arguments. So it is with the young woman whose letter you’re about to read…

“I am 20 years old, living in Morocco. I have read your book in French, Musulmane Mais Libre [Muslim But Free] and it was a chef d’oeuvre [masterpiece]. I cheer. You tell us that we do not have to believe in something without reflecting on it first and without exercising critical thinking. That is what I did when I read your book.

So I would like to say something without making you upset, please. What you say about the USA, I think you exaggerate. If I have understood what you mean, you were saying that Bush’s United States has not done a lot of mistakes. I am especially referring to your statement “il est possible que les americains aient besoin de notre aide pour exprimer leur glorieu potentiel d’humanistes.” [”It may be that Americans need our help to express their glorious humanitarian potential.”]

The USA is not humanitarian at all. The government has not done anything to stop the downsizing of the corporations. I mean, when I hear Nike, for example, exploiting children and earning a lot of money, I think that if the States were reaallllllyyyy humanitarian as you say, they would do something to stop that!!! Moreover, is it humanitarian to turn down Kyoto because some people do not want to save our shared planet?

I am open to your criticisms of what I am saying, and I know you will not hesitate. What I am trying to do here is learn more and more so we have an Islam where everyone can live without problems.” - Zineb

Irshad replies: Merci bien for your passionate message, Zineb. I’m thrilled that you don’t accept everything I wrote; it shows that you have a mind of your own and I respect that about you.

You’re right that I won’t hesitate to challenge much of what you’ve said. For starters, I do criticize America, especially in Chapter 5 of my book. Nowhere do I imply that the U.S. is perfect. That’s why I talk about its humanitarian “potential.” You focus on the word “humanitarian,” but equally important is the word “potential” - by which I mean a capacity that has not yet been realized.

At the same time, humanitarianism does exist in the USA. An American can denounce her country — and her president — with the most vicious, hateful statements and she won’t be thrown in jail or have her tongue chopped off for doing so. In my book, I give the example of Jello Biafra, lead singer of the 1980s punk band The Dead Kennedys. After 9/11, he toured North America and mocked President George W. Bush. He was never “cautioned” by the FBI, CIA or anybody else to stop.

Similarly, the American press is constantly pointing out the faults of American corporations and governmental institutions — from the refusal of the White House to participate in the International Criminal Court, to its dissing of the Kyoto Protocol, to sweatshops operated by Nike and many other (non-American) multi-nationals. In highlighting this fact, I’m actually emphasizing two things: first, for all the hypocrisy of America, freedom of expression still lives; and second, that thanks to freedom of expression, everybody knows America is far from perfect.

But maybe the most important point is that ordinary Muslims in America are treated far better than average Muslims in Islamic countries. In fact, in the last 100 years alone, more Muslims have been tortured and murdered at the hands of other Muslims than at the hands of any foreign imperial power. I document this fact in my book.

My bottom line is this: instead of trying to identify the “perfect” society, let’s accept that none of us is perfect and then engage in self-criticism to begin cleaning our own houses — be they White Houses or mosques. Thousands of American journalists, and millions of American citizens, are exercising self-criticism every day, which is why the US is so deeply polarized right now. Can we truly say that millions of people in the Middle East are openly engaging in self-criticism? Of course not. And that’s an act of betrayal to ourselves as well as to Allah, because as the Quran tells us: “God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11).

Americans are well on their way to doing this. When will non-Americans, especially those in the Muslim world, do the same? With you as a leader of young Moroccans, Zineb, I’m optimistic about the future.

Your letters - posted March 12, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Mar 12, 2007

 

Irshad and Muntasir, fellow Muslim, at Secular Islam Summit

Irshad defending faith at Secular Islam Summit

Posted March 12, 2007

Friends and foes: I recently spoke at the Secular Islam Summit, as many of you know. To watch my speech, click here. Many of you didn’t realize I’d be delivering a pro-faith, pro-Islam message. You blasted me for attending, on the assumption that secularism means atheism or that people who are hostile to Islam should not be engaged with.

I respectfully challenge both assumptions. On the popular Muslim blog eteraz.org, I explain why I went. Click here to read my explanation and participate in the debate.

So why have I not endorsed the St. Petersburg Declaration, the manifesto that came out of this summit? Below is my statement on behalf of Project Ijtihad, the network of reform-minded Muslims that I represented at the summit. This statement is also signed by Raquel Evita Saraswati, vice-president of Project Ijtihad…

—

Project Ijtihad Statement Regarding the Manifesto of the Secular Islam Summit

The Manifesto of the Secular Islam Summit (known as the St. Petersburg Declaration) calls for some things that are necessary and completely compatible with Islam: separation of mosque and state, protection of universal human rights, and the promotion of intellectual diversity.

But in order to be a unifying, effective call to action, the Declaration must include, unapologetically, the voices of faithful Muslims. As Irshad Manji said at the end of her address, ‘this summit cannot be used to alienate people of faith who are on the side of secularism. The question is, how will we ensure that we are on their side?’

In our view, the summit Declaration fails to meet this challenge. It should clarify that secular Muslims are not necessarily atheists or people who have renounced the faith; rather, secular Muslims believe in separating clerics and politics, and this isn’t any less loving of Allah, respectful of the Prophet Muhammad, or appreciative of the Quran.

Our offer to amend the Declaration met with silence. However, Summit organizers have told us that the Declaration could evolve in the coming months. To that end, we propose the following statement be added:

‘Practicing Muslims are an integral and valuable part of the global community, as well as essential to any movement for secular, faith-respecting states that work toward universal human rights. We acknowledge the peaceful observance of Islam to be a legitimate choice for many. We stand by those who embrace an Islam that defends critical thinking, empathy, justice, and non-violence. They are our allies, and we are theirs.’

Irshad Manji
Founder and President, Project Ijtihad

Raquel Evita Saraswati
Vice-President, Project Ijtihad

Your letters - posted February 14, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Feb 14, 2007

 

Little Irshad plays the bride in Kampala, Uganda

Posted February 14, 2007

The Muslim Refusenik Valentine’s series just wouldn’t be complete without a sample of the marriage proposals I’ve been getting lately. To those whom I reject: Please know I’m truly flattered by your attention.

And to those who write to emphasize that they’d never, EVER, marry me: Please know I’m truly flattered by your attention.

I begin this update with emails from fans who regard me as the bride of choice. I end with foes who consider me the bride of Frankenstein. But the final email fits neither category. Sometimes the heart has a logic of its own…

“You are very courage NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. I love freedom, can I ask you: I love to marry you. And I am very sincere. Please answer me. Plus I find you very attractive for me as a man, then let’s have babies in Canada.” - Ali, Montreal

Irshad replies: Thanks so much for your kind words about my courage, Ali. I must say that you, yourself, are a brave soul for proposing marriage to me. I receive far more death threats than marriage proposals! In light of the fact that I could be killed anytime, I don’t think it would be responsible for me to bring children into this world. Children need a stable home life. I can’t provide that. So I sincerely suggest you find another nice girl with whom to have babies in Canada.

“I would like to 2 tell U that U are a beautiful lady, gorgeous n intelligent wiv the right curves. U look scintillating wiv ur hair. U married? Got kids? Til I hear from U?” - Dr. Ariganjoye, Lagos State, Nigeria

Irshad replies: My mother always wanted me to marry a doctor. Hmmm….

“Why not just convert to Christianity? That way I could marry you.” - Jay

Irshad replies: Better still, let’s both convert to Buddhism and have no attachment to each other! (I wasn’t impressed with your proposal, Jay, so I feel no bond. Good-bye.)

“Will you marry me?… I just want to let you know I admire you, especially the fact that you aren’t afraid to say exactly what you’re thinking, yet at the same time be tactful and intelligent. I endeavour to be more like you in that respect. I haven’t read your book, but I used to watch your program, Big Ideas, when you were still the host and tonight I caught most of your interview on CNN about the state of Islam in the world today. I’m a Bahai, so we don’t share the same religion, but for what it’s worth I consider you as an ally and a sister because we seem to be fighting for the same things.” - Kazim

Irshad replies: You haven’t yet read my book? How, then, do you expect me to marry you?? If you have an iPOD or MP3 player and would like to hear the book being read in my own voice (consider it pillow talk, big boy), you can purchase the audio files from my online store. Hope you’ll listen and get back to me with a more compelling proposal. Take a tip from the next guy…

“I’m a college student at Rutgers. I loved your booked. Finished it in 5 days. The only book I’ve ever finished in less time is Freakonomics (but don’t feel bad, I’m an economics nut…) I just had one moment of dissent. Towards the end, you grouped Malcolm X with the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu. I don’t think Malcolm X belongs in that group. The other three espoused peaceful means of protest and promoted compassion and unity among all people. Malcolm X, however, was the poster-boy for segregation through his insistence on black pride and other forms of nationalism that did little to bring unity between blacks and whites. But I loved the rest of the book. Oh, and I love your hair and your Canadian accent. I’ve also decided that if I ever meet a girl who can write as well as you, I’m marrying her.” - Sri

Irshad replies: Point taken about Malcolm. But after completing the Hajj, Malcolm claimed to have undergone a personal transformation in favour [notice the Canadian spelling] of love, compassion and humanity. His public renunciation of previous inflammatory positions suggests some sincerity on his part. Regardless, I dig a boy who disagrees so respectfully with me. If you’re still single in 15 years, will you drop me another note?

 

Now for those who would never, ever marry me…

“Irshad, are you such a queer stupid piece of shit that doesn’t even know what sex you are? You are trash honey, due the right thing and kill yourself. Thanks.” - Abdul

Irshad replies: I’m killing myself laughing over your inability to spell a two-letter word: do. Please, Abdul, clarify my sexual orientation for me. Would you “due” me?

Abdul replies: “I wouldn’t let you near me you repulsive pile of zionist shit. Disgusting joo buttlicking lesbian whore. I just know you are hoping for more filth to write about muslims, you daughter of the dejal. Please be aware that your your time will come soon enough. Satan calls you dear.”

“God you are so ugly. Can you contact a plastic surgeon to see if he can help you.” - Daoud

Irshad replies: I prefer to be a modest Muslim girl and not obsess with my looks. However, I do have a doctor wanting to marry me (see three letters above). Mashallah, if he’s a plastic surgeon, the god of decadence will have answered your prayers! Keep your fingers, uh, crossed.

“First and foremost, the Ismaili are not Muslim, a sect with own brand of religion. So please do not call yourself a Muslim. You are a lesbian cheap whore who loves money. Your principles and views are hardly a prime example in any society. You are loved by the west only because of your views on Islam that earns you money. You along with others will follow the path of hell here and in hereafter.” - Mahmood

Irshad’s note to readers: Even though I’m not Ismaili, I refrained from replying to Mahmood. He wrote me again…

“Did you know in an interview Idi Amin was asked, why are you throwing the Ismaili Muslims fro Uganda, he replied who told you they are Muslim, he said they are the worst and misguided people on earth. Your friend Rushdie and Asra [Nomani] are no different. One has a harami child, I mean outside wedlock, and the other is harami himself. He is the result of many cultures. You must learn about Islam before you open your mouth.” - Mahmood

Irshad’s note to readers: Despite severe temptation to open my mouth, I still didn’t reply to Mahmood. And sure enough, he wrote me a third time…

“I have not read your book, in fact I will never read such trash written by your twisted mind. You are sick-minded, expert in distorting the facts and giving interpretations that suit you to make money. You are not a Muslim by any means and what’s more you have no idea about Islam, your book is proof of that. As far as sexual habits concern, I am not surprise. Your looks put people off sex for life. You are a cheap and nasty opportunists who loves money.” - Mahmood, London

Irshad finally replies: Let me get this straight, Mahmood. You say “I have not read your book” but then you say my “book is proof” that I “have no idea of Islam.” How would you know if you haven’t read it? Stop making this so easy for me, honey. As for my looks putting people off sex for life, you might be right. And I’m down with that: Celibacy ain’t no crime. But my platonic peeps can still have intellectual sex with me. Read the next letter…

“I have to contradict your letter writers. You are very cute (much better than pretty) if you don’t mind hearing it from a straight guy. It was cute that got me to stop skipping channels when I saw you on CSPAN, but it was YOU that got me to stay until the end of your speech and seek further information. Thank you for being you.” - Ben

Irshad replies: Awwwwww, Benny…

Ben sends a PS: “My mother, when she would see a very handsome gay guy, used to let out a long sight and say ‘Oh, such a waste…!’ I’m afraid I did the same thing.”

Irshad replies: My own mother likes to say to me, “Allah meant to make you a boy. But He changed His mind at the last minute and forgot a few things.” She thinks that’s funny. I’ll stick with your comment about being cute.

Your letters - posted February 7, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Feb 07, 2007

 

Irshad’s little sis marries a non-Muslim guy.
(Relax, mom. He’s a doctor.)

Posted February 7, 2007

Welcome to part two of my series revolving around Valentine’s Day. Are you a non-Muslim desperately in love with a Muslim? Is the Muslim about to bail because she or he believes that Islam prohibits inter-faith marriage?

Judging by the number of letters I’ve gotten over the past year, it looks like a lot of you are in this situation. But buck up: the Muslim Refusenik is here to help.

Actually, Dr. Khaleel Mohammed is here to help. He’s a professor of Islam at San Diego State U and an imam who’s studied at traditional universities in Saudi Arabia (for the Sunnis) and Syria (for the Shias). Read his defense of inter-faith marriage from an Islamic perspective, available in English and in French. It truly has the potential to save lives and loves.

Now to your anguish…

“I am a 28-year-old agnostic high school teacher who works with at-risk students. My girlfriend is Muslim and her father has told her that she can no longer see me. Yet she still lives with me (basically) and just lies. It seems that her brothers also lie to their father. I was raised by Catholics and while they lie, they seem to stop this when they get older. They tell their moms and dads what’s going on. Not so with the Muslims I meet. They drink, party, have sex, but keep it under the covers, so to speak.

My girlfriend is supposed to be going to Egypt soon to ‘find a husband’ as her father would say, and she accepts this at face value. I am not sure if she will ever change. Her father says they are direct descendents of the Prophet and has the family tree to prove it. So they are held to a higher standard. Help?” - Dominic

Irshad replies: You might remind your girlfriend’s parents that one of the Prophet’s own wives was a Jew. But that’s not my only response. Read on…

“I am a Catholic Italian American. I met a beautiful Arab princess last year. Her name is Gehan. I asked her to marry me some months ago and she said yes. Her father became outraged, put a gun to her head, and threatened to kill her for accepting my proposal. I am a good person and lead a clean life. I love her and respect her heritage. I want her family to judge me by my integrity and character, not by the fact that I am not Arab/Muslim. I have no intention of trying to shove Catholicism down her throat after marriage. I believe we all worship the same God, Muslims and Christians alike. Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.” - Joe

Irshad replies: Joe, I have the same advice for you as I do for the guy before you and the guy after you. Keep reading - and know that you’re not alone…

“I’m really heart-broken right now because the love of my life, Salima, happens to be Muslim and her family arranged for her to marry someone else. They were extremely disappointed with her because I’m a Christian and, well, I’m not appropriate for her. It’s ‘haram’ [forbidden]. We were together for a while and really loved each other. Then when I came back to the States her family made her cut ties with me and write me emails telling me I was a mistake and all kinds of lies she admitted later when she called me. Now she’s marrying someone else and I just wanna know why Islam doesn’t allow her to be with me. Why can’t a Christian marry a Muslim? I just feel a lot of resentment towards Islam and I figured you might be able to help me.” - C from Dallas

Irshad replies: Brother C, Islam DOES allow inter-faith marriages. Read this, and feel free to send it to your former girlfriend’s family so they know that their bigotry is exactly that: bigotry, not faith. You probably won’t win Salima back, which sucks supremely. But at least you’ll know what to give the parents of the next Muslim woman you get involved with. Forget a dowry. Give them this document.

“I am in love with a Muslim woman. With our personalities, our love, our friendship and our outlook on life, we are made for each other. Each of us have a different religion, and we do not mind. We will not push the other to convert. The only problem is that her parents may fall into the typical culturally biased opinion of it being wrong. Otherwise her parents love me and would want for us to be married. If we have ‘proof’ that this marriage is ok according to a scholar, then we might win their support.” - Scott

Irshad replies: Here’s your proof, Scott. Don’t forget to send me a wedding photo. And, in any moments of marital despair due to differing religions, take inspiration from the next guy…

“I have been married for 50 years to a Protestant whereas I grew up a Catholic. We have found a natural way of accepting each other’s values and live according to common sense principles of human existence, including accepting our society as it is and not as we would like it to be. We pray words of thanks before meals and before we go to sleep, although neither of us goes to church.

If only the ultra-conservative religious leaders were so enlightened as to accept common sense human desire to be a friend to all fellow citizens. Then they themselves would find a new world full of love. To those of you spilling your vicious diatribes of hatred: Get a life!”

Irshad replies: Or get a wife – and love her for who she is, not for the God (or gods) she fears.

“Eight years ago I met the man of my dreams. We fell in love and began an incredible honest and mature relationship that both our families and friends knew about it. I am Sikh, he is Muslim. We began dating with the ultimate goal of getting married and quite often discussed the issue of our different faiths but were honest with each other from the beginning. I told him I would not be able to convert to marry him but I respected his religion and his values so much that I would have no problem with our children being raised Muslim. And he was ok with that too, saying he would never ask me to convert because all that mattered to him was that I believed in God.

But as we both got older his views changed to the point that he said we could not get married unless I became a true, practising Muslim because he was afraid it would be confusing for our children and that he would be going against God. I told him I respected him, I respected his religion, and I wanted our children to be Muslim, but that I needed to maintain my faith in order to maintain my identity. However, I would support him and support his religion in our life every day and would study his religion to better understand it so I could help him in teaching our children. We agonized over this situation for the past two and a half years and were never able to reach a compromise. We broke up less than two months ago and now he plans to marry a Muslim girl, simply because she is Muslim.

Irshad, do you have any information, anything at all that would help us and our situation. I do not believe marrying someone you love is going against God. I understand I am not Muslim, but I truly feel the my morals and values are the same as a Muslim’s. I truly respect Islam because it is a huge part of why I love this man.” - DS

Irshad replies: Sis, it’s at times like these that organized religion breaks my heart. Why do people choose a set of external rules over authentic, organic love? You answered my question, at least in part, when you wrote of your boyfriend that “he was was afraid…” Fear does, indeed, mangle our innate humanity. All the more reason that I’m grateful to Imam Khaleel Mohammed for sticking his neck out and writing this defense of inter-faith marriage from an Islamic perspective. That might just be the information you need to “help us and our situation.”

But wait, many Muslims will now say that Imam K’s argument applies only to the “People of the Book” as defined by the Quran. Not quite, I say. Islam’s holy book tells us that anybody – anybody – who believes in one God and the last day has nothing to fear or regret. Surely Sikhs are among them. They believe in only one God. As expressed in the Japji Sahib, a hymn that contains the essence of Sikhism, “There is Only One God, Truth is His Name, He is the Creator, Protector, Without Fear, No Enmity, The First Entity, Without Incarnations, Self-perpetuating; With the Guru’s grace: Recite!”

So, sister, you’ve got a good case here. Get your man back with this information. I’d like to think he’ll be relieved. But if he refuses the information because labels mean more than love, then thank the one God that you didn’t have children with the dude. Let me know how it works out.

“I’m a 19-year-old Moroccan Jew who’s been involved with an Afghan Muslim guy for the past two years. It’s hard having my parents, who only want me dating/being with a Jew, while my boyfriend’s family are into the whole arranged marriage thing. You’d think that being in such a diverse city like Toronto, they’d ALL loosen up a bit.” - Ashley

Irshad replies: Girl, I don’t know what to do about your own parents. But ever considered giving your boyfriend’s parents Imam K’s defense of inter-faith marriage?

Ashley replies: I just finished reading what the imam wrote. I would show it to my boyfriend’s parents, but they can’t stand me. My boyfriend’s father won’t even look at me. I try to say hi, but he’ll just turn his head. His mother, she’s okay with me. But that’s only because (like my boyfriend’s sister told her) “she has no choice.” It’s really irritating when you get two families hating each other.

My boyfriend and I were thinking about how our wedding would be if we actually DID go that far… It was so sketchy! First of all, where would it take place? A mosque? Or a synagogue? I told him we should just do it in a church. Then no one would get their way and there’s no conflict! Haha.

You should really write a book on this topic. I know MANY friends of mine are in the same situation. Think about it. =)

Irshad replies: Don’t know that there’s an entire book in all of this, Ashley, but there are definitely more angles to explore. Stay tuned.

Your letters - posted January 22, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Jan 22, 2007

Posted January 22, 2007

Friends and foes: Valentine’s Day is coming up and I’ll be devoting the next several updates to encouraging the celebration of love - particularly between Muslims and infidels.

Welcome to the first installment: emails from Muslims who’ve hooked up with non-Muslims.  Many are desperate to know if Islam allows inter-faith relationships. I’ve received so many e’s asking this q that I’ve had a progressive imam, Prof. Khaleel Mohammad, write a defense of inter-faith marriage — from an Islamic perspective. You can download his argument in English ou en Francais.  (Oui, nous sommes très bilingue.) 

If you’re a Muslim who wants to convince your parents that God loves love, present this document to them. Don’t tell them you got it off my site!  All they need to know is that it comes from a Muslim cleric. His name and credentials are in the doc. Now for some moon-struck Muslims…
“I am Indonesian muslim marrying jewish guy.  now have been living in USA for almost 5 yrs.  To my knowledge it is not allowable for muslim woman to marry different religion and also I do not think it is acceptable in muslim community.  what is your knowledge about the above matter?” - jazmine

Irshad replies: Frankly, Jaz, it doesn’t matter what I think.  It’s what your heart tells you that counts.  But if you’re serious about wanting knowledge, read Imam Khaleel Mohammad’s defense of interfaith marriage. He’s got the intellectual chops to bless you big-time.

“I am a progressive liberal Muslim American of Pakistani descent… Of particular interest to me are like-minded imams who will perform Islamic marriage ceremonies for Muslim women marrying non-Muslim men.  I know two of my sisters struggled to find such an imam when it came time to marry their ‘converted’ husbands.  I intend to marry a non-Muslim, non-’convert’ and would like my mother to have some type of ceremony that she can invite her fellow Muslim friends to, but that would not be intolerable to me. Do you have any leads on where this type of clergy might be found?” - Tayiba

Irshad replies: As it turns out, Imam Khaleel officiates inter-faith weddings whenever possible. Click here for his contact info. And don’t forget to send me a wedding photo!

“I am from a Muslim family but I am agnostic and in a relationship with a Muslim woman.  According to her, she is committing a sin being with me and cannot marry me. We are madly in love and want to spend the rest of our lives together.  But she is going to break up with me because she is afraid of making Allah unhappy. I am sure that I am not going to convert to Islam. I can understand her perspective.  What can we do to make this relationship work?  We cannot live without each other and we are both heart-broken.  Please help us.” - Ehsan

Irshad replies: Ok, first things first. You’ve got to give her Imam Khaleel’s document. Or read it to her.  Then she’ll know she’s not making Allah unhappy by marrying you.  Even though Imam K is talking about people of different faiths, the principles he enunciates apply to those who are agnostic as well. After all, to be agnostic doesn’t mean you don’t believe in God; it means you can’t prove (or disprove) that God exists. In that sense, we’re all agnostics. Which means we marry them, too.

“My girlfriend is a VERY faithful Christian.  The closer to her I grow, the more I realize that my parents would ultimately like to see me with a Muslim girl, not because they are any more intelligent, kind, warm… but merely because they possess the same religious credentials. I want to thank you for expressing so eloquently what very many young Muslims have been afraid to do. I also think it’s brilliant how you use direct quotes from the Qur’an, making your points all the more emphatic.  I sense a feeling of relief to know that it is not wrong to think with a liberal mind about Islam.” - Mohammad

Irshad replies: It is NEVER wrong to think, Moe. That’s the difference between faith and dogma.  Faith is secure enough to handle questions.  Faith doesn’t need to threatened by thought.  Dogma, on the other hand, does.

NEXT INSTALLMENT: Letters from non-Muslims who are head-over-heels in love with Muslims. But there’s trouble in paradise.  Why? Stay tuned…

Your letters - posted January 11, 2007

Posted in Q & A on Jan 11, 2007

Posted January 11, 2007

Never again?

Dear Friends and Foes: Mehdi Rafai is a young Muslim who has written to me on many occasions.  We don’t agree on every issue but we respect each other’s passion, faith and humanitarianism.

Mehdi’s latest message to me tackles Muslim complacency about the genocide in Darfur. He’s asked me to post a petition calling on more Muslims to speak up. How refreshing.

I’ve personally signed the petition and ask you to do the same. You don’t have to be Muslim to endorse and circulate this.  You just have to care.

God bless you, Mehdi.

—

PREAMBLE BY MEHDI RAFAI:

On December 21, 2006, TVO’s Steven Paikin interviewed Michael Petrou, senior writer at Maclean’s magazine and author of “Genocide in Slow Motion” on the conflict in Darfur and how it is spreading to Chad. Paikin asked, since the conflict is between Arab Muslims and African Muslims, what, if any, assistance had come from the Muslim world to help the situation in Darfur?

Petrou answered that although help was minimal from anywhere, the West was feeding the refugees, while the only help offered by Muslims was a huge, multi-story mosque paid for by Saudi Arabia in the middle of the poverty-stricken capital of Chad, Anjamina.

In response to this, I have written a petition asking that Muslim countries do more to help with Muslim-against-Muslim conflicts. Muslims seem quick to protest foreign injustices, perceived or real, but when our fellow Muslims are fighting amongst each other, we say nothing. I want to help change that.  Will you join me and Irshad in supporting the petition below?

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK:
http://www.petitiononline.com/msaimva2/petition.html

— 

Want more information about Darfur and Sudan?

The founder of Ijtihad Boston has written something you should read. Click here.

Your letters - posted January 1, 2007 (Part 4)

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

“Why is it that seemingly rational and well-educated individuals like Mohammad Atta [ringleader of the September 11 hijackers] could subscribe to such an interpretation of Islam, and perpetuate extreme violence in its name?” - Philip, Singapore

Irshad replies: You’re right to describe Mohammad Atta as seemingly rational. He grew up as a secular Muslim. He evolved into a moderate, not fundamentalist, Muslim. He certainly wasn’t dumb; Atta earned an engineering degree in Egypt and did his post-graduate work in Germany.

But too much rationality might have been part of Atta’s problem. He was never taught to think creatively or to live with uncertainty. He studied fields that required rote memorization and provided formulaic answers. His approach to the Koran reflected Atta’s need for cold, hard absolutes. As he wrote in his suicide note, “It is enough for us to know that the verses of the Koran are the words of the creator of the Earth and the planets.” Notice the words, “It is enough for us to know…”

However, it is not enough to know what the Koran says. For the Koran, like every scripture, is as much an historical document as a divinely inspired one. Only months before 9/11, a German professor of Middle East languages published research that showed the Koran’s promise for martyrs — namely, virgins in heaven — is based on the mis-translation of a word that more accurately translates into raisins! (This isn’t as crazy as it sounds. In 7th-century Arabia, raisins would have been pricey and exotic delicacies, worthy of exporting to heaven.)

What if Atta had known that key words about the hereafter can be legitimately contested, even when they appear in the Koran? That they may not all be the words of “the Creator of the Earth and the planets”? That the pay-off for self-immolation, never mind mass murder, is dubious? That the prospect of paradise is guesswork, not a guarantee? Maybe then he would have held back. Maybe. The possibility begs for attention.

Philip, I don’t pretend that this is the full answer to your question. Still, I do think it’s a vastly overlooked piece of it.

“Many people are of the opinion that you are extremely courageous to take certain positions. However, I don’t see you as courageous at all. Rather, you strike me as someone who is quite simply intelligent and honest, and who has the integrity not to compromise your intellect in order to fit in with the fashions, trends, and popular opinions that have been established by those who are pursuing their own selfish interests. As a result, when you speak, you make complete sense to me and you renew my faith in the fact that people - all people - may very well have a wonderful future on this earth together.” - Art

Irshad replies: Or not… Read the next email.

“You said you live in a democratic state and you have the right to voice your opinion. You are right. But that doesn’t mean you go around disrespecting other people’s religion. If I wrote a similar book addressing the same issues against Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, etc, would I get similar support? NO!!

When I go out on the street or when I’m in the subway or when I’m in the mall shopping, all the white people shoot me dirty looks, treat me differently, call out names, plainly disrespect me! Where is your human rights law then?? How come you have teamed with these people instead of helping all the Muslims?? Have you gone on the other side???

The next time you write a book, think about what you are going to write. Because by writing this book you are hurting and disrespecting Muslims who do not think the same way as you. Thank you!” - Anonymous

“I am 17. I once asked the same types of questions to my local mosques that you have asked. At first I was rebellious and thought that Islam treated women wrong. Then I started to look into the beauty behind it… You have to realize that Islam is a struggle for a reason. A huge reason. Islam can never be western, eastern, northern, southern, or whatever. It’s a state of its own. And yes I realize that many Muslims are doing injustice, but come on now. Who isn’t? I mean, be realistic… Islam is the most beautiful thing you can ever witness in this life, and a life has not been properly lived if you have not not experienced it. ” - Noreen

Irshad replies: Okay, Noreen, since you insist on being realistic, let me ask you something. When you call Islam “the most beautiful thing,” are you describing Islam in its REAL or in its IDEAL form? Let’s face it: Everything is wonderful in its ideal state. Communism is egalitarian as an ideal. Capitalism is fair as an ideal. The U.S. Constitution bestows liberty and justice for all — in its ideal. As many Muslims will attest, the realities are very different. As a person of conscience, I, then, have to confront of the realities of Islam.

By the way, I think Prophet Muhammad would have embraced this distinction between the real and the ideal. He was reportedly asked, “What is religion?” And he reportedly replied, “Religion is the way we conduct ourselves toward others.” By that distinction, how we Muslims behave — not in theory, but in reality — is Islam. As you’ve acknowledged, “many Muslims are doing injustice.” We’re capable of doing better, and thereby living up to Islam’s ideals. But we’ll never get there if we ignore what ails the faith today. Rather than sanitizing Islam, let’s get real.

“Irshad, you have really helped me, an Arab teenage male of 17 years. Your speech brings a smile to my face, especially when you battle those ‘Islamic scholars’ with information they have misused. May Allah bless you.” - Hani

“I heard you on National Public Radio. The interview made me think about crusades, jihad, etc. I wonder if all religions go through a period of crusading. Christianity (my religion) certainly did and it seems that this is where Islam is today. Are crusades a part of the growth process for religions in general? Thanks for making everyone think.” - Matt

Irshad replies: Everyone? Not quite yet…

“Well, I can’t greet you in the normal Muslim way because you are a kafir [infidel] according to the Muslims, so ‘Hi.’ You are another one of the jews’ stunts in their little game to demolish and disgrace Islam. For a couple of bucks, you sold out Islam. Marvelous. First of all, the Koran (5:3) says that Islam is PERFECT, so it doesn’t need any reform. The Prophet left a complete religion before he passed away.

Why do you call yourself a Muslim? We really don’t need an itch on our asses. Please affiliate yourself with some other religion. I’m sure the Christians would embrace a lesbian with open arms.” - Siddique

Irshad replies: You’re correct about one thing — many liberal Christians have embraced me. It’s the right-wing Christians who spurn my advances, and for the same reasons you do: the fact that I’m a lesbian who challenges literalism. Don’t you see what this means? You have something in common with the Christians whom you so despise! God, I love building bridges.

But I think you’re wrong about something else. You say that Muslims don’t need an itch on their asses. Actually, every society, culture, and religion needs gadflies — those annoying little critters who pick away at the herd mentality by asking questions out loud. Consider Martin Luther King Jr. He was told by his fellow clergymen (those damned Christians again) that by advocating basic human rights, he would be creating needless tension. MLK’s response? “I must confess that I am not afraid of the word ‘tension.’ I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, non-violent tension which is necessary for growth… We must see the need for non-violent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.’ Martin Luther King was an ‘itch on the asses’ of plenty of Christians. The time has come for Muslims to do some serious scratching.

“I watched you arguing with two other Muslims on TV. You were being asked why you were airing dirty laundry outside; why not work within the community to change it. The closest analogy that comes to mind is that of corporate whistle-blowers. They are always treated as traitors by the insiders, but they find that the only way they can effect change is from the outside. The people who think they are traitors don’t realize the amount of soul-searching agony that these people go through to make this decision. If you approached your community with these ideas, how far would you get and how diluted would your message have to be to become acceptable to ‘mainstream’ Muslims? To make things happen, you are forced to the outside. And your pain is their gain - though they would never admit it.” - Joe

Irshad replies: Want to hear that rare Muslim who does admit it? Here you go, Joe…

“My family and I are Muslims. I am a professor of literature. My wife is a physician. We would like to extend to your our profound thanks for speaking out about the ‘trouble’ in Islam. Your amazingly courageous stand has made my life much easier to bear because, ever since 9/11, I have been deeply troubled by my adoptive faith. You also make it easier for me to figure out what to say to my kids, who are 10 and 13.

I saw you being grilled on TV. Just by asking taboo questions, you brought out extreme emotions in your interlocutors, who were rooted in tribalism and literalism. I would apologize to you for some of the cheap shots you had to suffer. May you persevere in your quest and keep safe!” - Alamin

“I read your article, Challenging Islam is Risky. Why in the world should it be risky in the first place? Unless those who are offended by the challenge are pathologically insecure themselves? Finding themselves on shaky ground, the only answer they can come up with is ‘Kill the questioner!’ Now, that is hardly a persuasive defense of the truth they are supposed to believe in!” - Kalim

“I am a 41-year-old Arab-American born into this wonderful religion. The older I get, hopefully the wiser I become. I have always believed in being a Muslim but did not truly understand it until I married my husband, who helped me to understand by having an open mind. The beauty of his country and Islam is that you have the right as a human being to speak your mind and say what you need to say. The difference between Islam and all the other religions is that Islam has not been changed…

Perhaps you should continue trying to change people’s minds and not wasting your time trying to change a religion that has stayed true for 1500 years. Save the royalties you get from your book and instead of trying to reform Islam, give to Islamic charities.” - Darlene

Irshad replies: Your husband and I have something in common. I’m not here to change minds as much as to open them, and to my own opened. That’s a form of Islamic charity — one that requires a lot more time and thought than saving my royalties and writing someone a check.

“First step to save Islam is to establish freedom of speech that will allow debating what the Koran really means and how authentic the Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) really are. We need tolerance even to the point of blasphemy. Criticism of the Prophet and even God need to be allowed. I did read the Koran and I can interpret it in a way that will be more more humane than the traditional preaching of the mullah oligarchy. That is why I agree with others that it is Muslims that need to change first. Then we can reinterpret the religion without the religion without feeling like hypocrites.

I do feel that do not stress one fact — there are people who would like to see you exterminated just because you are Muslim. They do not care how liberal and open-minded you are. While we Muslims need to debate among ourselves, we will have to have a united front in our fight against hate-mongers.” - Abu, New Jersey

Irshad replies: Fair enough, Abu, but remember that hate-mongers come in all packages. Those who would like to see me exterminated, no matter how open-minded I am, include other Muslims. Check out the next letter…

“Irshad, your book is rubbish. Continue to be a factotum of Anglo-Saxon arrogance and hostility. People like you see the world through the eyes of the European - you know nothing about Islam. It is a pity that Idi Amin didn’t finish off you and your family.” - Adnan

“As a young Muslim living in the West, I must say that you have a lot of guts. I mean, saying that Islam needs to change. Whoa! I actually don’t mind Islam the way it is… The Quran was revealed over a period of time, so there are contradictions. But really, it’s called having FAITH. If you wanna say stuff about Islam, more power to you. But know, I am not too thrilled.” - Lavender

Irshad replies: Albert Einstein once said that “great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” What makes you a great spirit is not your point-of-view, but your willingness to let others have theirs. What a reasonable start to the liberal reformation of Islam.

“I have read the e-mails from your readers. The anti-’you writing this book’ folk really make me shudder. It is Muslims who live in the Western parts of the world who seem to severely criticize you, but who live behind the veil of freedom of speech.” - Alan

Irshad replies: I disagree, Alan. I hear support from Muslims throughout the West — and beyond. If I’ve posted more criticisms than support, it’s because I would rather err on the side of humility than hubris.

I disagree with something else. You describe those who oppose writing this book as as my “readers.” In most cases, they haven’t read the book at all. And that’s what makes me shudder.

“Irshad, you are a role model. I belong to Liberal International. Defending liberal ideals and human justice is the noblest of work and should be rewarded. You also welcome criticism, which is the rock of liberalism. Thanks for being a humane voice in a chaotic world.” - Ivan

“Thank you for your commentary on the murder of Theo van Gogh in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands we are shocked and we fear for our society. Van Gogh was a critic of Islam and often used offensive language to criticize Muslims… But he also showed sincere engagement with young Muslims in his movies, such as “Najib & Julia” and “Cool,” in which he addressed the problems of the lives of second generation Muslims in the West. Now he is dead, killed by a young Muslim fundamentalist from Amsterdam. Right now we are all afraid for what comes next, and I hope we can establish a dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims about the way we can live peacefully together. Irshad, keep up doing the good work, for a lot of dialogue is needed right now.” - William, Amsterdam

Irshad replies: Dialogue with faithful Muslims, yes. Negotiation with hateful Muslims, no. Let’s be clear about that distinction. The good news, William, is that dialogue has a fighting chance. Hell, even Italy seems open to it, as you can see from the email below…

“I’m an Italian girl. This is only to say, go ahead and say the truth. I’ll try to do my best here in Rome with my friends, Muslims or non-Muslims. With all my love!” - Federica

“You mention in your article that you avoid a bodyguard partly because you don’t want to convey the message that criticizing Islam should be a fearful, paranoid project. I think the message should be conveyed that it is a terribly and tragically fearful project. Your rather cavalier fearlessness worries me…” - Erich

Irshad replies: I strive for balance, Erich. The point is not to be cavalier or paranoid, but to be prepared. And I am prepared. Thanks for your concern. Now how about showing me your courage?

“Just wanted to tell you that you have my full support. I’m a Muslim and I know how narrow-minded our people can be. But I vote for change and I’m sure there are many like me who are closeted about it. I’m glad to see that there is someone who is taking her beliefs and making them public. I hope you’re not letting the harsh critics get to you. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.” - Abeed

Irshad replies: So does stamina, and I’ve got lots of it. But I can’t do this alone. Those who defend the status quo will never be convinced of the need for humility unless reform-minded Muslims turn our hunger for change into a visible phenomenon. You’re right: Islam has plenty of closet humanitarians. Come out, come out, wherever you are.

“I picked up the book and read it straight in about 5 hours yesterday. I do occasionally think you confuse the actions of Muslims with the religion itself, but that has been debated all over in other letters of yours. Other than that, I give you an anxious and fearful thumbs up. Thumbs up because your questions rage in my mind. Fearful because by asking and thinking these things, we may be forsaking our religion. I hope not.” - An anxious and depressed Muslim in the UK

Irshad replies: Why must the choice be between forsaking religion or keeping religion? Why not a third choice — transforming religion?

“U are one of the biggest morons in this world what makes you think you can change Islam or finish Islam off you cant period you cant do anything about it inshAllah I hope you come back to the right way Ms. Lesbian” - Anonymous

“I was raised Muslim and I am gay. Voices like yours and Al-Fatiha [support group for gay and lesbian Muslims] are great for intellectual/political thought. Thank you, thank you, thank you! However, on television, you said you do not know if your God approves of your same-sex orientation. Please know that your and our God loves and accepts diversity. God does not care if someone is male or female or whether their partner is male or female. Courageous and strong people like you are definitely the greatest expression of God through us in this world. Peace.” - Kristin

“The urgent need for the work you have undertaken cannot be over-emphasized. The stupidity that I see around me among Muslims here in the West, especially in the USA, is mind-boggling. I feel so overwhelmed by the situation that in spite of my conviction to combat irrationality I become irrational myself. I don’t really know how to channel my thoughts and energies into something of worth. I cannot fathom how a thinking person seeing this indoctrination in Muslims can retain his or her faith in a personal god. Or maybe this is because I came to the path of critical thinking through the mother of all questions — ie. does god exist? That is why it was fascinating more than illuminating to read you. Because with almost the same feelings that I have, you still seem to have faith. I wish you good luck.” - Muhammad

Irshad replies: I thank you for avoiding the irrationality of what I call “missionary atheists” — that is, atheists who become so orthodox in denouncing religion that they mimic religious fundamentalists by trying to convert me into ditching God. You’re a credit to your disbelief.

“I finished your book… and I liked it. What you are trying to do is very important and unless you are serious and ready to go all the way, don’t bother because you will not get anywhere. Everything is against you… woman/lesbian/non-Arab. So try to reign your sarcasm and be calmer during your discussions. On the other hand, I was surprised that you never mentioned anything about inheritance laws in the Koran… how unjust they are for women. You must look into that subject. God bless you.” - Ally

Irshad replies: I hope I’m not splitting hairs when I point out that there are no “laws” as such in the Koran. There are words, and those words are interpreted by men to shape laws. The key words here are “interpreted” and “men.” That is, the Koran says a daughter should receive half the inheritance of her brother, because her brother is expected to share his inheritance with family members in need. There are claims on a man’s income that, in theory, there aren’t on a woman’s. In reality, of course, this principle gets distorted by sharia courts, which in turn are influenced by patriarchal prejudices and convenient cultural biases. I hope I don’t sound like a Muslim apologist when I point out that in cases like this, Islam is not the problem; Muslims are. However, the fact that under almost every interpretation of Islam today, women suffer second-class status (at best) suggests that a deep problem does exist within Islam today. No apologia on my part. And, hopefully, no sarcasm either.

“Some of the things that you have mentioned in your book are correct. It is correct to say that things such as honour killings are carried out by crazy illiterate people in some areas of Pakistan. People are exploiting Islam for their own purposes and nothing is being done about it. But there is certainly something wrong with you when you question the authenticity of the Quran. You write this about the Prophet: ‘Sometimes, the Prophet himself had an agonizing go at deciphering what he heard.’ And you call yourself a Muslim. The source that you have used for this statement is someone called Karen Armstrong. Was this Karen Armstrong present when the Prophet received revelations?” - Fouad

Irshad replies: Nope, Karen Armstrong was not present. But your questions begs the obvious: Were you?

“ENEMY OF ISLAM, IF YOU SEIZE TO DESIST FROM YOUR CONDEMNATION OF ISLAM AND THE MUSLIM, YOU SHALL FACE THE WRATH OF ALLAH THE ALL-WISE WHOM YOU BLASPHEME AGAINST.” - Anonymous

Irshad replies: What’s blasphemous about following the Koranic verse that announces: “O Believers! Conduct yourselves with justice and bear true witness, even if it be against yourselves, your family or your kin” (4:135). Or the ones that says: “God changes not what is in a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11). Or the passage that tells us: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Unless, of course, you cast doubt on those verses. In which case, who’s blaspheming?

“Just because you are odd, they picked you.
Not because you are intellectual.
Not because you are a free thinker.
Not because you are outstanding.
What is the common thing between the following three figures: Taslima Nasrin, Salman Rushdie and you?
I say: the three are self-haters.
And the West adores collecting these mummies.
Brothers and sisters, the caravan marches, and the dogs shout.” - Ali

Irshad replies: What a gorgeous poem. Almost hypnotic. But I’m a dog and I know only how to bark. So I must woof this question: Where is your vaunted caravan of Islam marching? To some human rights haven? To an oasis of independent thinking? Or to a destination called brain-dead? Enough shouting canines can interrupt the complacent slumber of people in the caravan. That’s when our doggedness will have served a purpose. Now if you’ll excuse me, I see a bone with my name on it.

“Hey there! I’m at page 46 and thoroughly enjoying myself. All these Muslim fundos scream about the Bible being changed, but they never accept the fact about the true compilation of the Koran. Omar [Prophet Muhammad’s third successor, under whose watch the Koran was compiled] f****ed around with it a lot and made his changes prevalent, just like Constantine did with the Bible. But we have to keep that strictly hush-hush, don’t we?

I’ve done a lot of reading on this and tried to have a few rational conversations about it with people, but unfortunately have yet to find even one who has any sense of history and the slightest inclination to put two and two together!!” - Kash

Irshad replies: Maybe you should hook up with the next reader. Be gentle with him; his language is, shall we say, more formal than yours…

“I am a Professor of New Testament exegesis in the Theological Faculty at the University of Helsinki, Finland. I have also studied the Qur’an. I have long been intrigued by the question: Could it one day be possible for Muslims to study the Qur’an with methods similar to those used in critical study of the Bible? Over the years, I have collected signs, however modest, pointing in that direction from the writings of Muslim scholars. But even the boldest writers seem to have shrunk from the consequences of their own reflections. For example, Fazlur Rahman and Abdullah An-Na’im are good at moral criticisms of the sharia [Islamic law], but do not go all the way when it comes to assessing the divinity of the Qur’an.

One is left wondering whether people are nevertheless asking questions beneath the surface. Your website suggests that this is indeed sometimes the case — and your book is a huge step forward.” - Heikki

Irshad replies: Among the most common emails I receive are those insisting that the Koran is perfect. Free of human editing. Virgin. So I honestly don’t foresee the day when critical thinking about the Koran will be as prevalent, or profound, as scholarship about the Bible and the Torah. For that day to come, Muslims who have questions about the Koran will need to express themselves openly.

The good news is that Muslims who respectfully question the Koran do exist. To be sure, most of them are quiet. What they require is not more rationality, but more courage. I can only hope that loud-mouths like me, through our very presence, will eventually convince them that it’s possible to dissent with orthodoxy, remain faithful and remain alive. Some say I’m naïve. The next guy would fall into that category…

“Unfortunately, there is no way to reform Islam without really changing its foundations. I studied philosophy in Cairo under a Muslim reformer named Dr. Hassan Hanfi. His attempts to renew Islam are not listened to by Muslims. Actually, he has been announced a kafir [disbeliever] by some Muslim scholars.

Most liberal attempts to reform Islam are doomed to fail. The Quran’s own fundamentals will not allow such reformation. We need to understand that Muslims believe the Quran is the ‘exact word of Allah,’ which means we have NO FREEDOM to interpret it the way we want.” - Iraqi ex-Muslim

Irshad replies: I can’t disagree with you that Muslims believe the Koran is the exact word of God. Even moderate Muslims believe, as an article of faith, that the Koran is infallible. On the surface, this doesn’t give us much room for reform. But the Koran is open-ended enough to support progressive interpretations and not just regressive ones.

Take the question of women’s equality. For all the Koranic passages that are hostile to women, there are plenty of other passages that empower women. For example, the Koran gives women the right to reject marriage. And those who choose marriage have the right to impose conditions on it (see Koran 4: 128).

Bottom line: Muslims who wish to “live by the book” have no choice but to make choices about what to emphasize and what to downplay. Selectiveness is inevitable. And that, in turn, means female-friendly interpretations of Islam are possible. It’s not the Koran that’s stopping us from promoting such interpretations. We Muslims, through fear, ignorance, laziness and prejudice, are stopping ourselves.

“As a card-carrying atheist, I wonder why you have not finally rejected Islam outright, and every other organised belief system for that matter? After all, it is only by accident of birth — who your parents were — that you are a Muslim. You were brainwashed from an early age into believing what you believe about Islam, when you were a vulnerable child. We hear so much about physical abuse of children, yet such mental abuse is actually defended in this country and many others!…

A terrific book on losing one’s religion was written by Dan Barker and is called Losing Faith in Faith – From Preacher to Atheist. As an atheist, I am bound to invite you to ‘Come on in, the water’s lovely’ as we say in these parts (Scotland)!” - Alistair

Irshad replies: Ali – forgive me for shortening your name to a Muslim moniker; we religious hangers-on can’t help ourselves — my answer to your question can be found over and over again in the letters archive. It can also be found in my recent New York Times commentary about Islam and Europe. If you disagree with my answer, by all means tell me. But for God’s sake (correction: for crying out loud), read my repeated answers and let’s move the conversation forward!

By the way, your parting sentence intrigues me. You say, “As an atheist, I am bound to invite you to ‘Come on in, the water’s lovely…’ Bound? By what? I thought the point of atheism was to fight bondage. Or are you implying that atheism can become a religion unto itself — complete with a metaphorical baptism in its ‘lovely waters’? Before I convert, I need to know what I’m getting myself into, water and all.

“You are a courageous lady. Keep telling the truth and please try to change your sexual orientation.” - Nasir, Pakistan

Irshad replies: What if “telling the truth” means being honest about my sexual orientation rather than trying to change it? Just a thought.

“I agree with virtually everything you say. However, I believe you have made two strategic errors. Firstly, your lesbianism is not relevant to the points you make and only gives your detractors another reason to malign you. Mentioning your sexuality in your book is unnecessary. Secondly, some of your critics believe what you say in your book is unsourced because you do not have footnotes on each page, but elsewhere.” - Azam

Irshad replies: You’re right that I’ve taken heat for both of these decisions. But let me explain why I stand by them. For starters, there’s no way I could have hidden my sexuality in a book whose sub-title, in most countries, is A Wake-Up Call for Honesty and Change. I would have been pilloried as a hypocrite — someone who won’t be honest about herself but has the temerity to urge others to do so. Yes, I could have chosen a different sub-title, but that wouldn’t have altered the fact that my book is still about the need for Muslims to be honest about ourselves and the diverse world we inhabit.

Which means an integral theme of my book is pluralism. If we’re going to get real, we Muslims have to own up to the fact that gays and lesbians are part of our universe. Moreover, according to the Koran, Allah deliberately designed the world’s multiplicity. Translation: homosexuals might be creatures of God! One way or the other, I would have had to address sexual orientation in my book. The twin themes of honesty and diversity necessitated me being out of the closet.

As for my source notes, I admit it was a gamble to put them on my website rather than in my book. Still, there are good reasons for doing so: I’m not clogging the conversational flow of my letter by interrupting every sentence with a footnote. Also, I’m keeping the book accessibly priced, especially for students. Adding paper to the book would have increased its cost. Finally, let me remind Muslims that the Koran advises us not to kill trees needlessly — yet another reason to avoid using more paper for source notes. Would my pious Muslim critics disagree with the Koran?

“I am a regular subscriber of TIME magazine and generally find the articles useful and informative. Imagine, then, how immensely annoyed I was to find a picture of you in a [commentary] article… Annoyed, I may add, and not angry or surprised. After all, one need only look at the ownership of the illustrious publication. I fail to see why so many Muslims, however well-intentioned they may be, care to waste high emotion on anything you have to say… You offer up countless quotes, allegedly from the Quran, to back up your arguments while at the same time contending that the Quran is not the Word of God. Why bother then? Does it not, by your own contention, weaken your argument? If what you are saying is so firm and solid then find material to establish it in its own right…” - Anam

Irshad replies: The only way to show the inconsistencies in the Koran is by quoting from it. But I’m not telling Muslims to believe that the Koran is worthless. Not at all. I’m sincere about helping to heal our religion from the inside, which is why I’ve taken the trouble to imagine solutions that are theologically legitimate. That means going back to the Koran. (See chapter 7.) That also means respecting the humane traditions of Islam – traditions such as ijtihad or independent reasoning. (See chapter 3.) Finally, legitimacy requires consulting sources far and wide, from the Koran itself to academic journals to the reports of institutions like the United Nations to proceedings from Islamic conferences to first-hand interviews. (See the sources and notes section of this website, where my ‘alleged’ quotes from the Koran are cited with full attribution. Feel free to double-check them for yourself.)

Anam, I understand why you’re annoyed with me. It’s not my credentials or TIME’s ownership that you’re concerned about. It’s your identity. As the journalist Christopher Hitchens observes, ‘If you have ever argued with a religious devotee, you will have noticed that [her] self-esteem and pride are involved in the dispute…’ I empathize. My own identity as a Muslim is challenged every day by correspondents like you. Yet I remain sufficiently secure in my faith to post an excerpt from your message and let readers reach their own conclusions. Faith, after all, is not threatened by dissent. Dogma, on the other hand, is.

By the way, it’s revealing that you “generally find the articles useful and informative” in TIME magazine. After all, just look at their ownership…

“As salaamu Aleikum, Sis. You really have touched my heart and head. I saw your interview in the Buddhist magazine, Shambala Sun. It was sent to me by interfaith friends. The issue also featured a dialogue with my former imam in New York City, Faisal Abdul Rauf. The combination made me almost so happy as to cry.

I admire you greatly and give thanks to Allah for the dignity of your approach to Islam. In fact, you are a traditionalist according to my studies. I am sad and concerned that many scholarly works that support your approach to Islam are being destroyed even as we speak by the thought police of the Wahhabi-style sects. Your voice and presence will generate hope, healing and restoration of ijtihad. Our faith would be impoverished terribly were you to leave. I ajbure you to stay and speak truth as a feminist, as our dear Prophet Muhammad was.” - Aminah

Irshad replies: No need to abjure, Aminah. I’m sticking around as long as I have integrity.

“A conversation between me and Irshad: Do you believe in praying five times a day?
Irshad: NO.
Do you believe that the Quran is the word of God and is perfect?
Irshad: NO.
Are you gay?
Irshad: YES.
Hey girl! Wake up. You are not Muslim. Not matter how much you would like to be part of this beautiful faith, the truth is that you are not Muslim. You know what I really hate about you? The fact that you come on TV and talk as an expert in Islam. Can you please stop portraying yourself as a Muslim?” - Anonymous

Irshad replies: Now that you’ve told me what you really ‘hate’ about me, you know what I really love about you? The fact that you’re rattled enough by my views that you had to write and tell me so. I appreciate you spending your breath and time on me. You made my gay — I mean, my day.

“I am gay and Muslim. Thanks for being my voice when I was silent. With a proper education, I hope to spread the fever you have given me.” - Jangir

Irshad replies: Infect only with intellect — and be contagious!

“I saw you interviewed on PBS and then read your book. You really spoke to what I have been feeling about my Islamic faith. After meeting several Muslims in college and studying with them for about four years, I became a convert to Islam. Many did not consider me Muslim, especially since I was a convert (and not Black).

I am wondering if anything can be done to promote scholarship among Muslims so that there are recognized voices who can speak from authority; scholars who can counter the voices of ‘desert Islam,’ as you put it. Are there any educational institutions anywhere in the world that are training imams to approach Islam from an enlightened, progressive stance? If not, what would it take to establish such an institution and staff it with progressive Muslims? “ - JB

Irshad replies: I don’t know of institutes that are training ‘progressive’ Muslim clerics. If readers of this website are aware of any, please pass on the info. Meanwhile, I can tell you that there are efforts to provide Muslim children with alternatives to a traditional madressa. For example, NetAid is an organization that’s financing public schools in some of the world’s hotbeds of Islamic radicalism — most notably, the NorthWest Frontier Province of Pakistan. There, NetAid has found imams who are willing to organize debates in their mosques. Debates about what? Get this: the theological legitimacy and practical virtues of educating girls. These debates foster a consensus in the community, especially among men, to go ahead and give girls a basic education in reading, writing and math. Notice that such a consensus could never be formed if it weren’t for support from the imams in the first place. Personally, however, I’m not convinced that producing liberal imams is the way forward. My informed hunch is that Muslims vest far too much power and faith in clerics — and that the real challenge is to reclaim independent thinking for ourselves.

In that spirit, I’m working on establishing a leadership center for young reform-minded Muslims. The idea is to educate them in the confidence of debate and dissent, give them a place to network face-to-face so they know they’re not alone, and then send them back to their communities to figure out the best local projects through which to open up Islam from within. What do you think?

“Bravo Irshad! I embraced Islam while studying theology at a Catholic College. At the time I was a practicing Jew, studying Arabic (among other things) and working for Palestinian causes. I do not wear hijab [head scarf] and I am single. While I’ve worked hard in the cause of Islam, I’ve never been fully accepted by the ummah [Muslim community] in America because of my appearance, my speech, my support of gay friends and my non-conformist attitude. I think of myself as an isolated believer as I live an hour south of the middle of nowhere in New Mexico and, as far as I know, there are no Muslims in my community.

I’ve spent the last 25 years trying to explain ‘ijtihad’ to Muslims and non-Muslims. From now on, I’ll just refer all questions to you. Thank you for writing and speaking and just being.” - Francine

Irshad replies: May we see the day when the questions about ijtihad are so plentiful that you’ll have to jump back in and help me answer them!

“What gives you the right to talk about Islam this way? You look like a fool trying to change Islam. Hopefully one day we won’t have to see or hear from you again. *You know why*… Here’s a tip, don’t travel to Muslim country’s if you know what’s good for you. Don’t even come near any mosques because I don’t want anything to happen to your pretty face…”

Irshad replies: Many thanks for your concern about me. You ask what gives me the right to say what I’m saying about Islam. I’ll refer you to my Frequently Asked Questions, since that’s the very first query I address. And your kind words about my looks have inspired me to add a new question to the FAQs — namely, ‘How do you get your hair that way?’

“I understand that you’ll be visiting several American cities and college campuses this fall. But you don’t list a book tour on your website. Can you please post your speaking engagements?” - Alyssa

Irshad replies: For security reasons, the Toronto police have asked me not to release my speaking schedule. It’s too easy for ill-wishers to plan ahead if they know my tour dates and cities. Of course, local bookstores, universities, think tanks and community centers usually publicize my appearances, but the fall-out from that is more easily monitored than the workings of would-be assassins who toil in relative anonymity. Security will be even more of an issue once the Arabic and Urdu translations of the book are available later this year.

For a taste of what I deal with almost every day, check out the next email…

“If you are travelling with an aircraft, I hope that your plane goes down and you burn to death. You piece of shit. Inshallah [God willing] Allah will make you suffer for all the bullshit you are spreading. DIE YOU BUSH DICK SUCKING MONSTER!!! HOPE YOU LIKE TO FUCK UR JEWISH SPYS!!!” - Amir

“I must tell you that I think what you are doing is extremely brave. And more than brave, it is essential if Muslims are to thrive (or only survive) in the future with some semblance of humanity about them. As you have said many times, you are holding onto your faith because you cherish it and believe it can better itself. You are more optimistic than I.

There has been a steady growth of conservatism in Islamic countries like Egypt and Afghanistan over the last half century. How can we undo this?”

Irshad replies: In The Trouble with Islam, I take the trouble to outline a global campaign to promote innovative approaches to Islam. I call this non-military campaign ‘Operation Ijtihad.’ All the details are spelled out in Chapter 7 of my book. Or you can read my recent column in The New York Times.

“You may be holding onto Islam, but I, for one, am now a secular humanist. Islam is a religion that hasn’t given the world anything valuable over the last few centuries. In countries where the religion is practiced we see the most horrid situations. Sure, there are lessons to be learned from Islam. It was the light of the world 1000 years ago. Now, it is darkness. Irshad, please keep up the fight to have Islam take its place alongside other religions.

It is especially refreshing to see that you are a lesbian. Who better to enlighten Muslims than a lesbian - something most reviled by the fanatics who have declared war on happiness, freedom, reason and everything else we should hold dear. Your very presence forces Muslims to think.” - Adnan

Irshad replies: If only it were that simple, Adnan. Read the next letter.

“The fact that you PUBLICLY admit to being a follower of a MAJOR SIN and perversion (lesbianism) is sufficient for the world’s Muslims to shun you entirely and see you as nothing more than a devil-inspired trouble-maker. If you had a drop of sincerity towards Islam, you would HIDE your perversion and not admit it. God has infinite mercy towards those who are sincere and hide their self and repent. But those who don’t care to hide their corruption have earned Allah’s wrath.” - Anonymous

Irshad replies: You say that “those who don’t care to hide their corruption have earned Allah’s wrath”. Does that mean Orwellian Islamic regimes are righteous, since they know how to hide corruption? And is it because you believe in hiding corruption that you won’t sign your name?

“Those who pervert the Truth in our signs are not hidden from us. Do what ye will: verily, He seeth (clearly) all that ye do.” - Ulas

Irshad replies: Wait a minute. I’ve just been told that pious Muslims hide the Truth from themselves. But if God can see right through the veneer, as you quote from the Koran, then what’s the point of hiding? (And, while we’re at it, what’s the point of veiling??)

“As a Muslim humanist (if there is such an animal) I can only say one thing… go girl. I was raised in a Muslim environment and I can understand why you are so intense about the issues. I may not agree with everything you say, but one thing is sure, we need more of you. Women in Muslim countries need a voice and a very loud one for that matter. Muslim men, as you already know, are quite hard of hearing.” - Michael

“I am planning on getting your book [because] I am looking for evidence to support my opinion that all faiths have a role to play in God’s grand scheme. I guess that means I am not a very good Christian.” - Kim

Irshad replies: Join the club.

“Somebody recommended your book to me. You can renounce Islam and go to another religion. No need to bash Islam. If you don’t like the teaching of Islam, just leave. Islam will not compromise. It is a religion sent by Allah. Nobody is forcing you to be a Muslim. As for the killing of the Jewish tribe by holy prophet (peace be upon him), well that just shows ignorance on your part. I know why he did it.” - Hamzah

Irshad replies: So do I. My question about why he did it is rhetorical, not literal. That is, if the Koran came to Prophet Mohammed as a message of peace, then why, even after receiving that message, did he command his army to kill an entire Jewish tribe? You’ve helped me illustrate, yet again, how deep literalism runs among Muslims today.

“I am a former Christian. I spent over 30 years in a Christian church and the reason I left can be summed up in the word you use, the lack of ‘ijtihad’ [independent thinking].

I have an absolute belief in God but I no longer believe in any religion. We as the human race are a marvelous creation and our minds are by far our greatest asset. Religion tends to dull the mind and rob us of the ability to use it in any way near what we are capable of.” - Bill

Irshad replies: In my case, religion has been a something of a Godsend. You see, it’s provided a counterweight to secularism and prevented me from becoming an automaton of consumer culture. Thanks to religion — or my rebellion against it — I learned to distinguish between authority (eg. one’s conscience) and authoritarianism (one’s clerics).

Maybe I could have learned this without religion. Still, growing up with Islam didn’t diminish my capacity to learn it. Indeed, the “trouble” with Islam might just have increased my incentive to pay attention! The Lord really does work in mysterious ways…

“My question is: Have u ever read the Quran?? Coz if u r a real moslim u would have accepted what Allah told you without debating him. This is if U REALLY BELIEVE in Him. In all that u wrote on the site, u never said any word from the Quran or hadith [the reported sayings of Prophet Muhammad]. U just talked about experiences here and there with people, and I can tell u many other experiences also about non-muslims. What u see is no criteria to judge islam. Islam is the religion of Allah. It is the law that Allah put for us to help us, yet we face his Good with bad and disobedience.” - Proudly Moslem Educated Girl

Irshad replies: Not quite, sister. I do quote the Koran on my Frequently Asked Questions page, in response to the query: ‘What gives you the right to say what you’re saying?’ Answer: The Koran does! I hope you like the passage I’ve picked. Which should also address your question about whether I’ve “even read the Quran.” Answer: Yep. And I’ve re-read it enough to know that it says: “God changes not what is in a people until they change what is in themselves.”

My question for you is: What are you changing about yourself? Will you start by reading my book, just as I’ve read the Koran? No need for to quote from my book — it contains at least as many contradictions as the Koran does. At least I’m honest enough to acknowledge that.

“I have read your book. The gem you offer is that you separate actual Islam from desert foundamentalism. [Irshad’s note: ‘Foundamentalism’ is the defensive pre-occupation with Islam’s founding moment, a pre-occupation that reinforces the values of 7th-century Arabia.] It is important to remind Muslims that a lot of Arab culture is being cunningly passed on as religion. The headscarf is a cultural requirement, not an Islamic one, yet France’s ban on the hijab is being presented by mullahs as anti-Islam. Headscarves for women and beards for men are mandated for political subjugation.

However, you cast doubt on some verses of the Quran. My question is: If we were to admit that not all of the Quran is divine, then what is Islam and what is not?”

Irshad replies: Just as it’s important to distinguish between Islam and Arab culture, so, I think, it’s vital to make the distinction between a book that’s divinely authored and divinely inspired. I have no problem conceiving of the Koran, like all holy books, as divinely inspired.

But divinely authored? The fact that Prophet Muhammad relied on others to transcribe what he thought he heard, the fact that scribes wrote on a patchwork of surfaces, the fact that these verses were compiled several decades after Prophet Muhammad’s death, the fact that the compilers arranged the verses by length rather than by chronology of revelation, the fact that Islamic philosophers have long spoken about ’satanic verses’ that accidentally made their way into the Koran, the fact that Arabic is a richly symbolic language in which one word can have multiple meanings — all this, and more, points to the probability of human editing and therefore human error. In Chapter 2 of my book, I lay out the Koran’s contradictions on major human rights issues, from women’s equality to religious pluralism to slavery.

But — and it’s a big but — for all of the contradictions, there are three messages in the Koran that consistently leap out at me. I’ve found all three of these messages at the beginning, middle and end of the text, suggesting they’re central to the message of the book, no matter how you slice, dice or compile it. Taken together, these messages are how I define “what is Islamic” to me:

Message 1: Only God know fully the truth of anything. Message 2: God alone can punish disbelief (which makes sense given that only God knows fully the truth of anything). Message 3: Our resulting humility sets us free to explore the Koran without having to tow a dictated line. The bottom line: Muslims must be ensure freedom of exploration. And we must ensure it for everyone. Because anything less undermines God’s jurisdiction as the supreme judge and jury.

And who are we to corrupt monotheism?

“Though many accuse you of hating Islam, I believe one does not go out on a limb like this unless one truly does care. Perhaps it is fitting that much like Luther, who posted his 95 theses fourteen centuries after the founding of Christianity, you posted your ‘theses’ about Islam on your website as Islam approaches its 1400th anniversary in 2022. Few would disagree that Christianity was changed for the better post-Reformation.

I would urge Muslims who are not native Arabic speakers to read the Koran translated into their native tongue. If nothing else, it would provide them with a more reasoned faith. May the spirit of Ijtihad spread!” - Chris

Irshad replies: You may get your wish yet, Chris. Check out the next email, sent mere minutes before yours…

“Only the sky is the limit for you, Madame Manji. Forge ahead! Thanks for having the moral courage to say loudly what some are only whispering. Thanks for saying what some of us can’t or won’t. Ijtihad should be the operative word nowadays.” - Habib

“I’m delighted to discover the source notes on your website. I’m at Chapter 5 and some of the details begged for back-ups. For example, the 1939 offer to Palestinians of full statehood in 10 years. Pity the publishers did not think to include your notes in the book.” - Bernadette, Sydney, Australia

Irshad replies: Mea culpa, Bernadette. It was me who decided to put the source notes on my website instead of in the book itself. I decided this because I didn’t want to interrupt the conversational flow of the open letter, because I didn’t want to kill more trees by adding paper to the book, and because I wanted to keep the book affordably priced for ordinary people, especially youth.

Besides, were it not for putting the source notes on my website, you might not have visited and told me what you think. See how this works?

“Great book, great title, and I personally think that your book has already started having an effect on the Muslim community. People are talking about it at congregations and other gatherings. We need tools such as your book to start the introspection process and keep it moving forward.

I agree with some of the things you say and disagree with others. I personally feel that if you’d spent more time in the Occupied Territories, it could have given your book more balance as well as silence the critics that say your project has Zionist motives - just my two cents.

Please keep thinking and pouring out your thoughts. May Allah give you a long and healthy life so that you can keep assisting the Muslim communities with introspection and ijtihad.” - Salima

Irshad replies: In fact, I’ve spent more time in the Occupied Territories and have updated my observations for the British edition of The Trouble with Islam. Of course, that hasn’t stopped critics from charging Zionist motives. It’s an easy deflection. But you and many other Muslims are seeing through it. You must be a Jew.

“Thank you for helping al-Islam grow in the West. Your calculated efforts to make unnatural sexual relationships acceptable will not be successful. Anyone who approaches al-Islam with an open heart and mind (or as a sincere seeker of truth) will not go away unaffected by it.

Question: What is your race, ethnic make-up and native tongue?” - Bobby, North Carolina

Irshad replies: If your need to play the race card makes you a “sincere seeker of truth,” then call me insincere — and proud of it — anytime!

“I had an Egyptian friend (not all that religious) and told him about your wonderful book — especially your point about the need for an open dialogue. He was not pleased. We began to argue about the issues (women’s rights, Arab cultural influence on the Koran, suicide bombers, homosexuality, anti-Semitism). In his stubbornness, so determined to win, he even agreed with me when I said, “So the world was created in seven days?” And this guy claimed to be an atheist!

Which made me realize how difficult it is to be a Muslim in the West. On the one hand, you see things wrong with how the fundamentalist clerics are leaving no room for discussion, and on the other hand, you have to defend against the ignorance of people who know very little about religion (their own included).

After the conversation, with all these problems, I found myself thinking, ‘I’m glad I’m not a Muslim.’ But it shouldn’t be like that. For example, I’m a black guy. There used to be this saying in the Black American intellectual crowd of the 1970s, ‘You can’t be a black man without being angry.’ Being born in Africa, I thought this was absurd.

With your dialogue, what you show people is that there is another way.” - Milton

“You are part of the problem, not the solution. Part of the actual solution is for Muslim people to start acting like true Muslims. They need to say their prayers and follow the Quran, not do whatever they like during the week, then go to Friday prayers, and then not talk about Islam for the rest of the week. They should participate in community events, become active with soup kitchens, homeless shelters [and] civil rights… By the way, when was the last time you actually prayed? Try it. It might help you. Remember that Allah can forgive anything.” - Nassir

Irshad replies: The last time I prayed was a few seconds ago, when I asked God to help me figure out where the devil you’re coming from when you call me part of the problem. What I mean is, I agree with you that Muslims are morally empty if we “go to Friday prayers and then not talk about Islam for the rest of the week.” Being the author of this book forces me to pray for strength regularly and talk about Islam every day of the week! You then lump me into the same group of Muslims who ignore “soup kitchens, homeless shelters [and] civil rights.” Odd. Here I thought my book is exactly about promoting human rights. You might not like my conclusions, but we seem to share basic values.

Perhaps you should pray for the open-mindedness to actually pick up a copy of my book and read it. As you’ve already acknowledged, God can forgive you for doing so.

“Your book sure made me remember my reaction after 9/11. Without knowing anything about Islam or the Muslim world, I would furiously chastise others as racists and anti-Muslim bigots for criticizing Islam or even Muslim societies.

Is it possible for tolerance to become a blinding dogma? I think some of the equations I used to make (oppression of women in Islamic countries = plastic surgery, commercialization of our sexuality in the West) and I think: yeah, when tolerance relies heavily on moral relativism, it does become a blinding dogma. It did for me, until I started learning more about Muslim countries and reading about Islamism and Sharia laws. That’s when I had to stop and do a little self-questioning about what I really believe in and value, and whether being tolerant of intolerance is something that made sense. It didn’t.

I think you’ve written a very important book at a very critical time in our world. Three cheers for progressive Muslims such as you to reform Islam” - Alexandra

“Here is a point that might help to enhance your reform movement — don’t call it reform. Reform means an earthquake of change and losing Islam. A great Jewish philosopher said that Reform Judaism has made the Jewish identity extinct. This movement has made Jews into Jews without believing in the Torah.

So, I disagree with you: Islam does not need reform. The Muslim people and their mindsets need to be reformed. The more they are introduced to modernity, to American culture, and to diversity, the more they will become open-minded without losing an inch of Islam. And at the end, tolerance will prevail.” - Nazir

Irshad replies: Frankly, every Reform Jew I’ve ever met believes in the value of the Torah. What they also believe is that there’s no shame — and, indeed, great value — in asking questions of their sacred text. By doing something similar, Muslims are violating nothing more than intellectual tribalism. Wasn’t tribalism the very scourge that Islam promised to vanquish?

Sorry you don’t like the word “reform.” Try “reconstruction.” Or is that word tarred by the botched effort to re-build Iraq?

“Irshad, you remind us that a simple question may be the most liberating act we undertake. We need to feel discomfort and doubt. We need to feel uncertain at times because this will inspire us to find new places of understanding and knowledge. We need to do this for ourselves as well as for each other. Isn’t this the gift of being alive?

Whilst reading your book, I felt uncomfortable and I didn’t agree with everything you said. But, hey, I’ve been really busy thinking about it all. I don’t consider myself a religious woman, but I am a spiritual one. Now I feel like I’m a spiritual woman with attitude!” - Christine, Australia

“It is an epidemic the way Muslim children are thrown out of their homes and disowned, simply because they have questions and cannot comply with the rote answers that are given to them by their parents and imams.

I am no stranger to this problem, as my family disowned me because I refused to be a Muslim according to their standards. Had there been an open dialogue in my home, my life as a teenager would have been very different. I do not blame my parents for any of this. My father once confided to me that he wished he could allow me to question Islam and go against it with free will. But his faith simply did not allow it. This shows that he feels trapped by his faith. He is afraid of questioning the Quran and God. He was taught that, according to his religion, a heathen daughter must be disowned, even though it broke his heart to do it.

I blame this fear of questioning Islam primarily on the untouchability of the Quran. There is an alleged promise from God to preserve the Quran in its true form, like no other religious text before. Because of this, many Muslims feel that the Quran must be the precise word of God and is not to be questioned.

I could never believe this claim. The simple fact that the Quran was not even written down until 30 years after the death of Muhammad leaves room for human corruption. What if the tradition of a preserved text was thought of by a human being and not by God? This is highly likely. Of course, when I raised this question, I was told the memorization of the Quran for the last 1,400 years proves its preservation. But even with the memorization of the Quran, human error plays a big role. And don’t get me started on the male bias. Before Islam can truly begin to reform, Muslims have to get over the idea the idea that the Quran is undoubtedly divine.

Consequently, I have left the faith. I am an agnostic. Despite all of this, I still feel compelled to learn about Islam because it is a very big part of who I am. I think of myself as a non-observant Muslim.” - Farrah

“I am proud to be a Muslim. I, as an individual, decide about my religion. Nobody can interfere. If Western values are tolerance, democracy, justice, equality, and freedom, then I live in a Western country: TURKEY. Let me give you some examples of why I call it Western.

The liberal paper Radikal: A columnist named Mine Kirikkanat tells about her theory the version of the Kouran we know today is not original. The original has been destroyed. Fundamentalists go wild!

The centrist-right paper Hurriyet: Homosexuals want change in the anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation.

The centrist Milliyet: Editor says that the educational system should be revised to promote diversity.

These are the hot topics of a Western democracy, aren’t they? Yes, we have conservatives and fundamentalists. But we have democracy, which is missing in other Muslim countries!

The Islamist party governing Turkey declared recently that the party is not Islamist anymore. It does not rely on religious characteristics. They now call themselves conservative democrats. They talk about human rights all the time. They complain about secular laws forbidding headscarves in all public places such as schools. And they want to join the European Union. Are they genuine? I don’t know. But they are learning about discrimination and starting to care for democracy, after decades of pressure from civil organizations, the army, etc.

Why do I tell you these things? Because I think that change in religious laws comes from social and political changes. Democratic societies are the basis of change. Western people look at other parts of the world in an orientalist way. According to them, all problems stem from Islam and the primitive cultures of those countries. I challenge them. I know their history and development. I know about Matthew Shepard [a young gay American who was beaten and killed in 1998]. I know about slavery in the USA. In USA, homosexuals, whites, and black people generally live in separate parts. In Turkey, we live together — Jews, Muslims, Kurds, Turks, etc. We learn tolerance every day.

The trouble, I think, is not with Islam (or Christianity or Judaism). As an old religious figure in Turkish history said seven centuries ago, ‘Love all the creatures because of the one who created them.’ The most important thing in my religion is humanity.” - Adil

Irshad replies: You make a very compelling case for why diversity of expression and appearance can exist among Muslims. But as you point out, in Turkey the pressure for pluralism came not from Islam; it came from non-religious forces such as the army and civil society groups. The trouble with Islam — namely, literalism — has been moderated. Who’s been the most moderating influence? By your own admission, those outside of Islam. That’s another reason why I believe non-Muslims have a crucial role to play in helping Muslims tame Islam.

I live for the day when more young Muslims can talk about love as the driving force of their faith. Until then, we must listen to young Muslims who have different experiences.

“After reading the Quran last summer, I was amazed at how many contradictions there were! But when I debate with my Muslim friends (who consistently tell me that Christianity is not the whole Truth, or the word of God), they have an excuse for everything I challenge them with. The thing that gets me is, they talk as if they know the Bible like the back of their hand. But if you talk to them about the Quran, and you’re not a Muslim, then they always say you could never understand. :-(” - Ryan

“I must state that some Muslim cultures are a symbol of progressive tolerance. My own background is Christian Bosnian, and I have seen some horrific things happen to Bosnian Muslims during the war in the early 1990s. Even though Bosnian Muslims suffered most during that war (some 200,000 victims), it was the Muslim population that chose progressive social democratic government in their cantons in the 2000 election, while the Serbs and Croats decided to stick to their rigid nationalist extremists. Even today, we see that the only multi-ethnic, pluralistic and democratic institutions function primarily in predominantly Muslim territories, while extremist and xenophobic leaders are still in power among Serbs and Croats. Muslims definitely have to be given credit for this.” - Sasha

“Around the time of the fatwa against Rushdie, I was an ESL teacher and I attended a weekend retreat about Islam. We listened to speaker after speaker tell of the pain caused by Rushdie’s book. We politely questioned the severity of the death sentence and cautiously advocated freedom of speech. In different ways with each new speaker, we got the same reply: ‘but he insulted the Prophet!’ We danced around this way for the entire un-stimulating weekend, and I left with only one insight from the exercise: Westerners value the rights of the individual; Muslims believe that the individual is not important and can be sacrificed for the good of the group. Thank you for presenting a thoughtful alternative that gives hope for the future of our world.” - Grant

“It is my understanding that most major conflicts are preceded by a bulge in the population of young males, which makes me quite pessimistic that this period in human history can be navigated without a major conflict. The Islamic world is experiencing a population explosion of unprecedented proportions. Most large families are poor and cannot afford a traditional, secular education for their children. The Wahabbis, with the support of Saudi oil wealth, have filled the void. They are today teaching millions of poor young Muslim boys around the world one of the most intolerant and violent forms of Islam. When these boys reach manhood, their brains are hard-wired into hate and devoid of knowledge. They live in societies that are sexually repressive, but their bodies are producing testosterone overtime. High testosterone levels are known to produce aggression and heightened stimulation. In Thailand, where I live, young Buddhist men at least have dancing, music and women as outlets for their testosterone-induced energy. But what is a poor, young, Muslim adolescent male, living in a sexually repressive culture, to do? It seems to me the only outlet is jihad.” - Ron

“Having several Muslim friends, I see their struggle with how to fit into a faith that doesn’t fit into them. Your words and convictions are paving the way for a generation of people to find meaning and an honest approach to the fact that we all belong and all have the right to choose a faith for the right reasons. You are more ‘Muslim’ than any other I have seen or heard of. Continue to share the love and knowledge that you do.” - Jim

“I’m currently doing a masters degree in Arab history — learning Arabic and also studying Islam. Once I opened up your book, I couldn’t put it down. Yours is an excellent reminder to NEVER EVER lose sight of our invaluable internal litmus-tests for fairness, tolerance and pluralism. And not to be afraid to name what I see, however unpopular doing so might be. We, all of us, need Muslims like you who are willing to stand up and take back what is rightfully yours: your faith. To wrest it from the hands of those who have hurt, twisted and abused it. To demand that it belongs to all of you, not just men, and not just the powerful, and certainly not those who are just using its name to justify other agendas. Where the establishment has failed, brave Muslims are the only ones who can build a new one that won’t. Insh’Allah [God willing], you will. Human to human, woman to woman, Jew to Muslim: Stay strong.” - Lauran, Tel Aviv

“My name is Hamza and I am currently in high school. I was born to Pakistani parents. I want to congratulate you and encourage you on your initiative to help reform Islamic practices. We really need that. I also want to say that I hope you don’t leave Islam, like you said you might. We really need people like you in Islam. I have some personal issues that I’ve been trying to sort out, and issues with my family, and you’ve kinda been a role model for me. But sometimes you criticize Islam too much. Perhaps you should endorse the true, open-minded, peaceful, forward-thinking Islam more than bashing the ill-practiced Islam in the world today. I wish you the best of luck.” - Hamza

Irshad replies: Like you, I think it’s vital to promote a positive vision rather than merely complain about what’s wrong. Which is why, in The Trouble with Islam, I outline a global campaign to promote innovative approaches to Islam. It all begins with recognizing that Muslims are capable of being more thoughtful and humane than our clerics give us credit for. Your email is proof positive. So are the next two…

“As a young, open-minded Muslim, you can count on my unstinted and unreserved support. The work you have done and are doing is crucial. I am glad there is someone out there, like you, who has the guts to say it all. We Muslims no doubt have to reform ourselves. God bless you, Irshad.” - Sheeraz

“I didn’t read your book because I live in Jordon. They wouldn’t allow it. Thinking is forbidden. But I read an article criticizing you in the local newspaper and I did my search on the web. I never thought someone else could see in a similar way as I do. Islam needs a reform movement. It’s about time to re-think the whole thing.

I believe in mind, not myth. One of the greatest errors in the ‘divine religions’ is that the god who created them didn’t install a protection mechanism for the future generations. The point is: working hard and learning to offer a better life for the next generation so they can live successful, healthy and happy is the best way to worship god… Social success requires a lot of work and knowledge. Many religious Muslims escape to religion to cover their failure.

I don’t mind being part of a group, but the group that Islam represents is the furthest one from me. I prefer ‘faith’ much more than ‘religion.’” - Tareq

“What is the trouble with Islam??? Like, are you a Jew??

I was at a party all the people were talking about you. I didn’t know who you were at first. But then they showed you on TV and websites. I just want to say that you come on TV and talk about Islam and the rights or whatever, but in real life, everyone is making fun of you!!” - Seema

Irshad replies: If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t be talking — or videotaping my TV appearances! I’m flattered. Please convey my gratitude to your friends.

“I have listened to your crap about Islam and Muslims and I don’t appreciate your shallow arguments that are meant to please your bosses, who would like more than anything else to stab Islam and Muslims.

You make no sense, take it from me. I am not a religious Muslim but I have a lot of sympathy for my brothers and sisters who are being targeted, demonized and often insulted by those who work in the media, such as yourself. I am pro-Bin Laden, anti-American, anti-Israel, and anti-people such as yourself who have absolutely no conscience and no morals, yet they get to work in the media and spit their poison and filth all over the networks.” - M. Merza

Irshad replies: You accuse me of having “no conscience and no morals” but you proudly trumpet your support for Usama Bin Laden. Thank you for showing me that there’s more than one way to “make no sense.”

“I converted to Islam two years ago and I’ve grown so disgusted with other Muslims’ violent rhetoric that I almost gave up on Islam. Sick people praising terrorism, Osama, the Taliban and Saddam. Muslims claiming that if you do not support Osama you are not a Muslim. Others blaming Jews for 9/11 and for everything else in the world. It’s what I like to call the Muslim Victim Mentality.

Why do so many Muslims bash Jews? Why so much oppression of women in Muslim countries? Why do so many Muslims think I must act like an Arab and dress like an Arab to be Muslim? Why the Arab superiority in Islam?

Thanks for being strong, Irshad. You give me strength not to give up. One last thing. Are you Persian? Your name seems Persian.” - M

Irshad replies: Yep, my name has Persian roots. “Irshad” means “the divinely guided moderate one.” Not that everyone is convinced. Check out the next letter…

“I’m sorry but your book is quite offensive to many Muslims. You do not have a clear understanding of this beautiful faith that has been distorted by your interpretations. May Allah guide you back to your truth faith.” - Rabia

Irshad replies: I appreciate your prayer. Since one good turn deserves another, I’ll say a prayer for you too — asking God to open your mind and heart to debate.

“Let me start off by saying how useful your book really is. I found that it is, in fact, much cheaper to use as toilet paper than your average toilet paper packages. Although, I do have a complaint: the pages are a bit rough in certain areas and I have sensitive skin. Then a wonderful idea crossed my mind. You would definitely sell more books if the book came with a moisturizer (Dove specializes in this). Better yet, I feel it would be a shame if you did not merge with the infamous Charmin. Please tell me that you will at least think about this. I guarantee that it would do some good to your sales, although many would prefer traditional methods of hygiene. As for your image, there is not much I can say or suggest to improve that. Hiring a publicist might be useful (or firing your current one). Good luck and keep writing.” - Falaha

Irshad replies: Greeting Rough Buns! Regarding my image problem, uh, I’m not the one describing my bathroom habits to the world. But I am relieved (so to speak) that your bowel movements seem regular. That means you’re picking up my book regularly, too. Bottom line: I’ll never need a publicist as long as I have you.

“You’ve caused quite a stir, I’ve notice. Lately, when I’ve seen you television, my overwhelming urge is to kiss you on your forehead and thank you for the great gift of open dialogue. I would also like to thank you for allowing us as Muslims to viscerally feel the divisions that still exist in our hearts. The Straight Path is also exceptionally wide.” - Blake

“In all my life as a Muslim, I never heard of ijtihad [Islam’s lost tradition of independent thinking]. All I heard was, who are you to question Allah? We follow, even when the so-called Islamic clerics and leaders spout venom, hatred, intolerance and violence against dhimmis [Christians and Jews who are supposed to be protected by the Koran]. I pity all the innocents whose lives have been ruined or lost by listening to, and carrying out, the fatwas prescribed by the doomsayers. With an eternal promise of ‘wide-eyed virgins,’ is it little wonder why there seems to be an abundance of morons willing to immolate themselves, listening to cowardly clerics who love life too much to practice what they preach? Why don’t they take up these virgins themselves?

And what about female immolators? What is their promise in heaven? Nothing. Why am I not surprised? We all know that women have no consequence as far as Islamic clerics are concerned. Or, maybe they are guaranteed the same wide-eyed virgins in heaven. Heaven must therefore be every lesbian’s dream come true.” - Abdul

“You are searching for excuses for your sexuality and trying so hard to make Islam look as bad as you can so that you can look good… You know deep inside that what you are doing — whether in writing, debating, or in the bedroom — is wrong. I need one favor from you. When you go to sleep, turn the lights off and make the room very dark. Think of yourself in the grave that you will end up laying in sooner or later, with the dirt all over your body. Think of how you will be forgotten, just like the billions of people who have passed. Then think of what your response will be to the questions from God.” - Pilot

Irshad replies: You’re right. Supposed God asks: ‘What the hell were you thinking when you agreed to be buried beneath a pile of dirt and to let your body rot away in the pitch dark? Did I not give you the option of cremation, so that you can return to much more of the earth than just a hole somebody has dug for you? What’s that? Your mother told you that burial is decreed by Islam? Hello? Do I not say in the Koran: Let there be no compulsion in religion? What’s wrong with you, girl?’

What, indeed, will I say then?

“I come from a Muslim background. My mother is a French-Canadian and my father Egyptian… Today, at 35, I find myself engaged to a wonderful man of character who is not Muslim. This has caused great upset to my father, and he has informed me that my Egyptian family will never accept it. If I do this, I cannot visit them again in the Middle East. I’m having trouble understanding why, under Islam, my father can easily marry a French-Canadian woman, yet I have no right to choose my own partner.

I also refuse to ask my fiance to convert. I believe in accepting a person for who they are, and I refuse to engage in the hypocrisy of ‘converting’ just to satisfy someone else’s religious beliefs. I would hope that more people of Muslim background marry outside of their religion, if only to increase tolerance and understanding this world.” - Mariam

Irshad replies: Speaking of the need to increase tolerance in this world, get a load of the next letter.

“Regardless of your religious views, you are indirectly supporting the Jewish-run media in North America and, of course, they will see to it that you get as much airtime as possible… What makes you think you are not offending others who do not share your beliefs?” - Anonymous

Irshad replies: If my opposition to Jew-bashing offends you or anybody else, deal with it. There is no constitutional right not to be offended. That’s what allows you to spew your poison, and me to counter it. Just one question: Why does Israel have such a lousy public image if North American media is “Jewish-run”?

“As a Jew, I’m enraged at the number of times I hear about the global conspiracy I am a part of - mainly because nobody bothered to let me in on it! So I thought that through your bosses at Mossad, Irshad, you know people involved in this Jewish/Zionist conspiracy. In which case, please be so kind as to forward them my details with a request for back payment.” - Naomi, London

Irshad replies: Your cheque is in the mail.

“I was so impressed when I read about you and your book! At last, someone who would speak freely about such issues! The main struggle is that your book won’t be available here in the Persian Gulf area, and we won’t have a translation in Arabic.” - Hessa, United Arab Emirates

Irshad replies: Not so fast, Hessa. My publisher and I are trying to find an Arabic-language publisher. If we don’t find one in the next few months, then at the very least we’ll have the book translated into Arabic and posted on this website. The Arabic translation will appear before the end of 2004. Stay tuned…

“Your book is awesome. This, coming from a fellow Muslim and one who isn’t afraid of thinking! Like you, I’ve noticed many contradictions in the Islamic faith, but I felt I wasn’t versed enough in the literature to make judgment calls. I’m grateful that you’ve taken the time to do so much research.

I can remember having a conversation with my former sister-in-law about Muslims versus other People of the Book [Jews and Christians]. Despite having a graduate degree and living in Montreal, she carefully explained to me that ‘all non-Muslims will go directly to hell.’ I persisted in pushing her argument to its most illogical conclusion, but her zeal was unmovable. You, I’m sure, have encountered similar intellectual impasses.

I’m thrilled by your writing style, with its mix of questioning and sarcasm that is just delightful!! I nearly out of my chair laughing at the anecdote about 70 virgins (raisins). What a hoot!” - Farah

“My life is becoming more and more influenced by Islam and, being female, I have decided that I need a battle plan to be able to maintain my rights. What I’m discovering is the chances of having a good debate with someone is slim, largely because of this wall that you’ve described.

Here is a real life example. Last weekend at the laundromat, someone left behind a book entitled Jihad Versus McWorld. I looked at it, but kept reading yours. The owner came back for it, a 30-something man I’ve seen around the neighborhood. I asked him how his book was and showed him what I was reading. He didn’t really look at first but he did ask me what I thought of it. I told him that I was curious and had lots of questions. I said that you were asking some of the questions that I couldn’t be seen to ask, lest I be considered racist/pro-West/whatever. I appreciated that you were going past the politically correct zone. He looked at my book for real this time and said “that woman” had her facts wrong, “that woman” didn’t separate religion from culture. I replied that I thought “that woman” hadn’t missed his point — that, in fact, this was her point: if anything good is going to be salvaged, separations better start being made, and fast. I felt that there were similarities that could be drawn to the Catholic Church, where the Church has had to acknowledge that the practice of religion has been flawed, but that many priests and parishes have managed to acknowledge this without compromising the beliefs, values and teachings of the Church.

Well, this guy was done talking to me, so it didn’t matter. The most ironic part is that if I had been a Muslim woman, would the conversation have gone that far?” - Stephanie

Your letters - posted January 1, 2007 (Part 3)

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

“I would be interested in your reasons for remaining a Muslim. What are the advantages to a belief in Islam as compared to a belief in Christianity?” - D.M.

Irshad replies: I’m no spiritual supremacist, so I don’t know (or care) if Islam is a “better” belief than Christianity. But I remain a Muslim because I believe in certain values. Chief among them? Pluralism.

For one thing, Islam is a mongrel religion. It owes its “biggies” to traditions and civilizations that preceded it. A single creator for us all, everlasting life after death, our inherent ability to choose good over evil, free will, the existence of prophets, the fact that these prophets are human and prone to error — such cornerstones of Islamic belief come from Judaism.

Similarly, the Koran affirms that Jesus did not die, but was lifted up by God to heaven. Christ is to return at the end of time (Koran 43:61). Sounds awfully Christian to me!

But maybe the best illustration of pluralism can be found in what I consider to be Islam’s defining moment: the Night of the Ascension. That’s when Prophet Muhammad reportedly flew to heaven and mixed and mingled with the 124,000 prophets preceding him. According to Islamic lore, Muhammad took many lessons from these Jewish and Christian prophets.

I won’t abandon Islam unless and until I lose all hope that Muslims care more about narcissism than about pluralism. I’m not there yet.

“I hail your sincerest effort to reform Islam. Long before you, many tried to paint a human face on Islam, in vain. But no one escaped the wrath and brutality of Islam. You have raise your finger against so-called holy scripture, the Koran, thus triggering the death penalty against you as an apostate. There is no shortage of jihadis to carry out the Koranic mandate to silence you for good. No Muslim in heaven or on earth will shed a tear for you.

Irshad, tell me frankly: How could you reform this religion? Your shahadah (testimony) - “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger” - is the core of Muslim belief. I beg your pardon, but the reformation of Islam and acceptance of Muhammad as the last messenger of God don’t go hand in hand.” - Kamal

Irshad replies: You may very well be right, Kamal. But it all depends on whether we accept Muhammad as A messenger of God or as THE messenger of God. For me, the answer is the former. That’s because the Koran talks about 124,000 messengers and names 26 in particular. Within that group, 5 are called “prophets of power” - Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. So how can I say that Muhammad is THE messenger of God? Such a statement violates the Koran and negates the pluralistic foundation on which Islam was founded.

As for those Muslims who insist that Muhammad is the “seal” of the Prophets, I consider that statement akin to idol worship. Abraham was an iconoclast in expressing his fidelity to one God rather than to one human being. Muslims would to do well to follow in his footsteps.

“I must say I am appalled by the determination of American media to show us only representations of fundamentalist (and mostly male) Muslim culture. You are a hero for the truth and the understanding of all faiths and beliefs. As a 26-year-old woman, I see it as tough work to find young voices that speak of anything more than celebrity, wealth and the muddy politics of their parents. I wish you success, peace and open minds in all of your travels.” - Megan

“I recently tried to borrow your book from our local library. Alas, it had been destroyed and I now have to wait for it to be replaced. Either some idiot doesn’t want me corrupted by your views or your publisher has a very diabolical way of increasing sales.” - E.P.

Irshad replies: Since you’re willing to wait for the book to be replaced, my publisher’s strategy to increase sales has failed miserably. Back to the drawing board…

“Your book means a lot and gives me ammunition to discuss things with fanatical Muslims, who are plentiful nowadays. They are not only closed-minded, but I consider them dangerous to the true meaning of Islam. As an Ismaili Muslim, I can assure you that our Imam emphasizes equal rights for women and has always encouraged us to use our intellect. Even though Ismailis are making so many contributions to enhancing Islam’s image around the world, we are always chastised — by OTHER Muslims — for being different.” - Nazir

Irshad replies: I hear you, Nazir. In fact, among the most common personal attacks that I get from fellow Muslims is this: I “must” be an Ismaili. Uh, hello? Am I supposed to feel wounded by that comment? For the record, I’m not an Ismaili, but why should being one be considered shameful? Why is it an insult? Let it be said loud and clear: I stand shoulder to shoulder with my Ismaili brothers and sisters who are working for a more thoughtful and humane Islam. Before we Muslims start accusing Christians and Jews of slandering us, we should take responsibility for how we slag each other based on silly sectarianism.

“I have nothing against the fact that you expressed your views about Islam, although it incenses that you chose to do so at a time when Islam seems to be under the microscope. People who do not know what Islam was pre-September 11 may hold your book as the truth about it and not care to learn all the other aspects of our great religion. You should stress more the main positive characteristics of Islam before continuing with the negative aspects in order to educate a society where people are hungry for knowledge about Muslims. As people continue to stare at us, or try to urn us over with their cars (which has recently happened to me), I would like you to realize that your book may be contributing hardship to the lives of your Muslim brothers and sisters. You are not exempt from what many people believe about Muslims. You are still one of us.” - Anonymous

Irshad replies: Thanks for the warning. But have you bothered to read my book? If so, then you’ll know that I emphasize what was once positive, pluralistic and progressive about Islam, and that we as Muslims can re-discover it if we care and dare to. Seems to me that you’re committing the same mistake you accuse others making, which is to wallow in comfortable pre-conceptions.

And that brings me to a basic contradiction in your argument. On the one hand, you say that society is “hungry for knowledge about Muslims.” On the other hand, you suspect that people will stop reading once they’ve finished my book. If people are hungry, then why would they treat my book as the last word in learning about Islam? You give me far too much power (am I really responsible for convincing drivers to run you over?), and you give the general public far too little credit. Indeed, the reason I wrote the book now is precisely because people are interested in Islam. Any effective social activist knows that getting society to care is half the battle. Why stay silent at the very time when people are open to listening?

Two pieces of advice: First, those who try to mow you down with their cars are criminals; report them to the police. Second, have more faith in your fellow human beings, just as you would have them do for you.

“On the surface, you and I could not be more different. I am a 46-year-old male. I live in the United States. I am a Christian (Presbyterian). I am married. And I consider myself a political conservative. But I think that what you are doing and saying is beautiful, because it is truth. After all, couldn’t the sequel be called The Trouble with Religion? All major religions, including Christianity, focus on narrow, legalistic ideas and try to prove each other wrong. I believe that God is tolerant and just, and human beings use religion as a means to impose their views on others.” - Marc

Irshad replies: Thanks for reminding us that political conservatives don’t all think alike.

“You seem to project your own inconsistencies (which, of course, we all have) onto a faith in a rather careless manner. Your writings provide little evidence of having done a careful exegesis of the various source texts and translations in a manner that might possibly give some credibility to your lamentations. Instead, your grievances come across as somewhat disingenuous, your overriding concern seeming to be hip and vogue for the sake of notoriety. At root, your writings suggest a problem with the idea of faith itself, especially when it conflicts with your own personal views.” - Jim

Irshad replies: Sorry to spring another personal view on you, Jim, but I see this book as an act of faith rather than a repudiation of it. That’s because I distinguish between faith and dogma. Faith, I think, is sturdy enough to handle exploration. Faith is not threatened by questions. Dogma, on the other hand, is.

“As a prison chaplain [in the UK] and manager of religious affairs, I have to cater to all faiths. I’m proud to say that I have two imams on my staff who play a full part in the life of the prison, not just lead prayers on Friday afternoon. However, I find them very ready to speak of their faith, but they will not learn about mine. I showed them your book and expressed my fascination with your views, yet they would not comment. I also showed them a letter in the London Times, written by Muslim academics who called on senior Muslims to condemn the violence against Americans in Iraq. Once again, they refused to comment. Irshad, if you are planning to visit England in the near future, I would welcome you to the prison where I work.” - Reverend Julian

Irshad replies: And trust me, Rev, there are more than a few Muslims who’d love to see me in jail! I’ll let you know when I’m back in Britain.

“I don’t know where to begin this letter to you. I am ashamed that I have not acted to help change the world for the better. I have been a silent Muslim Refusenik. While I sat around, you acted. While I listened, you spoke. What I observed, you wrote.

When I was 18, I was in Pakistan surrounded by my elders. It was the largest gathering of the male members of my extended family that I had ever been at. Talk centered around world politics, the plight of Muslims, education, etc. Eventually, one of my father’s uncles asked me what I was thinking. I opened my mouth and said, ‘You know who the biggest enemies of Islam are? Muslims.” The silence was quite deafening. That day, I shattered something that all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put to back together again. I was branded ‘to be watched’ and the preaching began and continues to this day. My parents wish to remote control me no matter where I am.

Just knowing that you’re out there fighting the good fight makes me feel more alive. I hope it helps you continue the fight to know that one more person believes in your premise, observations, statements and ideas.” - Khalid

“You remind me of Afro-Americans like [Supreme Court justice] Clarence Thomas, [national security advisor] Condaleezza Rice, [Congressman] J.C. Watt and [Secretary of State] Colin Powell, who sold out their Afro-American credentials to the Republican Party to gain affirmative action appointments.” - Tanzila

Irshad replies: Afro-American ‘credentials”? Honey, that’s so 1980s. Please join the 21st century and think about this: Why should skin color dictate thought pattern? Isn’t it racist to assume it should? And why do you automatically reduce these individuals to ‘affirmative action appointments,’ neglecting that Watts fought and won an election or that Rice was provost at Stanford? I’ll need some thoughtful answers before I can be shamed into believing that I’ve ‘sold out’ my Muslim credentials. Meanwhile, don’t forget to forward your ideological clock to 2004.

“I have long believed that dissent plays a role in the creation of a healthy civilization. I recognize the value of pluralism and diversity, as well as the importance of intellectual curiosity in the critical exploration of dogmas. You have reinforced my belief that wherever they are asked, questions can facilitate constructive adaptation to a world in constant flux.

However, I am concerned that in the post-911 world, your questioning of Islam can be misconstrued by anti-Islamic racists who would use your insights to further their intractable hatred. How do you manage independent thought to serve the cause of reform without contributing to blanket condemnations of a venerable tradition?” - Matthew

Irshad replies: It’s as you’ve already said, Matthew – ask questions, but ask them out loud. That way, you’re creating conversations rather than making sweeping statements. For example, the next time you hear somebody wax eloquent that Islamic societies today have their own forms of democracy, you need only interject with a question: What rights do women and religious minorities actually exercise in these ‘democracies’? Not in theory, but in reality. Some will no doubt accuse you of fanning racism by asking such questions, but I believe the opposite. What you’re is showing faith in the capacity of my fellow Muslims to think things through.

Remember, too, that the accusation of ‘racism’ is a convenient sledgehammer with which to shut down inquiry. Don’t fall for it. Just as there’s nothing inherently ant-Semitic about questioning some Israeli government policies, so it’s not necessarily racist to to be questioning certain practices that are carried out in the name of Allah.

Of course, there will always be some folks who use your questions and mine to fortify their prejudices. But there will also be some who pull themselves back from the brink of racism precisely because they now see Muslims engaging in critical thought – thanks to questions asked. I’ve posted letters like this. Check them out.

“I’m a muslim struggling with your ideas. As you know, the word ‘muslim’ means to submit, and this has always been taught to me as ’submitting to God’s will.’ Do you believe in this idea?” - Nabil

Irshad replies: Ultimately, I do believe in submitting to God’s will. What I do NOT believe in is submitting to human beings who claim to know God’s will. How do I reconcile these two things? With this bridge: God wills all of us to have the freedom to explore.

I take that idea from the Koran itself. As I explain in my book, the Koran contains three recurring messages. First, only God knows fully the truth of anything. Second, God alone can punish unbelievers, which makes sense given that only God knows what true belief is. Human beings must warn against corrupt practices, but that’s all we can do to encourage piety - warn. The third recurring message follows from the first two: We humans must have the humility to be open to debate. Which means we’re free to ponder God’s intention for us without any obligation to toe a dictated line. ‘Let there be no compulsion in religion,’ states a voice in chapter 2 of the Koran. ‘Unto your religion, unto me my religion’ echoes another voice in chapter 109. And in-between, there’s this: ‘If God had pleased, He would have made you all one people. But He has done otherwise…’ Ain’t that the truth!

By my reading of the Koran, we should not only enjoy the freedom to explore; we have to ensure that this freedom exists for everyone. Anything less undermines God’s jurisdiction as the supreme judge and jury. As a Muslim, I worship the majestic and enigmatic God, not the self-appointed arbiters and packagers of His will.

“Irshad, there is only one thing I don’t like about The Trouble with Islam. When you quote historical documents, scholars, etc., you don’t provide source references throughout the text. I realize it would make the book feel more like a PhD thesis, but there is nothing like showing proof, especially to bigots.” - Jerry

Irshad replies: I understand your concern, but I address it clearly in my book by pointing out that all of my source notes are posted on my website. I realize that makes the sources less immediately accessible than they would be if I included them in the book itself. And you’re right: Putting the sources on my site instead of in the book gives ammunition to those who say I don’t back up my statements.

At the same time, I stand by my decision for several reasons: Considering that I corroborate every statement, the book would have been far less readable if a footnote followed each sentence. Keep in mind the my book is an open letter, and the flow of the conversation matters as much as the substance. Also, adding fifty pages of footnotes would have made the book expensive – inaccessible to young and working class people. For me, ‘democracy’ isn’t just a thesis; it’s a practice I try to live out. Finally, do more trees really need to be mowed down for the sake of my credibility with bigots? Let them have their bigotry. I’ll keep my integrity.

“I want you to think carefully about this statement: Humans make the colossal mistake of thinking that ‘believing’ creates reality.

I have long believed that about 2.5 feet in front of me, above my head and out of reach of my hands, there is a yellow tennis ball. I cannot touch it, yet it is there. Books have been written about it being there. Many human minds say it is there. People from several thousand years ago tell me it is there by providing a multitude of reasons and proofs. BUT I have never been able to prove it is there except from the words of humans.

As I read your book, I asked the same question of Islam as I do of Christianity: Where is the acknowledgement in these beliefs of this incredible thing we call the human mind?” - DM

Irshad replies: Moderate Christians accept that the Bible is a compendium of gospels “according to” different observers - Matthew, Luke and so forth. ‘According to’ means as interpreted by them. But no such acknowledgment exists in Islam yet. Even moderate Muslims believe that the Koran is the final, immutable word of God, untouched by the human hand and mind. Which is why most Muslims have no clue how to debate or dissent with extremists - we’ve never been introduced to the possibility, let alone the virtue, of asking questions about our holy book. It’s time to change that…

“Muslim fundamentalists scream about the Bible being changed, but they never accept the fact that the Koran was compiled by human beings. Omar [an early successor to Prophet Muhammad] messed around with it a lot and made his changes prevalent, just like Constantine did with the Bible. But we have to keep this strictly hush-hush, don’t we? I’ve tried to have rational conversations about it with people, but unfortunately have yet to find even one who has any sense of history and the slightest inclination to put two and two together!” - Kash

Irshad replies: Kash, meet one such person below…

“It is amazing how modern converts to Islam are indoctrinated to think that the text of the Quran remains in its original format. Little do they know that by the 13th century, there were several different versions. In the interest of perpetuating the myth that the Quran was dictated by God Himself (in Arabic, because Arabic is the only language He speaks), the elders at the Islamic university in Cairo, Al-Azhar, proclaimed one of those versions to be ‘definitive.’ A human decision, alas!

Please hang in there, Irshad. Do not let any of the fanatics discourage you. May Allah give you more power!!” - Avicenna of Canada

“As another queer Muslim who considers herself a moderate, I find a fundamental failing in your analysis. The trouble with Islam is the trouble that ALL religions have. That the history of Islam is unpleasant is a fact, but that doesn’t mean it is so because the teachings are flawed. Islam’s history is tainted because it became more a struggle of power, and this is true for every religion. You have specifically held Islam culpable by claiming in that is the only religion in which literalism is mainstream. But no other religion is free of that.” - Dazed

Irshad responds: You say no other religion is free of literalism. I agree. But not being free of something is very different from being saturated with it. Moderate Christianity is not free of literalism yet neither is it steeped in literalism. I illustrate this point over and over again in the book.

For example, you’ll recall that I once hosted a program called QueerTelevision. When I aired anti-gay comments from Bible-citing Christians, other Christians would be sure to follow up with rival, more compassionate, less literal interpretations. That NEVER happened when Muslims bawled me out. Apparently, there was no question that they spoke for Islam. All of it.

It’s not that every last Muslim objects to homosexuality. The problem runs deeper: even ‘moderate’ Muslims are to believe that the Koran is the final manifesto of God’s will. Consequently, most Muslim ‘moderates’ don’t know how to pierce the literalism of Muslims extremists. With few exceptions, Islam’s ‘moderates’ wallow in their own literalism by refusing to question whether the Koran is completely authored by God. The same, I would humbly submit, cannot be said for moderate Christians and Jews today.

“I caught your BBC interview and was pleased to hear your commentary on the seeming lack of critical and independent thinking among the Islamic populace worldwide. I’ve been waiting to witness a pro-active, anti-terrorism stance by members of the ‘moderate’ Islamic community. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are no moderate Muslims - only Muslims who consider themselves perpetually victimized.

I’ve asked other Muslims to prove me wrong, to demonstrate that there are rational, thinking ‘believers’ willing to speak out. Their reaction has been uniform. They all suggest that to speak against other Muslims is to speak against Islam itself. If so, then there’s only one conclusion: terrorism is in fact born of Islam and not simply the action of zealous fringe elements.” - Frank

Irshad replies: I share the premise that moderate Muslims, especially in the West, are morally complicit in Islamic terror by staying silent about it - or, worse, making excuses for it. I single out Muslims in the West because it’s in the West that we have the precious freedoms to think, express, challenge and be challenged, all without fear of state reprisal.

What in God’s name are we doing with those freedoms? Why is it so easy to draw thousands of Muslims into the streets of cities around the world to protest the French ban on the hijab (headscarf), but impossible to get even a fraction of those protestors to demonstrate publicly against stonings, beatings, floggings and murders that are committed in Allah’s name? At the very least, why aren’t we protesting Saudi Arabia’s imposition of the hijab - a crime at least as bad as France’s ban of it!

We Muslims should ask ourselves a very basic question: What’s the moral value of being complacent?

“I’m sorry to say but your book is garbage, attacking Islam with scant knowledge of what Islam stands for. I used to have a feminist leaning, viewing Islamic law with suspicion. But once I learned about Islam properly, I realized my big mistake.

Islam never oppresses women, but tries to save them. I don’t feel oppressed at all. I realize that what Islam teaches is truth, nothing but truth. Only people screw that up. And people like you, under Oriental influence, question the teaching of Islam. You should repent for what you are doing.” - Linda

Irshad replies: How is it un-Islamic or, for that matter, Orientalist to promote critical thinking?

As that celebrated ‘Orientalist’, Edward Said, once asked Arabs: “Why don’t we fight harder for freedom of opinion in our own societies, something that nobody needs to be reminded scarcely exists?”

“Just a point to consider about faith - and faith in reason. There is a very great difference between saying that I have faith in the veracity of the trinity - or of pink elephants flying through the sky - and saying that, on the basis of all evidence available to me, in light of my best, most consistent logical evaluation, all other conditions being equal, water boils at 100 degrees centigrade. I do not accept this proposition on faith because it can be judged by objective criteria.

To speak in terms of faith as a private belief, or trust, or commitment of spirit is one thing. But it is when a revealed religious faith becomes a ruling political principle that all hell breaks loose - because there are no objective criteria for resolving differences. It literally becomes a contest of revelations.” - Edward

Irshad replies: Funny thing is, many Muslims argue that science is the man-made and therefore subjective orthodoxy which people in the West accept at face value - otherwise known as faith. By contrast, their argument goes, Islam is God-made and so its objectivity trumps that of science. According to this way of viewing the world, you’ve got it backwards, Edward. Such confusion only attests to how profoundly brainwashed you’ve been by secular, materialistic, dogmatic science. Care to respond?

And the beat goes on…

“I saw you speak at a university recently, and was pleased to hear that you’re donating money from your book sales to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres. I want to know why you picked them rather than any other group.” - Sarah

Irshad replies: When I visit campuses, I come in the spirit of pluralism. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins San Frontieres practices pluralism every day. It treats victims of political conflict as human beings, not as mascots of one side or another. I’m especially gratified that in a recent report, the organization recognized Palestinian terror against Israelis to be as heinous as Israeli humiliation of Palestinians. Most human rights organizations equivocate on this issue, downplaying the pain of Israelis or dismissing it outright. All I ask for is honesty. Doctors Without Borders/Medecins San Frontiers gave it to me. In turn, I’m giving them a portion of my royalties.

“I am a 54-year-old mother of two half-Arab children. I know something about Islam. Keep it up, young woman. Your lippy, defiant edge is great. It conquers the lunacy.” - Louise

“The following trademark claim of yours borders on outlandishness: ‘I appreciate that every faith has its share of literalists. Christians have their Evangelicals. Jews have the ultra-Orthodox. For God’s sake, even Buddhists have fundamentalists. But what this book hammers home is that only in Islam today is literalism mainstream.’

The post-WWII Zionists have used explicit religious literalism to effect political change in the Middle East, namely as grounds for displacement of the Palestinian people, based upon the literal interpretation that they were promised that holy land. If that is not mainstream, I do not know what is.

You found an easy way to make a name for yourself. ‘Hey, I’m a Muslim. This is why Islam sucks. Here’s my headshot.’ You are an imitation Salman Rushdie (whose picture is ironically on your website). He would have been a second-rate children’s author. Now everyone knows his name. Get an original idea.” - Sid

Irshad replies: Hmmm… Considering how often I’m compared to Salman Rushdie, I should be advising you to get an original insult. But I won’t. What I do recommend is that you get a more nuanced understanding of the Palestinian refugee crisis.

You can start by reading the memoirs of Khaled al-Azm, the prime minister of Syria during the first Arab-Israeli war. In those memoirs, al-Azm wrote about “the call by the Arab Governments to the inhabitants of Palestine to evacuate it and leave for the bordering Arab countries, after having sown terror among them.” He added that “since 1948 we have been demanding the return of the refugees to their homes. But we ourselves are the ones who encouraged them to leave.” So much for Israel being completely on the hook for the Palestinian refugee crisis.

Sid, can you accept shared culpability for the Palestinian plight - shared, that is, by both Arabs and Jews? If not, then may my photo with Rushdie provide you many more hours of hang-wringing and mouth-foaming. As if that will change anything for the better.

“As a reasonably well-read Muslim, I fully support the buckets and buckets of challenges you have placed at the door of ‘the establishment.’ Like you, I have had a chance to visit Israel (a childhood dream of mine because my parents and relatives were so rabidly anti-Jewish that I needed to go see for myself). Suffice to say that the Palestinian areas are so under-developed that it leaves one speechless. Still, I would be baffled if all Muslims with active minds do not have thoughtful debates with their families upon reading or hearing of your challenges. I trust you have the intestinal fortitude to withstand what will most certainly be an unrelenting attack on your your sanity, devotion, and morality. I thank you for starting a process that is long overdue.” - Siraj

“As I understand it, you want mainstream Islam to become tolerant, open, liberal. However, as some of the mail on this website shows, some these ideas are perceived as ‘foreign’ and part of Western influence. Updating the religion on the basis of foreign influence may seem unpalatable to many Muslims - especially when there is a huge political gap between much of the Muslim world and the West. Yes, ijtihad [Islam’s lost tradition of independent reasoning] may have been part of your religion 600 years ago, but even then, did Islam accept homosexuality? Were Christians and Jews not perceived as second-class citizens? Will a revival of ijtihad incorporate all these utterly new, post-Enlightenment ideas? Without a Muslim revolution in thought - a homegrown liberalization - how can these ideas take root in a big way?” - Paul

Irshad replies: For me, liberalizing Islam need not mean that Muslims accept homosexuality or even the righteousness of Jews and Christians. At this stage, liberal reform is about accepting only one thing: debate. Anything less undermines God’s jurisdiction as the supreme judge and jury. And who am I - who is any of us - to usurp that mantle?

You say that liberalization must be ‘homegrown.’ Does that mean it can’t start with Muslims in the West? If not, why not? Remember that Arab Muslim civilization gave birth to the European renaissance. Ibn Rushd, among Muslim Spain’s greatest philosophers, was a feminist even by post-Enlightenment standards. Bottom line: Muslims and the West are interdependent. If more of us knew this, would we be so quick to equate ‘Western’ influence with foreign influence?

“I am glad to see people take advantage of the democracy and freedom of speech that we have in this great country. But I believe you have a bigger plan. It would all seem like a conspiracy to make money off Islam. How can you call yourself a Muslim when you pick only the parts of the religion you want to follow? Also, you have said that the Quran has contradictions. How can you believe in a religion or a holy book that has contradictions? Finally, Islam says that if your brother is doing something wrong, then it is your duty to correct them - but correct them within Islam, privately or out of the eyesight of the kaffir [unbeliever]. When kaffirs see Muslims arguing, they are going to laugh at us, and having kaffirs laugh at us - can there by anything worse for Islam?” - Ibrahim

Irshad replies: Oh yeah. There can be many things worse for Muslims. Like conspiracy theories, which hijack our brains and erode our willingness to do something that the Koran advises - namely, change what is in ourselves. The Koran also asks Muslims to bear true witness, even if that means testifying against your friends, family and community. Seems to me that by ignoring all this advice, you’re cherry-picking from the tree of religion as much you claim I am.

By the way, I see nothing wrong with acknowledging that the Koran, like every holy book, has contradictions. That’s called honesty. Tell me: Why are you emotionally invested in seeing the Koran as perfectly consistent? Is your faith so fragile, so insecure, that it demands a straightforward plan for piety? If so, you don’t have to worry about me giving the ‘kaffir’ an incentive to laugh at Muslims. You’re doing a pretty good job all on your own.

“Many in the West see Muslims as dangerous to them. In reality Muslims are most dangerous to each other and that must change. You are doing your part in lifting that veil. But unfortunately, I can’t see a lesbian Muslim woman as having much impact on the hardcore Muslim male, who may immediately dismiss what you are saying. More moderate Muslim men are needed to join the fray before real change can occur.” - Steve

Irshad replies: Steve, you’re bang on to suggest that I can’t say, write, do, or be anything that would change the hearts of hardcore Muslims. Good thing they’re not my audience. My audience are moderates, especially those who are too afraid of persecution to go public with their hunger for change. Maybe, just maybe, my own willingness to speak out - and stay alive - will embolden more of them to step forward. Could that group include Muslim men? You bet. Check out the next letter…

“Ms. Manji, your brilliant book is truly an inspiration and your call for reform is timely. At least in my view. Sexual preference is a personal matter and it is none of anyone’s concern. I am ashamed of the bigotry of certain people who have commented [on this website]. I was especially impressed by your observations about the great and liberal modernist Muslim, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, [who] promised a modern, democratic and pluralist Pakistan… something Pakistan isn’t today. I will like to see my nation move towards the direction given by the founding father of Pakistan. Let us join hands, all Progressive Muslims, all over the world, and reform Islam so that it can once again reclaim its status as the most rational religion.” - Yasser Latif Hamdani, Lahore, Pakistan. (You can mention mention my full name and city.)

Irshad replies: You go, Yasser! I’m enormously grateful not just for your support, but also for your gutsiness in being totally public about that support. How refreshing.

In the spirit of rational inquiry, let me challenge you on one front: Your desire to see Islam as the “most rational religion” smacks, to me, of wanting Islam to be supreme. Must liberal Muslims seek supremacy for Islam? Doesn’t this desire for supremacy mimic the yearnings of illiberal Muslims, who won’t be happy until Islam somehow outdoes the other religions? Rationality is a wonderful end to strive for, but do Muslims have to come out on top in order to feel secure in our identity or faith? Let’s keep the dialogue going, Yasser. You love rationality and you don’t care who knows it. Thank God for you.

“The revolution will happen with Muslim women! That is the greatest fear of the hard core Muslim men. They know the end will be near as far as their power over their women is concerned. Keep on speaking and writing. Your supporters are becoming legion! By the way, I am a non-Jew, Catholic by birth and education. Your book transcends religion. You speak for all humankind.” - Leith

Irshad replies: Sad that you’d have to mention you’re not Jewish. But I understand why, as this next letter shows…

“first thing first. your not a Muslim to be saying the shit your saying. your worse than any fuckin Jew on this planet and you have no fuckin right to say anything about the religion Islam. your nothing but a symptomizer [editor’s note: I think he means ’sympathizer’] for the Americans and the Jews. you should be placed side by side with Ariel Sharon and your doing all of this for attention and the might dollar. you sold your soul to the devil and I would personally give my life and my families life to see a lesbian hore like you stuck in a palestinian refugee camp and being attacked by the very Jews you defended using the American weaponry that you defended. fuck you and fuck your book and fuck your whole fuckin family you fuckin devil worshiper.” - Mohamed

“I am Grade 12 student. I read about your book and let me tell you something. You are not muslim because first of all you don’t wear the Hijab, and you know nothing about your religion. Last but not least you talk to someone like Salman Rushdu [sic]. You both should be shamed of yourselfs because you guys are not MUSLIM and May Allah punish you both for whatever lies you are telling to innocent muslim girls. Thank you.” - Gulben

Irshad replies: Three questions. 1) Why are you satisfied to read ABOUT my book, rather than read it for yourself? (It’s available at your local library so that you don’t have to waste your parents’ hard-earned money on me.) 2) What are my lies? 3) How do you know they’re lies when the Koran makes clear that only God knows fully the truth of anything? Or is the Koran just another book that you’re content to read about, rather than read for yourself?

”I bought your book last night. I can’t put it down! I ran into a wall walking and reading and nearly fell down a staircase. I’m trying to read slowly and carefully and not miss a word. I have many Muslims friends and whenever I used to ask them about things I have heard about the Koran, especially parallels and differences between my religion (Judaism) and Islam, all I ever got was blank looks. I used to think it was because they didn’t want to discuss this stuff with a Jew. After reading your book, I now think it is because they can’t discuss such things. They’ve never been given the tools to do so. You are changing this.” - Kim

”Please, can you tell me which Islamic sect do you belong to? The Holy Prophet has said: ‘The People of the Two Scriptures divided into 72 sects. This Ummah [worldwide Muslim nation] will divide into 73 sects, all in the Fire except one. Some of my Ummah will be guided by desire, like the one who is infected by rabies; no vein or joint will be saved from these desires… Waiting for your reply.” - Mombasa

Irshad replies: Sects are led by people. But I don’t worship people. I worship only one entity – God. If that means I’m going to hell, then I can’t imagine a better reason to burn.

“I’m living in Germany. Just now I’m reading your book and I tell everybody who is interested (and also who is not *smile*) that they have to read it. Very often I’m in Morocco. I would like to give your book to my friends there. Is it possible to get your book in French?” - Elke

Irshad replies: The Trouble with Islam will be published en français this fall. My publisher and I are aiming for an Arabic translation in the next 18 months. One way or the other, we’re coming to Morocco… Thanks for your support.

“I look at other Muslims and ask them if they have any doubts about Islam. They all reply ‘no’ without any hesitation. Is there something wrong with me? Why is it that everyone else seems to accept what they were taught since childhood, with I can’t seem to identify with Islam? I’m so frustrated at this point that I can’t help but cry about it. All I’d like is some time away from the religion so that I can find myself without outside influences. But to do that, I would have to forsake my own family. They would never speak to me again if I were to take the path that I wish to take. Every time I even ask them questions, I get yelled at, get told not to question or get an explanation that comes directly from the Quran. I can never tell them that in order for me to believe those explanations, I would first have to have unquestioned belief in the Quran itself. After so many years, I’m at the breaking point. If you have any advice at all, it would be appreciated.” - Yasmin

Irshad replies: You ask if there’s something wrong with you. In a way, yes. Your problem is that you give a damn. The reason you feel so much pain is that you care about faith. You pay attention to the integrity of your beliefs. Your conscience matters. That’s an open invitation to hurt. If you didn’t care, you would, by definition, lapse into indifference. I suspect that’s the case with many of your friends (as it is with mine). Ironically, they may be less “faithful” - as in concerned with faith - than you are!

That said, there’s something I believe you shouldn’t care so much about: the approval of your family. If your parents don’t tolerate your questions, dissent, or curiosity, why does the opinion of a close-minded couple of people matter so much to you? I’m not trying to turn you against your parents; not at all. I’m trying to compel you to ask a very basic question in the spirit of self-awareness and intellectual independence.

Here’s the bottom line. Your parents demand robotic respect - that is, respect to the point of self-censorship. The question is not whether they demand it, but whether they DESERVE it. Only you can answer that one.

“I’ll be frank with you, Irshad. The majority of ‘moderate’ Muslims are, in reality, fanatical fundamentalists of doctrine. Not one so-called Muslim moderate probably has the berries to invite a rabbi to a mosque to speak (while after 9/11, synagogues and churches were inviting Muslims to teach others about Islam). Here I agree with you that fundamentalism is mainstream in Islam.

Which is why something that concerns me about your book is the lack of emphasis on mysticism in Islam. Mysticism is essentially the foundation of a faith based on spirituality as opposed to doctrine. I appreciate your call for reform, but you’re asking Muslims to go up a river without a paddle. Without esoteric Islam, there is only exoteric, fundamentalist, intolerant Islam. And we both know who useless that is. Peace!” - Zahid

Irshad replies: The esoteric, spiritual branch of Islam is Sufism. And I think you’re right to imply that I should have addressed this mystical approach much more in my book. But if I had done so, I would have needed to point out that Sufism is also capable of producing fanatical, dangerous types. After all, the founder of al-Qaeda’s predecessor, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, was raised as a Sufi. He never renounced his Sufi values; instead, he adapted them to produce an organization that relied on the Koran and the revolver as its recruitment props. Swell.

I agree that it would be unfair to ask Muslims to travel upstream without a paddle. The paddle I’m giving Muslims is the reminder that Islam once had a tradition of independent thinking - ijtihad. Is that too esoteric a tool?

“I appreciate the fact that you steer clear of getting caught up in ‘isms’. I prefer to look at life issue by issue, which you do on every page of your book. I have one question on the issue of female entrepreneurs within Islam as the key goal of Operation Ijtihad. While I agree that commerce has been the binding common denominator of many faiths and nations throughout history, how are women in Islam to make the transition from their current status into business dealings when their basic human rights aren’t even being acknowledged?” - Yosef

Irshad replies: The Sunnah (tradition of the prophet) holds a lot of weight in Islam - and I’m arguing that this fact can be used to confer on women the power to become entrepreneurs. After all, Khadija, the prophet’s beloved first wife, was a self-made, wealthy merchant (read: entrepreneur) who proposed marriage to Muhammad, not the other way around! If “good” Muslims emulate the life of the prophet, then human rights need not come before commerce - commerce might just have to precede, and lay the groundwork for, human rights.

Another reality check: Within much of Islam today, human rights law is seen as man-made rather than God-made. That’s why, to be perfectly honest, “pious” Muslims won’t care about human rights until it becomes a matter of practical self-interest to do so. Hence the role of commerce. Remember that Muslim states only tolerated Jews as long as it was helpful for the bottom line. If women’s talents can be seen as helpful to promoting quality of life in Muslim states, then maybe, just maybe, the rights of women will be promoted in an effort to keep them in the talent pool. Maybe. One thing’s for sure: The alternative isn’t working.

“There is no need to justify Islam, which is a perfect religion. The Quran says this day I have perfected your religion for you. All of the truth in your book only points to the problem with man. Islam is a religion for all time; there is no need for a 21st century version. I don’t feel oppressed that I cover my body or my hair of my own free will. In fact, as a child my mother, who is a Jew, forbade it and I had to fight for it. Our dress is not only beautiful but shows us how much Allah cares for us. Why don’t you talk about how Islam liberated women? How it forbade the burial of baby girls, the marriage of women against their will, the right of inheritance over a thousand years ago. What other societies were doing this? Why don’t talk about the beautiful history of Islam?

I know that my writing is pointless. You probably won’t read it. However, as passionate as you are about sabotaging Islam for your own interests, I am passionate about not only preserving the Quran and traditions of Muhammad (peace be upon him), but increasing the iman (faith). I don’t know how you can call yourself a Muslim. A Muslim is someone who submits his whole self to Allah. Your have submitted yourself to false desires and lusts along with worldly gain. I thank you for making me realize how fortunate I am to spiritually be a real Muslim.” - Anita

Irshad replies: You’re certainly religious, Anita. But spiritual? That might be another issue altogether. Listen and learn from the next person…

“You have shown what happens when institutionalized religion becomes an escape from the real and sometimes difficult choices posed by a changing world, rather than a spiritual interpretation of life and its infinite possibilities. Religion often sees God as an answer. Spirituality sees God as a question. Your open letter raises so many dynamic questions and therefore, in my view, is ultimately spiritual.” - Daniel

“How do you explain calling yourself a Muslim if you are a lesbian? If you were stuck on an island with 50 of your own kind, how would you pro-create? I recommend that you convert to atheism and stop disgracing our religion and any other religion. Please respond to my question. You have a habit of never answering the actual question.” - Saima

Irshad replies: I’ve already answered your question about Islam and homosexuality. It’s in the letters archive of this website as well as in my book. You clearly don’t like my answer, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t responded to it.

As for how I would pro-create on an island populated by 50 other lesbians? Why the need to pro-create, consume limited resources and eventually over-populate the island? Why not just live our lives, die our deaths, and let the many more islands that are replete with heterosexuals do the breeding? Is that not a legitimate option?

You suggest that I convert to atheism. This brings me to a final question for you: In light of the fact that you’re such a pious observer of Islam, how do you justify encouraging apostasy?

“Your book encourages Christians like me to look at Islamic society with compassion and understanding, instead of fear and anger, for which I will be forever thankful. I will now be able to speak my opinions of Islamic society without that huge amount of guilt about being intolerant, knowing that I have weighed the sides carefully and thoughtfully. We can all be instruments of change.” - Helene

“I was born and raised in an Arab-Muslim country. I believe in freedom and I define freedom as the ability to think, do whatever one wants to do as long as they are not infringing on other people’s freedom. Unlike you, I gave up on Islam completely because after running away from my country, Morocco, I came to realize that Islam in its current form does not allow liberties and freedoms.

“History has shown that the countries that are leading the world now economically and politically had to separate the state from the religion before they could become what they have become. I am a believer in that. After a few years in Europe and after reading books and manuscripts from all over the world, I have come to the conclusion that the separation of Islam and the state is not going to happen in my lifetime. Therefore, I should give up on Islam. I really hope that your ideas can make it into the mainstream Muslim world.” - Nordeen

Irshad replies: Nordeen, I sense despair in your tone. Don’t give into it - at least not yet. Read the next letter first…

“As a North American Muslim who came from Yemen 5 years ago, let me say that I am so proud of you. You are right to say that many North American people are afraid to ask about Islam because some of us will call them racist and anti-Muslim. You are absolutely right when you said that it is important for us to be able to question the Quran, and sometimes ignore our imams. Sadly, many of us (Muslims) love to do nothing but blame others. That is what most of us do, blame the West or Israel. It is stupidity to keep listening to such propaganda. Saying that doesn’t mean I agree with you 100%. However, there is no doubt in my mind that you are on the right track.” - Wajdi

“Despite the repeated, slanderous, blasphemous misconceptions and ideas of Islam planted in the minds of people everywhere by journalists such as yourself, Islam is and continues to be the fastest growing religion in the world, and not for no reason; this is a mark of Truth, and falsehood will never avail anything against Truth, as stated by God in the Quran. You follow nothing but conjecture.” - Concerned Muslim

Irshad replies: I have a different take on why Islam is growing so rapidly. We live in a world of gut-wrenching complexity. Muslims like to boast that Islam cuts through that complexity by offering the “straight path” - a crystal-clear, unalterable code for living. Millions of people worldwide have converted to Islam in pursuit of that promised simplicity. Some find lasting peace.

Many others, however, don’t. I hear from disillusioned Muslims all the time, especially female converts in distress. They desperately want to fulfill Islam’s potential for equality, but the actual practice of Islam today flies in the face of that potential. They, too, are “concerned Muslims” - concerned for reasons very different from your own.

“I’ve always been interested in politics and for a long time have been a bit of an America-basher, not for their values but for what their government has done throughout the world. My first encounters with Arabs (Muslims and non) left me rather sucked in by what I believed was a healthy resentment of imperialism. Of course, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my lifestyle didn’t fit into their worldview. I even began feeling that it might just be bad to be homosexual.

“After resolving these doubts, I’ve still been tormented with ever-recurring questions about East versus West, modernity versus traditionalism, along with generally wondering: Must I be so open-minded as to accept a religion and/or a culture that seems close-minded about me?

“By being a Muslim who questions aspects of her faith, you have given me the moral authorization to question it without feeling as though I’m being narrow-minded. Inshallah [if God wills], one day you and people like you will have succeeded, and young people, whatever their faith, will not have to fear.” - Mark

“I met you at your book signing in New York. Your attitude towards questioning what you believe is wrong is the same way that I was raised. As a Black man, born and raised in America, I truly understand how hypocrisy can rule any establishment. I’m very proud to see someone who has the strength and courage to bring their views forward. YOU MUST KEEP GOING!” - James

“While reading your book, the thought often occurred to me, ‘There are many paths to God. Why does she continue on this dysfunctional one?’ I don’t know the answer, but for every time that question was raised, I also thought: ‘I’m glad she has chosen to.’ The world needs Muslims to ask your questions out loud and stay until the questions are answered and the changes made. I know this path has caused you pain. I hope it brings you great satisfaction as well.” - Bob

“I am a Muslim woman who has been at odds with Islam for many years but have not had the courage to express my displeasure with it. Your book has encouraged me not to accept the mainstream answers, but to openly challenge them. Ms. Manji, you have given me strength and all I can say is thank-you. Thank you for having the courage to write the most honest book I have ever read.” - Zahida

Irshad replies: It’s my privilege and not just my pleasure. Gather your strength, girl. We’ve got our work cut out for us. Read the letter below…

“What the heck is wrong with you, Irshad? What in the world are you trying to do? Can one person like you change this world? There are so many Muslims who suffer from exactly the same feeling you do. But I don’t see a lot of people campaigning like you, Ms. Manji. Allah created this religion. It’s His religion. If something bad happens to His religion, wouldn’t He send someone to save it? Is that you? Are you the chosen one? As a human, thanks, but STOP IT!” - Syed

Irshad replies: Uh… Hmmm… Right then. You acknowledge that many Muslims know there’s a problem with mainstream Islam today, but because most aren’t doing anything about it, you don’t want me to, either. You’ve taken conformity to new highs - or, should I say, new lows. Syed, I won’t “stop it” at all. I’m continuing my campaign and realizing that, indeed, one person can make a difference. This realization doesn’t make me “chosen.” But it does make me aware of my choices.

“You are feared for your guts and for your sense and for remaining a Muslim against all odds. You speak for the Muslim sisters who need someone to lead the way to change. To be in your position is a blessing. Make the most of it.” - Lisa (forever Muslim)

“I have learned from the Muslim poet Rumi that “questions and answers both root for truth.” So does your book. My only concern is that you generalize the problems of the Arab world with the entire Muslim world. I come from Iran, where women are in a much better situation than the picture you draw. You correctly point out that cultural problems are somehow hidden under the cover of Islam, but you ignore the issue quite often in your book.

“Still, you sound honest and sincere. I have a tendency to doubt people’s intentions but I feel uncomfortable doubting yours. Please stay vocal.” - Amirali

Irshad replies: The situation of women in Iran is certainly complex. But does that mean they have it “better” than women in the Arab world?

For example, teenaged girls in Tehran often rebel against religious police by wearing heavy boots and hair pieces under their chadors, so that the extra hair bulges out even as it remains hidden. These girls call themselves ‘wrappers’ - a take-off on the American word, ‘rappers.’ In that way, too, they’re declaring independence from the clerics. Great.

But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: They still deal with the reality of being harassed by religious commissars. They still must be covered from head-to-toe. And the black chador that they must wear was designed by a mullah from the Middle East - one of many examples I give in my book to show how Arab cultural traditions, from clothing to language, have been imported into non-Arab countries like Iran.

With respect, I’m not convinced that I’m generalizing. Nonetheless, I applaud your willingness to see me remain vocal. Please do the same.

“I don’t mind women being in power except for the fact that women liberationists tend to blow things out of proportion. I mean, if you’re gay, that’s great, but is it necessary to bring that up all the time? Don’t you think that puts people off from the real issue that you’re trying to get across? If you marry your partner, will you keep your religion and will your partner keep her own religion?? Major religions frown upon gay marriages as well as the partners’ not conforming to the same religions. Doesn’t that annoy you because of what you believe in? It also seems that women liberationists are emotional. When tough decisions need to be made and you’re put in the dilemma of having to choose between great evils, will you let your emotions get the best of you? Are you sure?!” - Faizal

Irshad replies: Slow down there, big boy. You’re getting too emotional over this. I mean, why are you harping on homosexuality if, as you say, it’s not a central issue? Before you accuse feminists of blowing things out of proportion, I invite you to re-read your own letter.

“Tis a ‘queer’ Muslim indeed who regards Israel as progressive - blind to its blood-soaked greed. You do realize that you’re semitic, right?” - Mikhail

Irshad replies: I define myself by values, not by ethnic tribe. Chief among my values is pluralism - the very principle that makes Israel, for all its flaws, one of the most diverse countries on earth. As an officially bilingual (Arabic and Hebrew) state that enjoys a ferociously free press and an independent judiciary, Israel takes a much harder look at its blood-soaked greed than Palestinian officials ever have about their own.

“I do appreciate the self-criticism you ask of Muslims. Indeed, all religious people need to be ready for it. However, I feel that in your criticism of Islam, you did not credit the simple, good-hearted Muslim I used to know and still cherish in the villages of India, Tanzania, Philippines, etc. Should we not bring their faces to the forefront?” - Peter

Irshad replies: Sounds nice, but there’s a problem. Too often, the “simple, good-hearted” ones are the least willing to question what they’ve been taught. While they’re not hurling bombs at the infidels - for which I’m grateful - they’re also not willing to participate in asking basic questions of imams and mullahs. Is that simplicity something to be cherished?

“I saw part of your interview with Bill Moyers on PBS. I was very surprised and relieved that SOMEONE was finally saying SOMETHING out loud. I don’t agree with everything you said on the show, but I am a strong advocate for positive reform in Islam. Regardless of how ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ your views might be, you are an inspiration to a lot of young Muslims like me who are yearning for change in our beloved religion.” - Yinka

“I would not even like to send you peace (salam), after you slash verses of the Holy Quran to suit you. You criticize when a woman cannot go outside without the permission of her husband. Well, that is proof of a man’s love for her, that he cares and wants to protect her, otherwise he’s say ‘to hell with wherever she goes! What do I care?’ Look at the plus points, Irshad. It’s not a woman’s duty to work for her mate. He has to provide for her! Which religion will give so much to a woman?

“What burns me the most is that you trash a Lord like mine. My Allah, whom I LOVE and whose mercy surrounds even an evil-mouthed person like you. Think! You breathe, you drink, you eat. Have you realized you are dependent on your saliva for digestion? Who gave you this saliva? Who gave you the ability to walk? To swim? To cry? To talk? To write? He could take your power and paralyze you, but my Allah is not quick to punish. He is Halim - Arabic word for the one who controls his temper. But his anger can fall at any time, so beware!” - Nazin

“In my opinion, all religions are prone to interpretation from an individual’s perspective. But no one should be allowed to cross the boundaries of basic human rights. I congratulate you for being honest and not leaving Islam. It is really refreshing to see that someone cares enough to challenge the status quo.” - Rajesh

“If you are a Muslim then you should not been photographed with a person like [Salman] Rushdie because he said intolerable things about Islam. This fact is proved by calling his book The Satanic Verses.” - A different Salman

Irshad replies: Hate to break it to you, Salman, but The Satanic Verses refers to a set of passages that Prophet Muhammad, in all his fallible human judgment, accepted as authentic entries into the Koran - and then rejected, blaming his mistake on a trick played by Satan. For centuries since then, Islamic philosophers have been telling the story of “the Satanic verses,” attesting to the age-old doubts that thinking people have about the perfection of the Koran.

If Prophet Muhammad could make mistakes about certain verses, how do we know that the didn’t make mistakes about other verses as well? Remember, he wasn’t God. He was a human being, and his own confusions about the revelations he heard add fuel to the argument that the Koran is an inconsistent, constructed document with some human biases - like all the other texts of the great religions.

Your refusal to tolerate questions about the Koran does a far greater disservice to Islam than Rushdie’s pen ever will.

“I am a 17-year-old Moroccan. I admire you truly and I think you are a beautiful image of Muslim freedom. I have never believed in choosing a side in the war between Muslim people and Occidental [Western] people. I have never wanted to choose between Jewish and Muslim. I am a boy soon to become a man and I would never want my wife or my girlfriend to bow to me or to put on the hijab because I said so. I believe in women’s rights and I believe in equality and I can’t stand what our imams are saying in the mosques, like “May we crush Israel”. What the hell?? If we stop acting like babies, maybe we will have a better chance of peace.” - Hicham

“This is from a French Muslim in Paris. Muslims who love God and follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will never accept your speech. I don’t care if you are a lesbian or zoophile or anything else. It’s your life. You want an Islam more open, with more freedom? BUT ISLAM IS FREEDOM. You cannot change the message of God because it is already clear. I don’t want to judge you but think about that.” - Chemsedinne

Irshad replies: Zoophile? Qu’est que c’est - zoophile?? (Be careful not to introduce me to any corrupting ideas…) As for Islam being FREEDOM, hmmm. What do you say to the guy below?

“The northern part of my native country, Nigeria, is currently under Islamic rule. And not long ago, a Muslim woman from that part of the country miraculously escaped death by stoning. An Islamic court had prescribed this punishment for the hapless woman because she bore a child outside marriage. One wonders why the same court failed to recommend the same penalty, or some penalty, for the man responsible for that pregnancy. It takes two to tango.” - Chim

“I have been learning about Islam for years and just finished reading your book. I think you are very courageous and naïve. My opinion is that Islam is based on a lie that the Quran is the direct word of God. This fact alone won’t allow for any of the changes you hope for. But keep trying.” - Dav

“Your work must be considered one of the most important efforts in the world today. The reformation of Islam that you are a voice for is THE most critical dynamic that must unfold if we are to see a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as a reinvigoration of the Muslim world. All of us could benefit (again) from the creative and intellectual energies of Muslim people.” - Steven

“I was very naive when I first became a Muslim. I thought that all the religions enjoyed a vigorous flow of ideas and ideals between those with differing opinions. I soon discovered different, and was just about to give up when I read your book. It made me realize that there are others who are looking for answers beyond, “BECAUSE I SAID SO, AND BECAUSE A BUNCH OF OTHER GUYS WHO KNEW SOMEONE ELSE WHO KNEW SOMETHING SAID SO.” Hard to have faith in that. Knowing the “what’s” in life is just having information. Knowing the “why’s” is having power.

“Who wants to believe in something that cannot stand to be questioned? Not you. Not me either. Questioning is a process by which we satisfy ourselves that our faith is not for nothing. (I remember, though, that I do not always like the answers to my questions.)

“I had not read the Quran in a while. I picked it up again after reading your book. Funny that a book that enrages so many has made me want to believe again.” - Cameron

Irshad replies: As people who aren’t afraid of questions, let’s discuss something. Do you think I’ve been too harsh in any of my criticisms? Put another way, do you think there’s trouble with Islam or is the trouble with Muslims? And can the two legitimately be separated? (An analogy: Could Communism and the behaviour of Communists be separated?)

Cameron replies to Irshad: “Can you separate Islam and Muslims? It’s a fool’s game to do so. Yes, you can always separate policy (the instructions, the Quran) from pactice (the behaviours). Butr in the arena of life, the practices are what kill people.

“My take on what you propose is to make Muslims responsible for Islam as it operates in the world. While the distinction between policy and and practice is possible to make, most of teh Arab world does not yet seem sophisticated enough to make it. There is a failure in the imagination that leaves most treading a very narrow path that, while it worked 1,000 years ago in a very different society, doesn’t work today in a world where information and opinion is the new currency, and discourse between competing dialectics is the norm, not the exception.

“Islam must “grow up” and realize that to be taken seriously on the world stage these days, it needs to enter the debate, not issue fatwas. Ijtihad is the greatest responsibility we’ve been given because it makes us responsible to use our greatest gift: our brains.”

“Irshad, you can dismiss colonialism all you want (as you often do) but resonable people will not ignore its effects. In Asia, where colonialism was relatively successful, almost all countries, Muslim and otherwise, turned out the same. In Africa and the Arab world, where colonialism was not complete, you have the same despair. All things will be cured in time as these places re-build their institutions. Or better yet, we can just invade them and re-build for them… again.” - Yasmin

Irshad replies: I don’t dismiss colonialism at all. I make two major points about it.

1) Long before European colonalism took off, Muslims have been bludgeoning each other’s freedoms and imposing martial law within their societies; and

2) There is such a thing as Arab colonialism, and I believe it’s precisely Arab imperialism - the ritual equating of Islam itself with Arab cultural traditions such as “honour” - that has kept Islam from progressing into a modern, humane force.

You seem to assume that colonialism is a European-only evil. Not so. If we’re going to oppose the colonizing of people, let’s look at more than just the West as a source of colonlization, shall we?

“I am quite aware of all the colonial history is the so-called Islamic world, but THAT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR ME… Too simple. There are many of us who are tired of playing the victim. Yes, the West has its biases against Muslims, but so do Muslims have their own biases against the West.

“Unless we begin to question the way that WE PORTRAY OURSELVES, I don’t think we should have more expectations of the so-called “other.” We should be asking ourselves: have “we” provided an alternative perspective for “them” to grasp on to? Irshad has! Now, how many more of “us” are going to rise to the occasion?

“Irshad, this was a very moving book for all Muslims, regardless of whether “we” are in agreement. It was begging to be written. As a woman, I thank you even more.” - Samira

“U call urself a muslim, right? Just out of curiosity, how many time do u pray a day?” - Abdullah

Irshad replies: At least 10 times daily. Sometimes more. And you? [Email sent twice. No reply either time.]

“I do not believe that the fundamentalists within the Islamic world can ever engage in reasonable dialogue with people like you. The same extreme mentality that convinces men that Allah is going to reward them for crashing airplanes into skyscrapers is, at this moment, seeking new methods like nuclear suitcase bombs to hurt and kill even more “infidels.” To these fanatics, you’re a woman and an inferior. I admire your courage in standing up to them, but they only understand a language of violence.” - Vic

Irshad replies: I agree that extremists only understand the language of violence. That’s why I’m aiming my challenges not at fundamentalist Muslims, but at mainstream Muslims who remain far too complacent and silent in the face of Islamic terror. The radical fringe won’t change. Maybe the self-defined, but passive, “moderates” will…

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MODERATE MUSLIM - YOUR A BELIEVER OR YOUR NOT!!! I suggest you read the Holy Quran over again, and I suggest you read this many, many times: “O Allah, I have been unjust to myself and no one grants pardons for sins except You, therefore, forgive me with Your forgiveness and have mercy on me. Surely, You are the forgiver, the Merciful.” You probably still have time, unless God decides to punish you before you even get to read this.”

Irshad replies: First things first — for what do I need God’s forgiveness? In any event, now that you’ve shown me your favourite passage, I’ll show you mine: “Believers, conduct yourselves with justice and bear true witness before God, even though it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kinsfolk” (4:135). Bearing true witness is what I’m doing, and that makes me a believer. So, back to my question. Why do I need God’s forgiveness?

“Anyone who is strong in their belief (read: faith) will have no difficulty with any questions, any challenges. They simply won’t feel threatened. Questioning is not intolerance. Denial of questioning is.” - Bruce

“I saw Irshad on the Bill O’Reilly program and was both amused and delighted. Usually he prefers to run his Championship Wrestling format and controls the flow; Irshad had him reeling and perplexed. He wanted someone to do straight Muslim bashing and got a real free thinker instead. Then she sent the lesbian salvo and he wanted to flee the studio. Being associated with Salman Rushdie scores points too, as I admire him. In fact, I referred to him in one of my local lectures the other night. We need more of Irshad and Salman, and less of the orthodox and jargon types. Maybe there is hope yet. Living in America as a registered Independent, I am appalled at the ideological and religious warfare that is raging in our culture. It was refreshing to see someone bring a rational perspective to the table, for a change.” - Victor

“Your book’s message of “ijtihad” or questioning speaks to more than just Muslims. Throw away the confines of political correctness and discuss, debate, challenge and learn. A “brown Muslim woman” inspiring a “white Christian man.” Isn’t freedom great?” - Jim

“Like you, Irshad, I’m a Muslim who’s grateful for the freedom to question that’s afforded by the West. [But] I’d never heard of ijtihad. All I heard was: Who are you to question Allah? I always wanted to question the origins of the Koran. Who went to God and got these writings? Who put them down in print? Was it verbatim? Could human errors exist in them? Were some of these writings mere parts of Arab culture? Were some of these tenets personal desires of the early Arab transcribers/scholars/writers? Sadly, we Muslims don’t question; we follow even when the so-called Islamic clerics spout venom, intolerance, hatred and violence - all in the name of Allah. I pity the innocents whose lives have been ruined or lost by carrying out the fatwas prescribed by these doomsayers. With an eternal promise of “wide-eyed virgins,” is it little wonder that there seems to be an abundance of [people] willing to immolate themselves listening to the cowardly clerics who love life too much to practice what they preach? Why don’t they take up these virgins themselves? And what about female suicide bombers? What is their promise in heaven? Nothing? Or maybe they are also guaranteed the same virgins. Heaven must therefore be every lesbian’s dream come true.” - Abdul, a Nigerian Muslim

“I think you’re a really ignorant bitch and I have no respect for you. I wouldn’t piss on you if you were burning. Muslims hate Jews because of the Quran? No bitch; Muslims hate ISRAEL because of its occupation, murder and brutalization of the Palestinian people. At no point does the Quran advocate the mistreatment of Jews, so don’t trace this anger to the Quran. It is because of what has happened and is still happening in the Middle East, which most Muslims are able to observe up close due to the media coverage in their countries.” - Waleed

Irshad replies: So, you believe everything reported in the media? I may be a bitch, but even I’m not that ignorant. Settling the Israeli/Palestinian conflict won’t address the depth of our anti-Jewish prejudices, Waleed. After all, Jew-bashing run rampant in the media of Egypt and Jordan - the only two Arab Muslim states that have peace pacts with Israel. I do agree that it’s a good idea not to piss on me. I also agree that Muslim Jew-bashing is not strictly a matter of the Koran. After all, the Koran contains many progressive passages about Jews - including a couple of verses that validate the sovereign role of Jews in the Holy Land (see Chapter 5 of my book). However, you’re dishonest to airbrush out the anti-Jew verses of the Koran (see Chapter 2 of my book) - especially given that these verses are being used by other Muslims to justify bigotry. Read the email below…

“You claim the Jews to be good people and considered friends. The Holy Quran says in Chapter 5, verse 51, “O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.” Think and reply.” - Abbas

Irshad replies: I guess I’m “one of them.” Thanks for solving my identity crisis!

“One thing I would like to clarify is that Islam doesn’t promote the hatred of Jews. People have promoted the hatred of Jews. An example is when Prophet Muhammad was living next to a neighbour who was Jewish. Every day that man would put his garbage in front of the Prophet’s house, and every day the Prophet would take that garbage, along with his, to dispose of it. This shows you that people have used Islam for their own racist, prejudiced, unacceptable views.” - Mansoor

Irshad replies: Considering that the Koran (like every sacred text) can be used to feed into people’s “racist, prejudiced and unacceptable views,” can it also be used to reverse those views? If not, then the Koran is dangerous. But if so, then the Koran is inconsistent. Either way, we Muslims have to think about the Koran — and thinking, rather than merely imitating, is key to ending prejudice. Are enough of us up to the challenge?

“Your feedback pages are a really good reflection of what you talk about in your book — that, for some reason, the moderates don’t shout and the liberal views don’t stand out quite as much as the conservative. I hope you know your work is very important. The point is not really, “is she right or wrong” but more “consider what she wrote.” Argue with it or agree with it, but at at leat look at it with an academic mind.” - Pooja

“We met when you came to speak at York University [in Toronto]. The fact that you were able to get Jewish and Muslim students to speak to each other respectfully is an Earth-shattering accomplishment as far as I’m concerned. The chance to meet Muslim students and see them as human beings, rather than my dehumanized enemy, was a totally enriching experience that I will never forget. It may not have created peace but at least I know what peace might feel like, and that it is worth striving for every day of my life. Thank you for showing me that.” - Ryan

“I must commend you for changing my views on Israel, as I was not aware that one could become an Israeli citizen through means other than the Law of Return. This teaches me that if I am at odds with the way things are done, I should educate myself to see if indeed my perceptions are accurate.

“However, I get the feeling that you feel choosing to be silent is somehow as bad, or worse, than extremism itself. But maybe things being the way they are, I don’t want to become a martyr to the cause of ijtihad [independent thinking]. If I can work to ease suffering in other ways, I wil gladly do so. Sacrificing one’s own life - or putting yourself in harm’s way - isn’t necessary. And this is what I am afraid will happen to you by writing this book. Conversely, if you hadn’t done it, then who would have? For this, I must commend you.” - AJ

Irshad replies: I completely understand your desire not to be a martyr. Trust me, I share it! But, however lonely the fight might feel, you and I wouldn’t be alone. There’s a growing number of liberal voices from the Arab world now speaking out, and the more internal support for change, the more institutions such as the US state department will know they have the moral responsibility to join us. Am I naive? (Before you answer, remember what a Russian poet once said: “Optimism is a lack of information. Pessimism is a lack of imagination.”)

“Thank you for standing up. It is about bloody time that the new generation of Muslims raised in the West raise their voices against the oppressor, who do so in the name of Islam and conformity. I wish you all the best and courage to continue, in spite of the hate mail. I work for the Canberra Islamic Centre and definitely your book will be on sale at the Centre bookshop.” - Javed

“I would like to thank you for actually questioning the current state of Islam. Questioning is exactly what Muslims need. I am a 17 year-old Muslim living in Vancouver. I was born in Iraq, and have lived here for 7 years. I am absolutely sick of how people never question anything and how Muslims always blame other people for problems within our countries. We Arabs criticize Americans for being ignorant and racist towards Muslims, but that is so hypocritical considering how much racism and ignorance Arab countries also have. I am part of the gay-straight alliance in my school. I find acceptance here. Where can I find acceptance in the Muslim or Arab world?” - Yasser

“I have great difficulty trying to sort out, on any given day, which is the more ominous bogey man: the American empire, the Israelis, or the Muslim world (because of, in my view, their ridiculous dependency on fundamentalist religion). Then again, Israelis do not mind using fundamentalist USA and their own ultra-Orthodox far right to further their ends. Hell, we even have an American general who now claims to be chosen by God and speak for God! In my opinion, there’s almost no difference between American and Muslim rhetoric today. For me, the main conclusion of your book is that as long as God’s will is defined by some people, we will continue to have terrible turmoil in this world.” - Robert

Irshad replies: I agree with you in this sense - the credo of “my-fundamentalism-is-better-than-your-fundamentalism” does serious damage to humanity, because it ignores that fundamentalism itself is the problem. Fundamentalism of any stripe reduces each of us to something less than our whole, multi-faceted, paradoxical and eminently interesting selves. However, I believe there’s a sharp difference between most of the Muslim world, on the one hand, and America and Israel on the other. In America and Israel, you have the legal right to dissent with the prevailing orthodoxy. In most of the Islamic world, you don’t. As a free thinker, I consider this to be an important distinction. But then, as a free thinker, I’m open to challenge. Bring it on.

“You’ve stated that atheism is just another religion. Actually, atheism is simply a lack of belief in god(s). That’s it, nothing more. Simple, eh?” - Larry

Irshad replies: I’m willing to be convinced (enlightened?) that God is nonsensical. But it was the theologian Paul Tillich who said that religion is whatever you’re consumed with. In other words, a declared atheist can still have an orthodoxy - the orthodoxy of strident disbelief in god(s). Does that make sense?

“Irshad, with your brave and honest expose of Islam today, are you concerned that you’ll cause Muslims to have their faith shaken in Islam altogether, causing them to leave Islam for other faiths or no faith at all?” - Devon

Irshad replies: Am I concerned? Not really. Supportive Muslims are writing to express sentiments like, “Thanks for giving me the permission to think, which will only strengthen my faith.” Antagonistic Muslims are writing to assure me that I haven’t shaken their faith - at which point I ask them whether they distinguish between faith and dogma. The dialogue goes on…

“I would just like to know why are you a Muslim if you see so much trouble with it. Are you a Muslim for cultural reasons or you a Muslim because you believe in Allah and believe that Islam is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH, that it is THE FAITH that leads to EVERLASTING life, as Muslims say it does?” - Kris

Irshad replies: I remain a Muslim because I have enough faith in my faith to believe that it’s capable of reform. That doesn’t mean changing Islam into something it’s never been; rather, “reform” means that Muslims would re-discover our lost tradition of independent thinking or “ijtihad.” And, no, I don’t believe that Islam is the ABSOLUTE truth. I refuse to be a spiritual narcissist. Belief in one God need not mean belief in one way.

“As I read your book, I wanted to see where you were going with the idea that the Koran is not God’s last word on the matter. I sensed that you had wrapped your mind around the imperfections and might show others how to do the same in the context of Islam. I was not disappointed. But what your book neglects to address is how Muslims can interact with other cultures and the larger world without losing their unique identity. Some Muslims who don’t live in the West have a fear of losing themselves to Western culture.” - Bongo

Irshad replies: I’ll go one better, Bongo — many Muslims who live in North America and Europe also fear losing their Islamic identity. The key word here is “fear.” I don’t buy into the artificial dichotomy between “Islam” and “the West.” Remember that Arab Muslim civilization laid the groundwork for the European renaissance. For Muslims to fasten onto Arab cultural traditions because we fear losing our identity is folly at best and dangerous otherwise. Dogma compels us to cling. Faith frees us to explore.

Now let me ask you a question: If we Muslims honestly resent Western cultural dominance, why do we gobble up Western pop culture?

“Hello sister (”sister” being laced with sarcasm). I suggest you do some research before you open your mouth and say the usual garbage that comes out of it. You focus on the extremists and fundamentalists and suggest that Islam is only about that.” - anonymous

Pseudo-sister replies: Wrong, honey. Only a thin minority of Muslims are extremists. The vast majority of us, however, are complacent about the influence of extremism. I would count you among the complacent. And that’s what I’m challenging.

“You possess no intellect or facts, you two-cent, no good lesbo. You simply manipulate to make your own unholy existence look decent. A very basic definition of law (in my words) is “submission to the norms” of our society. We are followers, not questioners! God has created us for worshipping in his name, not to second-guess his word. There is no such thing as “in my opinion” in Islam, as I so often hear you say. There is only one principle - total submission to God, our Lord.”

Irshad replies: Hey, how do you know that I’m “no good” as a lesbo? Has my partner, Michelle, been talking again? As for the substance of your argument, I’ll let the following letter address that…

“One thing many people fail to remember (or have never considered) is that our human intelligence is a God-given gift. If we refuse to acknowledge that intelligence, or refuse to use or allow others to use it, then… Well, to me, that’s an insult to God. Anyone who is strong in their faith will have no difficulty with any questions, any challenge because they won’t feel threatened. Questioning is not intolerance; denial of questioning is.” - Bruce

“I agree that there is trouble with Islam, as there is with every other religion. There is need for reformation so madressas won’t be terrorist training camps and brainwashing institutions. It’s better to speak the truth, no matter how much it may hurt, than to remain silent about it. That is the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims have to understand that every issue must be debated. Every last one.” - Isa

“You want your fellow Muslims to come forward and speak up. But 98 percent of us won’t do that, not because we are scared but because we don’t care about what’s wrong with Islam. And we don’t care because we don’t truly practice it, nor do we want to. The other two percent of us - “True Muslims” - are too simple and close-minded to accept your views, even though you are well-spoken and polite. Good luck and God bless.” - Usman

Irshad replies: You might be brutally realistic… Or you might be overly pessimistic. Check out the next letter before deciding.

“Reading your book has renewed my interest reading the Koran. It’s shining the actinic light of truth (and hopefully positive global interest) on what are dark and under-challenged issues. While we have Allah who is merciful and compassionate, and who guides us to do good works, this does not cohere with the observed conduct of many (most?) wealthy and powerful Muslims. Consider Afghanistan, to which donated goods are shipped at no cost. Wealthy Muslims and/or Warlords then sell the goods, making money for themselves or their cronies at the expense of the impoverished majority. It’s just sick.

“Over the years, I’ve met several Muslims who have fallen from the fold. They may find that reading your book is a back door to the faith - a door through which they can now walk with good social conscience. They may even find that after reading your book, there is a new, less guilt-ridden, personal interest in finally reading the Koran in translation. For your efforts, thanks.” - Munir

“The de-Arabization of Islam is worthy goal, but the de-Islamization of the Arab world may be worthier (and perhaps easier). Who actually needs Islam anyway?” - Fouad

Irshad replies: Now there’s a question for the ardent defenders of Islam. What say you, brothers and sisters?

“I see from the many emails posted on your site, some of the venom thrown at you by Muslims. Keep the fight up. The cause is right and just. You are a great role model for my three daughters.” - Anwer

“For all your correct indignation at the bastion of male chauvinism that our religion has become, I do counsel one thing: Be careful that you are not used by those who foment hate.” - Khaleel

Irshad replies: Let me tell you a story. When I was in Gaza over the summer, I met a Palestinian human rights advocate who spends much of his time exposing the human rights violations that the PA itself inflicts. I asked him, ‘How do you respond to those who say that your criticisms will be used by people with racist, right-wing agendas?’ He responded: ‘Stop the human rights violations, and those people will have nothing to exploit.’ Khaleel, I think he’s got it right. He’s putting the burden of change on those who would seek to excuse human rights abuses rather than expose them. That’s my stance too. As the late Edward Said pointed out, ‘The intellectual’s role is to speak as plainly, honestly and directly as possible. No intellectual is supposed to worry that what is said embarrasses, pleases or displeases the people in power.’ Feel free to let me know if you think I’ve got it wrong.

“One thing you should think about is mental health. See a doctor for your head. I just don’t get how you can make an uneducated comment like, ‘If Jerusalem is not off-limits to Arabs and Muslims then why is Mecca off-limits to non-Muslims?’ Please, someone should look after you before you do something terrible to yourself.” - Joon

Irshad replies: Call me crazy, but why SHOULD Mecca be off-limits to non-Muslims? Why is the question itself off-limits?

“I am 100% lucid when I say this about your book: What I have read resonates deep within my soul, as if I had written it myself (I am not kidding you). Most of your madressa incidents and philosophies intersect sharply with my own experiences, even though I am a boy, and your take on the current Middle East crisis strikes a definite chord! I am really happy to know that I am not alone and you should be too! I am sure there are many others who feel the same, just waiting to be part of a platform towards an Islamic renaissance. I can believe in something and have the right to preach it, but by no means do I have the right to force it on others or to think of them as infidels or of lesser dignity than me if they choose to live otherwise. I hope more and more people step up to the challenge of bringing on the long-awaited tomorrow: one that is free of the current stagnancy in Islamic society. Bravo!” - Mahmood

“I think you’re a genius for being able to convey so complex a topic in the way you’ve done. Every line was a learning experience. Now that you’ve educated me, I will try to help your religion develop into what it could be - because this will benefit all of humanity, including both the Muslims suffocating in their own religion, and all the people adversely affected as a result. I will ask more challenging questions when I hear or read something, and burst more ‘politically correct’ bubbles. I know that people I speak might think I have some ulterior motive as a Jew. But I don’t.” - Rachel

Irshad replies: I would suggest that as a Jew, you do have a motive. It’s called “tikkun olem” - “to mend the world.” Those who brand such a motive as “ulterior” only prove how much mending actually needs to happen.

“People who say your words are slander are not filled with spirit. You defend your faith fully, and with passion, while at the same time questioning the interpretations of the written word by a few men (and justly so). No one, except those who refuse to lead the way or advocate being led, can deny that you are a child of Allah. Keep writing, don’t ever stop. Keep talking, until you’re hoarse. Most important, keep safe. I worry about you in these troubling times.” - Wendy (Christian and tired of my church, but not tired of God).

“I do not think you have the credentials to attack Islam the way that you do. There are a lot of misrepresentations about the conduct of Muslims in the era of our (not my) Prophet. You have to view everything in the context of the time that it all took place. Finally, before you attack me as a fanatic or fundamentalist, I am the very opposite. I do not have a beard. I watch movies and I listen to songs. But I know where to draw the line. I do not think you do. I feel sorry for that fact.” - Gulam, UK

Irshad replies: You call my work an “attack” on Islam. This alone shows you haven’t bothered to read my book. If you had, you’d know that a cornerstone of my vision for reforming Islam is the revival of a tradition endemic to Islam itself - namely, ijtihad. Is it an “attack on Islam” to plead that we Muslims re-discover our tradition of independent thought?

Your letters - posted January 1, 2007 (Part 2)

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

“Wonderful. Inspirational. So encouraging to see something with the potential for real, widespread, positive impact on a global scale. As a teacher in the beautiful secular Muslim country of Turkey, I can see some of the issues you are tackling and I believe that they will affect the future of our world. This, oh Believers, is the kind of Islam that the rest of the world wants to understand and appreciate and welcome. Are you listening?” - M

“I am waiting for my copy of your book to be delivered to Australia, but would like to congratulate you on your courage and effort. The issues you are raising are the most important issues facing Muslims in our time, and the need for rational, coherent debate is imperative. I am certain I will be challenged by many of your ideas, and may not agree with with them on reflection, but I still admire your effort and wish you well. Wassallam.” - Arif

“Muslims need to return to their state of former greatness, something not at all impossible. The great American empire is on its way down (thank God) due to a certain W. The only true force to reckon with will be Islam, political Islam and militant Islam. Your [criticism of] the Taliban regime is sickening. Were they occupying a foreign land? Were they not born and bred in that country? No matter what they wrought, they brought that country stability, something the Afghans could only have dreamed of with the drunken Northern Alliance in charge. May God help that country.” - anonymous

Irshad replies: You think the Taliban was “born and bred” in Afghanistan? Let me set the record straight: The vast majority of Taliban “leadership” came from Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. They were (and are) as much an occupying force as you seem to believe the Americans are. One big difference: Americans don’t chop off the hands of women who show a little skin. They don’t jail men for wearing jeans. They don’t ban kites in deference to a joyless God.

Ah, but the Taliban brought Afghanistan a measure of stability… Hey, so did the Nazis in Germany. They, too, got the trains running on time. They, too, tortured, maimed, murdered and pulverized for the sake of social order. If that’s your barometer of decent government, then God doesn’t need to help Afghanistan. God needs to help you.

“I only have a few life themes that stand the test of time with me. My first is that ‘dogma is always the enemy.’ Thank you for challenging the Muslim community to examine its dogma. The second is that ‘critical self-reflection for a person a community is always difficult but always fruitful if undertaken.’ Than you for challenging Muslims to engage in some very long overdue self-reflection. Let’s hope the community is up to the challenge!” - Daniel

“If reform must come from within Islam, what can non-Muslims do to help that process?” - Hartley

Irshad replies: Ask tough questions of those who overly romanticize Islam. Don’t censor yourselves for fear of being called racists. In this part of the world, it is right and it is a right to ask questions of ourselves and each other. When Muslims are challenged to own up to our role in what ails Islam, two things will happen:

1. We’ll have to think further; and

2. We’re realize that we’re capable of doing so.

“You’ve said that liberals need to start questioning their alliances. Your thoughts on Michael Moore?” - Tony

Irshad replies: I appreciate dissidents of all types, Moore included. However, I caution against viewing him as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Moore is a polemicist. He marshals and/or manipulates facts to suit his arguments. He’s not the only one who does - indeed, my detractors would say the same of me. But, unlike Moore, I’m more interested in asking questions than providing answers. That’s certainly not to diminish the worth of his role as a polemicist. Lord knows, the world needs more people like him and America needs him even more than the world does. My simple point is, Moore’s credo of ‘my fundamentalism-is-better-than-your-fundamentalism’ misses a crucial point: that fundamentalism itself a huge part of the problem.

“As a Muslim, I truly admire what you are trying to do and hope that your book and initiative achieve [it]. I am 100% with you.” - Askari

IRSHAD’S NOTE TO READERS: As part of his letter to me, Askari included something he wrote to the president of the so-called Islamic Supreme Council of Canada. What Askari wrote is this: “As a young Muslim of the 21st century, I say enough procrastination and would like to find out the exact causes, reasons and processes that have led us, as a people, to be increasingly less tolerant and clueless about modern values. Why our scholars do not know the difference between having a belief and imposing it on others is one of many unanswered questions.”

Right on. Keep putting the “Ask” in “Askari”!

“yo, irshad manji. i dont really like you and I am really disappointed in your stupid remarks on islam. please do me a favour and stop calling yourself a muslim. I probably know more about Islam than u. its probably a conspiracy against islam. worms like u were just waiting for opportunities like september 11. what happened that day saddened me and i want to blow bin ladens head off for what that jackass did [but] why don’t u find some other thing to do instead of saying bullshit about islam. someone probably paid u to say all this. yaa, because u r too stupid and dumb to be muslim and u look like it too.” - syed

Irshad replies: Yo yo. If you want me to do you a favour and stop calling myself a Muslim, then learn the art of public relations. You’ll never get anyone to do you a favour by calling them “worms.” It just don’t work that way, bro. You’re right about one thing, tho: Someone did pay me to say all this. It’s called a publisher. Welcome to the world of the writer.

“I know you are loving the negative response from angry Muslims as you drag our beliefs through the mud. This is your way of banking on the anti-Islamic propaganda that the Jews and Americans are producing.” - Yusuf

Irshad replies: Thank you for a truly conspiracy-minded email. You’ve proven why my book is necessary.

Yusuf replies: “It is true that I do believe many conspiracies go on around the world. The fact that any thought of a conspiracy is looked at as being insane by “normal” people is just an example of how people are brainwashed.”

Irshad replies: And those who blame “the Jews” for the world’s ills aren’t brainwashed? Think about this: By pointing fingers at everybody else – and thereby shrugging off the need for our own growth – we Muslims are conspiring against ourselves.

“Just so that you have a balanced idea of the Israel-Arab situation, “Semite” is a general reference to people of Aramaic languages. Arabs are Semites as are Jews.” - Naim

Irshad replies: I’m well aware that Arabs are Semites. But too many Muslims use this as rhetorical or semantic cover in order to avoid addressing the point that we have a tendency to bait and bash Jews. That’s why, in place of “anti-Semitism,” I prefer the phrase “Jew-bashing,” as harsh as it sounds. Then again, the very act of Jew-bashing is harsh, so why not let the term reflect the act?

“Aren’t you among those so-called ISMAILIS! If you are, and I’m pretty sure you are, stop calling yourself a muslim. There is nothing about Islam that you seem to get. The idea that the Quran isn’t completely from Allah proves to me that you are sicker than I thought. One suggestion for you is to stop wasting your time on those crazy women who write to you [in support]. Don’t push it or you will end up like your crazy friend, Rushdie.” - anonymous

Irshad replies: As it turns out, I’m not an Ismaili. Now how do you justify your diatribe?

“I have a quick question. I saw you interviewed on TV and want to find out what you mean by saying that Ismaili Muslims are are “absurdly peripheral” in the world of Islam.” - Yasmin

Irshad replies: I mean it as a compliment - that Ismaili Muslims deserve to have more theological influence in the Islamic world than they currently do. Such an educated, philanthropic, and generally liberal-minded denomination of Muslims has much to teach the rest of the Islamic universe. But the mainstream has a problem with Ismailis. Indeed, the second most common “accusation” that Muslims level against me is that I MUST be an Ismaili and therefore I can’t have any credibility as a Muslim. Although I’m not Ismaili, I don’t see membership in this denomination to be a shameful thing.

By the way, the most common accusation is that I’m in the pay of Jews. And since Ismailis have often been called the Jews of the Muslim world, I’m not surprised to be on the receiving end of both these arguments.

“I went to a store to buy books for my five-year-old and came across The Trouble with Islam. I sat down with a latte and finished it back-to-back. Just couldn’t keep it down. I bought it and am planning to re-read it fully. I agreed with everything you said about women’s rights and all, but not the Palestinian struggle. Not entirely. Irshad, in my opinion, a lot of your sympathies lie with Israel. You say that Israelis are regarded as citizens of Israel. I beg to differ. To me, their villages and towns are merely Bantustans within Israel. It’s like having some Kurds and Shias in the Iraqi parliament – just a token. You also say that from the from the ten richest men in the world, none is Jewish. That is not true. I counted at least five on Forbes that are mentioned as donors to the state of Israel.

“I want the state of Israel to survive, but please don’t tell me that the Palestinian struggle is not a just one. I don’t agree with their methods but sometimes do feel that they don’t have a choice. Hamas (yes, created by the Israelis, check it out) uses Palestinians who have grievances against Israel (family members killed). These acts are by individuals, always condemned by the PA. There is nothing Arafat can do. His hands are tied.” - Alnoor

Irshad replies: I accept the possibility that I’ve let Israel off the hook too easily. I’ve received a number of criticisms to that effect and I’ll be checking the veracity of the many counter-arguments that have been sent to me. I’m no apologist for Israel – nor do I seek to be. So, perhaps there’s a sequel here…

By the same token, I ask you to take a closer look at the culture of incitement developed by Arafat in the last 30 years. I don’t buy into the notion that Arafat has no control over terrorists. Hamas and Islamic Jihad certainly are his rivals, but the PA also terrorizes – and they often terrorize their own. Let me tell you a story. When I was in Gaza over the summer, I interviewed (among others) a Palestinian human rights advocate who spends a good deal of time exposing the PA’s human rights abuses against ordinary Arabs. I asked him: How do you respond to those who say that your criticism are easily exploited by Israel? He replied: Stop the abuses and Israel will have nothing to exploit. Alnoor, I think he’s got it right, because he places the onus of change on those who would seek to excuse human rights violations rather than expose them. I get the sense that you and I would not disagree on this point… Oh, I should add that this human rights advocate has been beaten, kidnapped and jailed by Arafat’s own men.

Change needs to take place on every side. My hope in writing this book is to restore balance to what I consider a very lop-sided view that too many Muslims have of what’s happening in the world of Islam. That includes adding some balance to our (meaning Muslims’) conventional perception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I embrace your challenge to look at Israel with a more critical, discerning eye. I hope you accept my challenge to do the same vis-à-vis Arafat.

UPDATE FOR READERS: In his message to me, Alnoor also wrote about his take on Islam and women. Here it is:
“Let me begin my stating where I was a few months ago, and how I view things quite differently now. To me, there was nothing that the fundamentalists did that was wrong. Later, I was appalled by the treatment that the Taliban and other ‘Muslims’ still mete out for women. I have had great respect for women in my life, the sacrifices, and the day-to-day struggle. All my altruistic views about the political Islamic world came to an end as soon as I saw with my own eyes what the fundamentalist jerks in Toronto do to their wives. I intervened when a Muslim man was abusing his wife, only to be told off by his hijab-wearing wife. That was the turning point. I then, with an open mind, began to read into it further. I also spoke to other Muslim men in the Toronto area, and found out that women were inferior as far as they were concerned through the Koran…”

Hmmm… Alnoor’s eyes were opened to the abuse of women’s dignity by Muslims in the West. I thank him for his willingness to evolve. Is it possible that Alnoor’s views on Hamas, Arafat and Israel will also evolve?

“Just finished your book. Wow… I knew it would happen one day… The day someone would hold up a HUGE MIRROR in Islam’s face. It hurts doesn’t it? Shameful… So sad how we claim to be a religion of peace yet we there are so many injustices, especially toward our beautiful women. I shudder to think we will answer to God for all these abuses in His Holy Name. Thank you for finally holding up that needed mirror. Allah’s blessings always on you, my dear!” - Aziz (a very sad 56-year-old man)

“As a queer, Arab and Muslim, I have always felt mired in the contradictions, illogic and inconsistency of Islam. It seems I’ve been going against the current all my life. A torrent of native apologists on one side and sanguine fundamentalists on the other. I have waited too long for an intellectual who has the courage to point out the problems in the dogma of Islam. This is the right time for reformation. Maybe some of us can see ahead and light the way better than someone who is entrenched in tradition. Maybe we are the ones who are forced to look at the norm from the outside, whether in terms of gender, sexuality, or spirituality.” - Sahan

Irshad replies: I’m enough of an insider to know what’s going on in the world of Islam, yet enough of an outsider to feel comfortable exposing it. You and I have struck a healthy balance. And we’re not alone. Read the next letter:

“Being raised Muslim myself (Pakistani parents) and later turning out lesbian (grown up in Sweden), I think people like us have a unique understanding of the worlds around us. I support you and wish you the best in your efforts.” - Zayera

“Hello Miss Liberated Feminist Lesbian Irshad. I am an educated Muslim who is a moderate and yet I feel you have some fantasies for fame and greed. Here’s a good title for you to think about for your future books: “How I can fool the West into thinking that homosexuality is acceptable in Islam.” Here is another one: “How to sell yourself to the devil.” I will not buy your book! Unless you want to send it free to me. I could use it in my fireplace. P.S. My next door neighbours are Lesbians, and we respect each other immensely, so try another spin in your rebuttal.” - S.R.

Irshad replies: Greetings Mr. Liberated Neighbour! Thanks for your engaging email - and for the new book titles. I’ll certainly take them into consideration as I continue racking up my riches and fending off book publishers who want more, more, more from me and my un-Islamic morality. Thanks, also, for offering to burn my book if I send you a free copy. I’ve thought long and hard about whether to oblige and my decision is… (drum roll please)… Nah. You see, I’m just too greedy for profits to give you a freebie. There’s no point in denying my greed. Since I’m calling for honesty in this book, I’d better lead by example. Nonetheless, enjoy your hostility. Enjoy your neighbours too. I’m sure they’re very nice ladies. I only hope they realize how lovely you are.

“Sister Irshad: I’ll be frank. I agree with some of what you say, but there is also that which bothers me. Myself, I’m a Canadian of Caribbean decent who converted to Islam. Where I first disagree with you is in that “terrorists” somehow represent Islam. They are but a small wayward clan, exploited by the media for various political objectives. Stemming mostly from Wahhabism of Saudi Arabia, the most backward of Islamic regimes, they have carried attention to trivial details to the extent of becoming dogmatic and violent. Nevertheless, I think it is harmful to deepen the wound by a Muslim seemingly confirming the misconceptions that many have of Islam. The errors of those few should not be used to tarnish Islam, nor to acquit the West of its excesses. Capitalism is inherently unjust and impractical. A reformed Islam is the only plausible alternative.” - David

Irshad replies: Let’s set the record straight, David. I’m not saying that terrorists represent Islam. I’m saying that the stony silence of even “moderate” Muslims has saturated Islam today - and that this is the great tragedy, given our once-thriving tradition of independent thinking. We Muslims have not been sufficiently outspoken against this “wayward clan.” And that’s because their wayward dogmas have defined mainstream Islam for more than 600 years now. Attempts at a liberal reformation have been few and far between, to say nothing of short-lived. As such, the problem of rigidity precedes Wahhabism. In my book, I hardly acquit the West of its faults. Can I count on you not to acquit Muslims of our role in what ails Islam?

“You have been quoted as saying that if Islam does not reform itself, you will leave the Faith. Is that really your intention? If so, given the diversity within the Islamic world, where would you look to find measurable progress that would persuade you not to leave?” - Charles

Irshad replies: At the end of my book, I say that if I don’t see an appetite for reform among Muslims in the West, I have to consider leaving the organized faith - not because that’s a threat to anyone but because my own integrity won’t allow me to be complicit in a belief system that abuses basic human rights. The key to reform is to begin thinking critically. Which is why, for measurable progress, I look to my fellow Muslims in the West. It’s here that we already enjoy the precious freedoms to think, express, challenge and be challenged, all without fear of state reprisal. What in God’s name are we doing with those freedoms?

“Great book! It will definitely have a positive impact on the planet at large, and I feel most grateful for it. That said, I’m not clear on one thing: Are you agnostic to any extent or are you absolutely convinced of the existence of God, prophets and so on?” - Fouad

Irshad replies: I do believe in God. Very much. As for prophets, they’re human beings so while I can heed what they say, I can also question them. In other words, I don’t worship them. Now, why I believe in God is complicated. There are many reasons, not the least of which is that I think we human beings can do with a healthy dose of humility, and if that comes from believing in a spirit higher than us, so be it. That’s not the only way to have humility, of course, but it is one.

Some visitors to the website have suggested that belief in a higher being only absolves us of our earthly responsibilities. Often, that’s true. But not always. And, as I explain in the book, all kinds of people have used belief in God as a tool with which to advocate social justice.

But am I “absolutely convinced” in the existence of God and prophets? Well, I wouldn’t put it that way. Absolute conviction in anything leads to orthodoxy, and I try to be more intellectually adventurous than that.

“You have done a great job but we all need to go a step further. The time to justify religion, conservative or reformed, is long gone. Do we really believe that Jesus walked on water or turned water into wine? If he did, he would have been a sensation in the Roman world and Pontius Pilate would have welcomed him into his residence. And do we really believe that Muhammad went to heaven on horseback? How many people have dreams like that and nobody pays any attention?

On the one hand, we attend science classes, learn all about rationality, then go and believe in irrational things. We need to give up the whole concept of God and associate paraphernalia, rather than waste energy in futile efforts to “reform” religion. We should realize that we are all alone in this universe and there is nobody up there to look after us; there is certainly no evidence of Him. Only then can we sit down and decide what is best for humans as a whole, not as a patchwork of antiquated “religious groups.” - Mo

Irshad replies: Clearly, you’re not convinced that human beings should have any use for faith, which you call “irrationality.” But what about faith in science? Is it not possible that an unswerving belief in scientific supremacy is an orthodoxy unto itself?

Moreover, would scientific rationality have persuaded millions of African-Americans to pour into the streets and fight for their civil rights? I doubt it. Perhaps the counter-argument is that, without religion and its manipulation by racists, African-Americans wouldn’t have needed to fight for civil rights. I doubt that, too. With or without religion, won’t human beings always find a way to distinguish themselves from each other - what Sigmund Freud called “the narcissism of small differences”? In which case, isn’t your belief in the notion of “humans as a whole” a little, shall we say, irrational?

“I applaud you on bringing this overdue debate into the mainstream.” - Aly

“Hello Western wannabe! Whoa, you talk so much. It seems like you have a lot of time in your hands. You are just so full of bullshit. To tell you the truth, maybe if your sense of humor was as big as your mouth, I would have been interested in reading your book. Next time you are staring at that camera and spitting out all those lies, please take a moment to reflect upon how comical it is for the viewers to watch you.” - Bhai

Irshad replies: Bhai buddy, first you say I need a bigger sense of humour. Then you say I’m comical. Please, choose your insult and stick with it. Me? I’d prefer to be accused of comedy. It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, so if I can help heal Islam with my jokes - or, as you suggest, by being a joke - I’m happy to oblige. But I do resent your calling me a “Western wannabe.” Fact is, I AM a Westerner - and I there’s no shame in that. I’m also a Muslim. The two need not be mutually exclusive. Why, bhai, do you insist on dividing humanity?

“Over the past several years, I’ve begun to wonder why Islam is a religion of hate. But you’re showing us it isn’t. Your critics, however, seem intent on reminding us of the multitude who continue to believe and act as though it is. Interesting that none of them seem to back up their vitriolic claims with anything but innuendo, thus discrediting themselves and, unfortunately Islam, even more.” - Bruce

“What comes across to me from Islamic sources is hatred and distrust of Westerners. Granted the moral decay in Western society, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activities, and leniency on the part of government perhaps give cause to Islamic contempt of the West. However, as you so eloquently point out, Muslim clerics must commit themselves to a dialogue with the West, and replace their frequent hatred with love and charity. Perhaps their own house should be put in order with a recognition of women.” - Mike

Irshad replies: Forget the clerics, Mike. The point is to empower ordinary people, particularly women, who need to know of their God-given right to think for themselves. You’ll be glad to see that on this website, the voices of Muslim women won’t be stifled. Check out the next letter…

“Irshad, I have studied Islam from the Quran, hadiths, Tabari and Ishaq. I totally agree with your sentiments. Islam is anti-women and anti-Jew. Unfortunately, most Muslims only know what they have been told by their elders, which is limited and sanitized. When read the hadiths and history, I was shocked beyond belief. How can we say that Islam respects women when man is allowed four wives and unlimited sex with slaves and captured women, and can change wives at will by declaring ‘I divorce you’ three times, whereas women do not have the same privileges? Why do Muslims think that anyone who questions Islam is paid by the Jews or Hindus?” - Nazia (a born Muslim, not a Jew or a Hindu)

Irshad replies: By asking such basic questions, you’re giving hope to more than just me, as the next letter shows…

“I did not think there was another Muslim who thought along these lines, Irshad. I, too, am a non-conformist who believes very much in human rights and lack of dogma. I just cannot see Allah as being with an accountant who keeps track of how many times a day we say a memorized prayer and maps out which way we are facing. I believe, as your book details, that to Him and His Prophet, religion is about how we treat our fellow human beings. To me, prayer is about thanks, not about endless traditions. I wish you every success.” - Karim

“Dear Ms. Manji, after reading your new book, of which I’m by turns supportive and critical, I’m left with some problematic questions:

1) Why do you not mention in the book from which branch/sect of Islam you hail?

2) Your write that your 2002 trip to Israel was taken at the invitation of a Zionist sponsor. Could you be more specific about who your sponsor was, your colleagues on the trip and what the interest for the sponsor was in funding such a venture?

3) Your book is ostensibly written as a wake-up call to Muslims. Do you not feel that your credibility within the Muslim community, and therefore the effectiveness of your plea, is weakened by the promotional support that the book has received from pro-Zionists (ie. Daniel Pipes), who also support the colonial war against Palestinian Muslims?” - Asif

Irshad replies: To your first question, I don’t indulge sectarianism. It violates the principle of belief in one God by promoting belief in the human beings who claim to best represent the religion, thus leading to sectarianism. People of all faiths like to play the game of dismissing each other based on what sect one hails from. I refuse to play that game.

As for your second question, it’s on the record that I went with the Canada-Israel Committee. They invited me and, as I take pains to explain in the book, I had to think long and hard about whether I would go. As I’m one of the few Muslims anywhere to speak out against Jew-bashing, they figured I’d be interested in seeing Israel for myself. That was the intent. They had no expectations of me and, indeed, I made sure that there would be no editorial control over what I wrote or said, both during and after the trip.

What’s interesting is that, upon returning from Israel and the West Bank, I contacted various Arab and Muslim organizations about sending me on a similar mission — so I could see things from an Arab/Muslim perspective. Not one of these organizations bothered to respond. Not one. Odd, since they’re only too happy send other journalists on “fact-finding” forays. And remember: I contacted them long BEFORE I was came to be regarded by Arab/Muslim lobbyists as a “racist” or “self-hating” or “Islamophobic” sell-out.

Notice that I didn’t put the above info in the book. That’s because I’m trying to take the high road here. If Muslims are going to complain that I’ve taken a trip through a Zionist organization - something I’ve never sought to hide - then it’s worth pointing out that Muslim organizations have nobody to blame but themselves for not reaching back when I reached out to them in an effort to explore “the other side.” So much for the silencing of Muslim perspectives.

Finally, onto your third question. No, I don’t feel that my credibility is undermined by the likes of Daniel Pipes. He goes out of his way to emphasize that only a thin minority of Muslims is fanatic, and that the moderate majority has the right and responsibility to challenge the fanatics. There’s nothing colonial about such a position; if anything, it expresses faith in the capacity of Muslims to be reasonable.

I find it telling that, while you start your letter by saying you’re “at turns supportive and critical,” you go on to say much about your criticism but nothing about what in the book you support. A deliberate silence?

“Dear Irshad! I’m sorry that I have to disappoint you, but you are no Refusenik. You are a real Muslima! Do you know the hadith in which it is said that we have to search for knowledge, even if we have to go to China”? - Katja

Irshad replies: You haven’t disappointed me at all! You’ve only misunderstood the term “Muslim Refusenik.” You see, I’m not saying that I refuse to be a Muslim. Rather, I refuse to join an army of automatons in the name of God. Which, in turn, means asking a lot of questions and, yes, seeking out knowledge as far away as China. (I’d even go to Japan.) Glad we’re having a heated agreement.

“All of the major holy books state, “Thou shalt not kill.” This is a clear articulation of purpose which requires no thinking. Yet at the same time, holy books contain allegory and poetry that cannot be interpreted so easily. Religious literalism simply states: “Forget the poetry and all of that ambiguous crap. I will follow - to the letter - what is clear and direct.” By doing so, the poetry of religion is destroyed. Not only does religion lose its vibrancy but, rather, literalism quickly turns into fundamentalism. What we need to realize is that Islamic literalism is not a long and proud tradition. It has a relatively short and reactionary history. What has happened to the proud tradition of Islamic mysticism?” - Max

Irshad replies: Beautiful words, Max. I take issue with you only one one point: Islamic literalism has a longer history than most people want to believe. We’re talking at least 600 years worth of history, ever since the “gates of ijtihad” (independent thinking) closed and 135 schools of Islamic thought were reduced to four in an effort to protect the Islamic empire from division. That’s not to say liberal reformations haven’t been tried since then. They have - and they’ve been short-lived. In the process, maverick denominations such as the Sufi mystics have been marginalized to an absurd degree. But their proud tradition ain’t dead, as this next guy shows:

“I embraced Islam over five years ago. Five years after my conversion, I no longer identify as a Muslim per se but instead identify as as an adherent of a moderately Islamic Sufi tradition. Islamic spirituality is incredibly rich and nourishing, but when it is translated into a moralistic, legalistic religion which emphasizes external conformity and blind following, it betrays its own highest aspirations. The trouble with Islam is, it seems to me, that it has yet to be fully embraced. Education needs to be a priority so that Muslims may once again struggle with God, just as the Jews who created the Reform and Reconstructionist traditions within Judaism struggled with their own religious heritage.

“As someone whose same-sex marriage was solemnized through civil marriage, I dare not even consider the possibility of worshipping at one of the local mosques. Fortunately, there is a Sufi congregation where both I and my partner are welcome and hospitably treated. It is the one public opportunity I have for maintaining my spiritual connection with the religion I converted to five years ago.” - Idris

“P.S. You have already been under assault from both mainstream and progressive Muslims - accused of being egotistical, quite unlike your detractors, of course, all of whom must be models of selfless altruism. <grin>.”

“I believe all religions should ask themselves the same questions that you’ve asked of Islam. Although Christianity and Judaism show more tolerance for inquiry, they do not show enough. A reformation need not only occur every 1500 years for any given faith. Each faith’s sacred texts were written by a man and should be available for editorial improvement. Every generation should seek to incorporate our improved understanding of the world (both in scientific and social terms) into the texts that so many people hold dear. Adding to these texts need not entail stripping them of their original meaning.” - Andrew

Irshad replies: Thanks for being an equal opportunity reformer, Andrew. However, I think that literalism runs deeper in Islam today than in the other religions. Both mainstream Muslims and ultra-orthodox Jews believe in one-time revelation. But ultra-Orthodox Jews also believe in continuous interpretation. By and large, Muslims don’t. In fact, most Muslims reject out-of-hand your suggestion that the Koran was written by a man. Compiled by men, yes. But authored by them? Hell, no. God wrote the Koran, and that’s that. Welcome to the key problem within contemporary Islam: literalism has gone mainstream. It wasn’t always so. It is now. And that leads to letters like this:

“Irshad, you ask: How do we know that the Quran is devoid of human editing? Well, God promises you HIMSELF that the HOLY QURAN would not be tampered with. What more assurance can there be for me (and for you) if it comes from your creator and if only one has faith? A person with faith in Allah and praying to Him, though not knowing much about Quran or Islamic philosophy, would go to paradise and will be better rewarded than a philosopher or scholar. Because not for once in life will this person question the existence of God. You have chosen a very long journey which I can tell you is going to tire you. You will not make it.” - Baz

“Dear Irshad, many people insist that that examination of the Koran must be done from the original; that there are inherent problems with using translations. How do you respond?” - Kevin

Irshad replies: It’s a common argument. But there are inherent problems with relying on Arabic versions of the Koran as well. Arabic is a richly symbolic language in which one word, pronounced with a slightly different inflection, can have the exact opposite meaning of what it started with - thereby leading to ambiguous and wholly imperfect interpretations. “Haram” can be pronounced in ways that mean either “forbidden” or “sacred”. Not exactly a subtle shift in meaning! The point is, Arabic versions of the Koran are suspect, too. Now add the possible mistranslation of the word for “virgins,” and Prophet Muhammad’s acceptance, then rejection, of some “satanic” verses, and the political motives behind compiling the Koran, and you see why I believe there’s both room and reason to question the Koran in Arabic.

Kevin, don’t get me wrong: I’m not looking for perfection. Quite the opposite. I welcome the Koran’s imperfections, contradictions, inconsistencies and ambiguities. I would welcome even more the day that a critical mass of my fellow Muslims acknowledges these realities. Maybe then we’ll be able to revive ijtihad, Islam’s lost tradition of independent thinking.

“Irshad, I have learned more about Islam from reading your book than I’ve managed to gather from thick stacks of just about anything else. I like your idea of Operation Ijtihad so much that I’m signing on and spreading the word. I never realized that the way I question established notions had a name until now, and so I’m adopting “ijtihad” as a term for what I’ve been doing all along. Thank you!” - Sabina

Irshad replies: Here’s a challenge for both of us, Sabina. Let’s spread the word enough to make “ijtihad” as common in Western vocabulary as “jihad” has become. Test #1: Can you say ijtihad three times fast?

“I’d say all religions have problems, and that’s why I’m an atheist. It’s an irony of the double-edged sword variety that the same belief systems which we learn upon as timeless social anchors are also the vehicle of unending sectarian conflict. And yet these two properties of religion are inherent and inseparable. One can deflect by saying that humanity will always find something to fight over, even without God, but the nature of religion is such that it offers to potent a channel for our fearful and fearsome imaginations. We need to honestly and forthrightly accept the burdens of our own existence, and not contrive some artificially imagined supernatural being as our frontman.” - sanman

Irshad replies: Easy there, sanman. You’re flirting with an orthodoxy of your own - the consuming belief that organized religion can only be a force for irresponsibility. But all kinds of people have shown that this need not be true. Gandhi, for example, fashioned his philosophy of non-violence resistance from Hinduism and Jainism. Jimmy Carter points out that Menachim Begin and Anwar Sadat sealed an Israeli-Egyptian peace deal largely because of their spiritual values. (True, religion had a role in inflaming the situation in the first place, but there are other - secular - factors at play.) Even Michael Moore, America’s snarkiest proponent of people power, pursues his vision of social justice thanks to Catholicism. Notice how all of these people (and the many I haven’t mentioned) use religion to accept, not escape, the burdens of our own existence. Indeed, religion has taught me how to distinguish between authoritarianism and authority - an important skill in our age of spin. I respect your atheism, sanman. But it, too, is a religion - and one that some people exploit to absolve themselves of their own responsibilities to their fellow human beings. Glad you’re not among them. Glad I’m not, too.

“I have not read your book yet, but the human rights violations that you say happen in the name of Allah are not done because these people are following Islam. It is sad that they are projecting the worst impression of Islam to the world. It is also sad that the rest of Muslims do not speak out about it, and that the one who does is someone such as yourself, who seems to just look at the negative aspects Islam. How is that an example to the world?” - Nazia

Irshad replies: You’re right. To focus strictly on the negative aspects of Islam wouldn’t be much of an example to the world. The good news is, that’s not what I’m doing. My vision for reforming Islam is based on re-discovering a positive, pluralistic and progressive tradition within Islam itself - namely, ijtihad or independent reasoning. Now let me ask you something, Nazia: You criticize my book even though you haven’t bothered to read it. How is that an example to our fellow Muslims?

“It is a brilliant written book. Reading it reminded me of what George Bernard Shaw had said: “Islam is the best religion, but it has the worst followers.” Your anger toward our failure is justified.” - Khalid

“I quote this from an article about you: “Ms. Manji admits that if the faith cannot reform itself, she may have to leave” (The Globe and Mail, September 20, 2003.) Reading this shows me a high point about you; that after knowing so much about Islam, you are still giving it one last chance. I had no such option. I was born and raised a Muslim until age of 20. I studied Islam. I fought for Islam. I was injured for Islam. I was tortured by Islam. I left Islam. Your action is a display of your character as an intellectual warrior. Your beautiful mind is what humanity is all about. To seek, to question, to challenge, and to explore and grow! I pray that my two-year-old daughter one day grows up to be an Irshad Manji.” - Allen

Irshad replies: If you change your mind, Allen, here’s some advice to fathers, mothers and madressa teachers around the world, courtesy of another website visitor:

“You have to be a friend with the kids in order to understand them and help them find their identity as a true Muslim. They will only listen to you if you are nice. But if you push them, there will be so many other IRSHAD MANJIs.” - B

Irshad replies: And that’s a bad thing? (Still, I like your idea of treating kids nicely. If that’s all my book manages to change within Islam, I’ll take it.)

“I deeply regret what you are doing to our Muslim community, and it’s not too late to change yourself. I pray to Allah that He saves you from eternal Danger, and I pray that you will really ask yourself this question: If I’m a follower of Islam, is it my duty to change the rules just so that I can benefit in this world? Let me say that it’s not your duty to change the rules of God, it’s your duty to FOLLOW THEM! Let me say that you have no right in changing Islam, and please do not harm my beautiful religion. I will fight back, and so will the true Muslims. I have already informed mosques about the damage you have been doing, and we will protest and protest and protest until you finally see and realize how powerful we Muslims are.” - Ahsan, Markham, Canada

Irshad replies: Frankly, I have yet to see how “powerful” you and your mosques are, Ahsan. I’ve received death threats, alright, but where are the protests you’ve promised? Hell, so-called leaders of the Muslim community don’t have the guts to debate me on-camera, let alone draw more attention to the book by protesting it. Still, I do thank God that you live in a part of the world that bestows the freedom to protest. Can you say the same for most of the Muslim world today? Finally, I’m not “harming” your “beautiful religion.” Feel free to keep your faith intact. I’m merely arguing that all Muslims — indeed, all human beings — are entitled to think for themselves. And that might be what saves the faith of many Muslims, as this next writer tell us:

“As a liberal person and a son of a moderate Muslim family, I’ve found comfort in you wrote. Fundamentalism and traditional Islam have discarded our civilization. Religion in its recent, dogmatic form leaves no room for progress and free thought. Your brave voice, inshallah [God willing], will help many of those young people (including me), who have lost much of their faith, to restore it. I praise your wise rhetoric and hope that more will come.” - Mohannad, Beirut

Irshad replies: You can count on me. And if you’re serious about advocating freedom of thought in Islam, check out the next letter:

“I am from Egypt and I have noticed that most Muslims take from the Quran that which is useful for them. My favorite example is when it comes to the Palestinian and Jewish people. Most Muslims argue that the Jews are totally wrong for trying to take the land away from the Palestinians, but what is written in the Quran is that the land was promised to the Jews. They were told they had to fight in order to gain this land. They did not want to do this so they just let the land be, but later came back and took the land. In the Quran there is no time limit on when the Jews have the land, so it is theirs until the end of time. That means most Muslims are wrong on this count.” - Marwan

Irshad replies: Stand back, Marwan. I think I hear a flood of emails coming through…

“As an immigrant (I have been in Canada for over 15 years), I am sometimes frustrated by the way many Canadians, especially liberals such as myself, are afraid of criticizing some of the crimes perpetrated by those who pretend to be representatives of Islam. I am glad to see a woman who claims to be Muslim but who is not afraid to say it like it is. Islamic societies around the world are centuries behind other societies in terms of collective maturity and ability to build a modern economy. They need a champion such as yourself to help them wake up. You may not change a lot by yourself, but it is a start.” - Fred, Ottawa

Irshad replies: In fact, Fred, I’m not “by myself” at all. Around the world, rising numbers of Muslim dissidents are speaking up and out for modernization. Some of us are even being internationally recognized. Witness Shirin Ehabdi, the Iranian human rights activist and newest Nobel Peace Prize winner. Indeed, I’ve dedicated my book, in part, to “the many individual Muslims who have already taken chances.” So I don’t claim to be alone, and with the tide of support I’m hearing from both Muslims and non-Muslims, I sure don’t feel alone.

“I admire you for being a person of your beliefs. You certainly don’t give a fuck as to what others think of you. You are very much a person of your own mind. Good for you, Irshad.” - Michael

Irshad replies: Michael, my integrity lies not in being “a person of beliefs,” as such. After all, bin Laden is “a person of beliefs” and certainly doesn’t “give a fuck” about what others think of him. This isn’t the criteria by which I hope to judge myself. Rather, I must ask myself: Are my beliefs passionately moderate, humane, and open to evolution? I would hope so. And while it’s true that I ultimately don’t care what others think of me, I do care what my creator thinks of me. Which is why I, myself, need to stay open to self-criticism. It’s also why I post letters that challenge both me and my views. Do you remember Corinne from Ottawa? Weeks ago, she wrote the following:

“I must remind you that you are young, and you will no doubt go through many morphings before you reach my advanced age, and will modify many of your opinions as you gain more experience and a broader education. This happens to all of us who choose to retain as much of our youthful idealism as possible, while working to grow as individuals throughout our lives. And those of us with lower profiles are fortunate not to wreak much damage along the way. But you have deliberately chosen a high-profile existence, and are in a position to do a great deal of damage if you don’t do the hard work of learning to separate your personal biases and resentments from Islam.” - Corinne

Irshad replies: OK, Corinne, it’s time for some self-criticism on your part. Here’s what a couple of my readers say to you:

“I would encourage Corinne to hope that Irshad Manji is a representative of “true” Islam (and not characterize her position as flat-out attack on Islam), an Islam that promotes discourse and tolerance, diversity and spirituality. Otherwise, it may appear that the older and “wiser” Corinne bears nothing but resentment for the kind of Islam Irshad believes in.” - Gabriel

“Corinne has made a good point - Irshad’s views will probably mature with age and experience and in the face of new information. The point Corinne has missed, however, is that those shifts and changes are that of which maturity is made. They’re things to be proud of rather than fearful of. Irshad, your courage far out-stretches your age. It’s clear to the educated and open ear that questions are so much more meaningful to you than answers. Corinne reveals that she is more about marrying outcomes and answers than she is about the journey and evolution we share on this planet. She seems stuck and scared to think outside her current belief system.

“Moreover, she is naïve in the extreme to think that one can attain, much less “deliberately choose” a “high profile” alone. We are all in this together. One must be appealing and bring something special or missing from the conversation in order for the media and/or world community to display the attention that leads to having a high profile. The profile you have, Irshad, is one you deserve and handle with a grace that again exceeds your years. Continued success in your struggle to create a voice for the voiceless.” - Kim

“Religion - the koran, the bible and all other similar books - do more harm than good by their teachings. Oppression, fear and violence are often the result of closed-minded thinking which permeates our world today. I encourage you to go beyond the teachings of the Islam, Christianity and Judaism and explore the universe and its magnificence. That is where the answers and the truths lie. Whether there is a supreme being we do not know, but I feel confident in saying that if one exists, he, she, or it is not that which is described by any of the so-called holy books. - Chris, Regina

Irshad replies: Chris, you invite me to move beyond Islam to “explore the universe and its magnificence” because “that is where the answers and the truths lie.” Great. But exploring the universe need not be inconsistent with observing Islam. After all, the Koran explicitly states that God created the world’s breathtaking multiplicity, and it challenges us to consider all that exists between the skies and the seas. Better still, being a Muslim doesn’t have to mean believing in a fixed description of God. Take it from the next correspondent (a self-professed smart guy):

“Sister Irshad: As an American Muslim intellectual, whose expertise extends from the historical geography of the Muslim world to the a range of cultural-based analyses of changes and diversity of Islamic thought, I share your concerns. My own interpretation of Allah follows closely to the Taoist notion of an all-encompassing, unknowable, and unnamable force.” - Jamil

Irshad replies: Jamil, may the force be with you. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

“Just the fact that your book is causing such a huge turmoil is proof that what you are saying is absolutely correct. Find me a single instance where protection is needed for dissident voices in the Jewish or Christian communities; no such examples exist.” - Banagor

Irshad replies: I disagree that the turmoil caused by my book proves me right. A neo-Nazi tract should cause an uproar, yet that uproar wouldn’t legitimize neo-Nazism. Honesty is the better barometer of truth, and that’s what I’m trying to provide. In this spirit, I agree that Christians and Jews are far more tolerant of dissidents than Muslims today are. In Israel, a Jewish archeologist who denies Jewish claims to the Temple Mount lives and publishes freely. Even evangelical Christians have shown an intellectual maturity from which we Muslims can learn. Charles Templeton, one of North America’s most prominent Pentecostal preachers, dumped religion altogether toward the end of his life. In his book, Farewell to God, Templeton wrote that when he broke ranks with his community, they treated him with nothing but respect and kindness. Vitriol, even hate, dominates some corners of Christianity and Judaism, but let’s face it: There’s a lot less fear of debate in these religions than in contemporary Islam.

“You walk around with your bodyguards, living behind bullet-proof glass. Take all the measures you want to protect your perishable body. Who will protect your soul is my question. Remember, your irrelevant little novel, your proclaimed sexuality and all those dollar signs that made you sell out will not accompany you in your grave.” - Asad

Irshad replies: What made me “sell out” is that I never bought in. I’ve been fighting for Islamic reform since my childhood, when there were no cameras, no lights and no dollar signs to speak of. You can dismiss the need for Islamic reform by accusing me of a cash grab - or you can look at what’s happening in the real world of Muslims. Like the next guy does:

“I have deep ties with the Middle East and have also concluded that the way to defeat terrorism, and to improve the quality of life for one billion Muslims and the coming generations, is to have a reform in Islam. I became an activist seven years ago, when I left Iran after observing what a theocracy does to human dignity. Irshad, I love what you stand for. You want Muslims to think for themselves. It is time for Muslims to quit blaming everyone else for their shortcomings. I am a nobody. But this nobody is a solid supporter of yours.” - Saffar, Dayton, Ohio

“We should just kick your ass as far as hell and then see the flames eat your living flesh. You’re as bogus as hell so don’t come up with your stupid books about Islam.” - Mo

Irshad replies: Let me get this straight. I’m as bogus “as hell,” but my ass should be kicked “to hell” - which, by your account, is a “bogus” destination. Want to try again?

“Fuck you! Nipple eater!” - Rabia

Nipple eater replies: Now, that’s not a very pious thing to say, is it?

Rabia replies: “I wrote “fuck you” and “nipple eater” because I didn’t think you would be able to trace the emails!! (Ha ha??) I apologize for trying to be cute. The [Muslim] countries you talk about have a history of socio-economic problems. Islam is not the problem there. Muslims are the problem. Big difference.”

Irshad replies: Rabia, is there really a “big difference” between Islam and Muslims? What’s a religion if not the actions of those who practice it? Don’t take my word for it; take Prophet Muhammad’s. When asked to define religion, he reportedly replied that “religion is how we conduct ourselves toward others.” By that standard, what Muslims do is Islam. Are you disagreeing with your own Prophet? If so, fine. But be honest about it.

“Looking at a woman like yourself, I can see why this world must come to an end very soon. As a young lady, if you were truly connected to the meaning of Islam, you would not be proud to be gay and to poison our children’s mind with this nonsense. And why do you care what the Americans and Israelis think? The Americans are Jews!” - unsigned

Irshad replies: Well, there are about as many Jewish Americans as there are Muslim Americans. So to declare flat-out that “the Americans are Jews” - now, who’s poisoning our children’s minds with nonsense?
P.S. If Almighty God didn’t wish to create me, a lesbian, then why didn’t He use his unparalleled power to create someone else?

“Islam can only be liberated by Muslims of good will who are willing to expose those who hide behind messages of tolerance. The Al-Jazeeras and other such Middle Eastern media exacerbate the situation by fanning distrust and hatred of the “other.” You are to be commended for the courage that you have shown.” - Daood

“You have no right to tell us how to practice Islam because you do not practice it yourself. Where’s your hijab (which is obligatory, by the way)? Do you know that the Qur’an preaches hijab?” - Abbas

Irshad replies: Wow. I had no idea. Maybe I missed the hijab passage while I was trying to reconcile all the contradictions in the Koran. Sorry, Abbas, you’re just going to have to live with seeing my hair. Consider it a fair deal, since I’ll have to live with seeing yours too.

“I am a retired professor of psychology and I have strong interests in efforts to reform Christianity such as the Jesus Seminar. In the summer of 1988, I had the delightful experience of being accused of being Communist by a Christian fundamentalist and of being a right-wing reactionary by Marxists. Treasure such absurdities, as they will help you maintain your sense of humor.” - Kellogg

“Leila Ahmed, an Egyptian scholar, published an autobiography a few years ago, in which she said many things. The most interesting was that evolution in Islam would come from the Diaspora and not from Muslims in the Arab world. She also suggested that Muslim women will have the major impact.” - Alain

“Thank you for putting in the work that it took to create your book. Thank you for joining a long tradition of authors who have challenged the way people think. And thank you for demonstrating the power and beauty available to all from being free.” - Kevin

“‘Tell like it is’ only begins to express my feelings. You are a genius and a pretty gutsy chick. You go girl! I have asked questions for years and years about women in Islam and the Qur’an, but have always received that “Oh-Salimah-one-day-you-will-understand” attitude. Thank you for enlightening me. Thank you for your truths, your time in researching all this history, and for your love of humanity. May God bless and protect you from all evil and harm by mankind.” - Salimah xo

“Do you think that just because you have a mind, you should use it? Desist and apologize for your blaspheming ways while you still have a chance. People like you should not exist. It is no wonder there is a hell. Enjoy your short stay in this world, for God only knows what is coming for you, Irshad Manji.” - Basit

“Irshad, I envy you. Among Muslims you are a rarity. Millions think like you but are afraid to go public with their views for fear of persecution. Keep up the good work.” - Love, Ayesha

“I am a 14-year-old student from Toronto. As soon as I read the title of your book, I was infuriated by the thought of how someone can possibly think there is something wrong with Islam. Even with such little knowledge about Islam, I have fallen in love with every part of it, and it scares me to learn about people with views like yours.” - Waufa

Irshad replies: So you’re “infuriated” by the title of my book. Well, go ahead and waste your time being angry with the title if you must. But I have a very simple question for you: Are you at all infuriated by the human rights abuses against women and religious minorities in the name of Allah? If so, then what are you, as a good Muslim, doing about these abuses? And if you’re not infuriated by them, then where’s the conscience that Almighty God gave you?

Waufa replies: “Well, you are absolutely right. I am not doing anything to stop abuses against religious minorities. But if you look at it, I am not calling the troubles with religious minorities, “the trouble with Islam”. I would call that the trouble with the interpreters of Islam. Also, I know that judging a book by its cover (title) is not a good thing to do. But there are people like me who do this. What kind of impression does it leave on Non-Believers when they see a Muslim claiming that there is a problem with the religion he/she follows?”

Irshad replies: My guess is, it leaves a hopeful impression that Islam - as manifested by the behaviour of Muslims - is capable of reform. By contrast, how does it look to “Non-Believers” (such an ugly term) when they don’t see us address these problems squarely? I’ll tell you how it looks by posting the following message from a “Non-Believer”:

“From an outside point of view, Islam looks to be full of blind, rabid rage. All the finger-pointing at the Jews, the Christians, the West, and seemingly everyone else is simply an attempt to avoid looking at the real problems. There is no way that anyone else can truly be responsible for all that hatred - this kind of hate can only come from within. If you want to convert the world to Islam, please do it through dialogue and respect; otherwise the world will be forced to defend itself from Islam. Not because it does not respect Islam, but because Islam does not respect it. You cannot force someone to love Allah, but you can demonstrate your love by how it manifests in your own life.” - Joe

Irshad replies: Joe, my bro, amen.

“Your call for introspection to address our “intellectual backwardness” resonates with many young Muslims such as myself. Indeed, we need to re-discover progressive traditions from our past that fostered a degree of pluralism and reason. However, if this introspection is to gain fruit, then the West must also engage in an exercise of self-examination to address their imperialist and militaristic attitudes toward much of the developing world. You ask why Muslims hate Jews, but fail to ask why, after 50 years of the world’s most brutal occupation and apartheid regime, Jews seem to hate Muslims.” - Asim

Irshad replies: Hold up. The “world’s most brutal occupation and apartheid regime”? Your hyperbole undermines your credibility. I ask you to consider the occupation of Afghanistan by the Taliban, where women’s hands got chopped off if a patch of their skin flashed while they paid for meat over a butcher’s counter. By contrast, Israel - with all its imperfections (of which there are many) - is a multi-ethnic country in which Muslims can pray openly, in which Arab citizens enjoy the vote, and in which expressly anti-Semitic political parties can run for election to the Knesset. Tell me, where else in the Middle East can a thousand Jews pray publicly on the Sabbath and Zionist parties contest parliamentary seats? Or is that a trick question since nowhere else in the Middle East do you have meaningful elections? Asim, I accept your point about the need for shared self-examination. But as I show in my book, mainstream Israel bathes in self-examination, as it should. It’s time for mainstream Islam to catch up.

There are many good things in your book. You ask some very valid and relevant questions, and although I disagree with you on certain points, you have given me food for thought. I thank you. However, the timing of your book leaves a lot to be desired and reeks of opportunism and commercialism. Your personal baggage also smacks one in the face and detracts from the integrity of the ideas presented.
- Farahdiba

Irshad replies: Glad to address both points. With respect to the timing of this book, I’ve been writing about Islam for years. The fact that you don’t know this attests to the reality that people pay attention only when they have to. Like it or not, 9/11 made both Muslims and non-Muslims pay attention. I won’t apologize for publishing a book at a time when much of the world actually cares about this issue. Isn’t caring half the battle?

As for my “personal baggage,” you’re probably right to call it that. I thought long and hard about how much to say about my history, lest that history be exploited to discredit the larger points of the book. But since I’m calling for honesty among Muslims, I have to lead by example, which explains why I came clean about so much in my life.

That said, I challenge you to conduct a thought experiment: With or without my personal baggage, would there be slavery in Mauritania and Mali? Would honour killings be happening in Turkey and Jordan? Would Jews and Christians in Yemen be shot at? Would Shias, Sufis and Ahmadis be serially killed in Pakistan? Would women in Malaysia have to ask the permission of a man to travel outside the country? In other words, my personal baggage doesn’t negate what’s happening on the ground in the world of Islam. Using me as an excuse to downplay these human rights transgressions is a transparent tactic in diversion. It might even be, to use your word, opportunism.

“How dare you! How dare you challenge the centuries-old teachings of Islam. If you do that, you might force us to re-examine our beliefs, and we can’t have that can we? I don’t always agree with you. Hell, I hardly ever agree with you. However, I think you’ve really gotten to the core of where Islam has gone astray, and why.” - M.

“Until the late nineties, I naively believed that hate/intolerance was just a fringe cult. With the abrupt transformation of the Oslo peace process into the intifada, followed by 9/11, I have been feeling dazed and confused. Your book has given me hope for the future. I have never been so moved by an author.” - Sheldon

“You shouldn’t utter a word about Islam because you have little understanding of the most beautiful, most absolute religion. How can you say we are anti-Semitic when it’s the Jews that control much of the world and turn a blind eye to the Muslims who are suffering? Take a trip to Palestine, and you’ll soon understand.” - unsigned.

Irshad replies: Read my book, and you’ll soon understand that I have visited Palestine. Probe your conscience, and you’ll soon understand how anti-Semitic it is to say “it’s the Jews that control much of the world”. After all, of the ten richest people in America, not one is a Jew. As for Jews turning “a blind eye” to Muslims who are suffering, well, I know of a group called Rabbis for Human Rights. It operates openly in both Israel and the Territories. Where, oh where, are the Mullahs for Human Rights - a huge omission in this “most beautiful” of religions.

“We Muslim Moderates will support you NO MATTER what, and even if some are scared, some (like me) will no longer be SILENT!

What we need first is to connect like-minded Muslims and non-Muslims like ourselves, not just here but around the world, because I know a brouhahah (to put it mildly) is coming. The UK, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa (I was born in Cape Town) have many Muslims who think like you. When push comes to shove, you must be defended by Muslims around the world. What happened to Rushdie cannot happen again.

Believe it or not, it will be Muslims who make liberalism sexy again and will teach the West how precious freedom of speech and expression is for a healthy and functioning society. Ask the Iranian youth how they feel about that. Muslim Moderate support must be built, and you are the spark to that powder keg.” - Zahur, Burlington (Ontario)

A total Kafir [infidel]! You are propagating sheer lies and because of journalists like yourself, the world is in a mess! When Islam is considered without its distortions, it will be seen as the only way out for the world. I suppose the zionists are filling up your pockets. - Shaheen, Edmonton

Irshad replies: Regarding your accusation that I’m a “total Kafir,” how do you back this up? What “lies” am I telling? Above all, why do you assume that “the Zionists” are “filling up” my pockets? Isn’t that irrational conspiracy-mongering - the very thing that Muslims need to move beyond if we’re ever going to grow up and take responsibility for ourselves? I welcome your responses.

Note to reader: At the time of posting this content, Shaheen had two weeks to respond. He/she still hasn’t. I’ve sent Shaheen a reminder that I’m waiting. Rest assured that I’ll let you know if I hear back from Shaheen.

“Ex-sister Irshad: Are you a homosexual? And if the answer is Yes, what is your partner’s religion? Jew?” - unsigned

Irshad replies: I met my partner, Michelle, at an Anglican church, where I attended services one summer as part of my research for a new TV show I was producing. Prompted by your question, I’ve asked Michelle to level with me about her religion. I demanded the truth. She replied, “Just call me Shlomo.” I’m still coping with her answer.

“Dearest Irshad,

What has happened to us? Why have so many Muslims turned inward, isolating themselves from the so-called “evil West” and using all of their energy and potential to destroy so much of what our oft-forgiving, merciful and kind God has given to us, all of us? Yeah, injustices have been done, country against country, no doubt about that. But are we just going to hold onto that resentment and hate for the rest of our lives, at the expense of trying to create a comfortable existence for future generations? Does it really help anyone when yet another suicide bomber dies and their family is left behind…? Why is so much energy spent on creating havoc and death instead of a better life? What are us moderate Muslims not taking a stronger, defiant stand against all this madness, in the name of “Islam”??

“Irshad, God will protect you and see that your message is heard by the ones who need to hear it (pretty much all Muslims). You have more than earned his protection and blessings.” - Saira, Toronto

“I, like so many other Muslims, will not read your book. We will not make you and your Israeli partner wealthy. Your family must be so proud.” - Husein

Irshad replies:
I welcome the right that you enjoy in a free and democratic society to not buy my book. And, yes, my mother is very proud to have raised a child who cares deeply about the state of humanity. But tell me: Who is my “Israeli partner”? I’m not aware that I have one.

Husein replies:
“According to the Globe and Mail article, your book “may also appear in Hebrew and Arabic, courtesy of an Israeli publisher” - thus my comment about partner.”

Irshad replies: The Globe and Mail also mentioned that I’m being published in Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and the U.S. So why didn’t you denounce my “partnership” with these countries? Why focus entirely on Israel? This is a great example of the duplicity that Muslims must own up to. Thanks for proving my point that we need to engage in introspection and self-criticism.

“Irshad, you are an extremist but in the opposite direction to the well-known Mullahs. You are selling yourself to the Western World and you will never know what the true teachings of Islam are. All that you say is just bullshit. Could you do something better than this to show others what Islam actually is?” - Alia

Irshad replies: You’re right, Alia. I could be doing something else - a documentary, for example, which I hope to begin shooting shortly. I’m grateful for your encouragement!

P.S. Do you know “all that I say”? Have you read my book yet?

“My name is Hussein and I am one of the victims of the Islamic fundamentalists, and I fled Afghanistan, where I was born… I believed and still believe the Muslim’s so-called “holy” book needs a new and good interpretation. Muslims have to change their anti-Semitic and anti-female and other bad habits. Irshad, I salute you. I regard that you did such a good job. I am very happy.”

“I am saddened every time I hear of someone who has had the opportunity to learn about Islam and decides to slander the religion. As a convert (or a revert) I have found that the beauty of Islam lies in its simplicity. The fact, and it is a fact, that the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form in Arabic is an amazing thing. Imagine words not corrupted by the political and cultural whims of leaders over the years… In fact, the scientific process of authenticity that Islam demands to ensure the integrity of its texts is unparalleled in this time, or indeed any time. When true scholars have dedicated large portions of their lives documenting the true meaning of Islam, it is obvious that authors writing contemporary interest pieces and fiction should be humbled and find other ways of acquiring their wealth.” - Craig

Irshad replies:
Part of what ails Islam is the belief that the Koran, as the supposedly uncreated word of God, cannot be questioned. There are ample reasons to believe the opposite, and I touch upon those reasons in the book. I welcome your criticism of my analysis, assuming you have the courage to read it. But let’s cut to the chase, Craig. I invite you to enlighten me. How do we know that the Koran is devoid of human editing?

Note to reader: My exchange with Craig took place on September 11. I have yet to hear back from him, and will let you know when I do.

“I am quite happy to see a woman of our times expressing her God-given right to proclaim her inner feelings about Islam and its teachings. In fact, that right is bestowed upon every human being on this planet, which should be expressed without fear of state punishment or fatwa. However, I also believe that good and evil are choices made by us, and that for every action there is ultimately a reaction… People like you who insult and falsify Islam simply make my faith in Islam much stronger. And for that, I thank you.” - Yasir

Irshad replies: Glad to be of service! In turn, I thank you for defending my right to speak. I’m only sorry that it sounds like you won’t read the book. When your faith faces no challenge, how do you know it’s strong rather than complacent?

“I’m truly moved by your courage, your willingness to ask questions and your open heart. As well, I’ve seen you on TV more than once speaking your mind regarding Islam and you always possess a quiet dignity and base of knowledge that is truly refreshing. It’s my sincerest hope that many will read your book and that it will become required reading in universities, colleges and even high schools. Good luck and stay safe.” - Elise

“I read an article in Newsweek many years ago that Islam would be modernized by young American Muslims. And, in you, I see this prediction coming true.” - Michael, Toronto

“I fully agree with you that introspection is urgent for the Muslim Community living in western democracies. We know that some of the madressas and imams are still preaching ‘it is sinful to befriend Christian and Jew’ even now, in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy.” - Dewan, Etobicoke

“Even though you call yourself a Muslim, you work so hard to show yourself as a pro-Zionism parasite just to keep the rich and influential Zionists in the western media happy. They are like Nazis, and only complete destruction of all Muslims will keep them happy. Irshad, you’re trying too hard to back stab your fellow brothers and sisters.” - unsigned

“You were so right when you said that Muslim Moderates should stand up…What makes me sick and tired is that religious Muslims call us ‘lesser Muslims’ because of our views. Bullshit. As you’ve said, only God knows the Truth. But we know that we are becoming our worst enemy.” - Zahur, Toronto

“As a journalist, you should dig deep into your conscience and intellect (if you have any). You will find the real culprits behind 9-11. Maybe then you’ll realize how much damage you’re doing to Islam and Muslims. You will sooner or later pay for your pack of lies.” - unsigned

“I applaud you for putting out the call for Muslim self-examination. The vulnerability that Muslims feel ought not to be used to shelter critique. However, it’s important to distinguish between anti-Zionist policies and anti-Jewish ones.” - Ameena, Toronto

“Writers, Ms. Manji, are supposed to have some respect for the truth - a truth you’ll never hear from the professional liars of the Jewish lobby!” - Peter, Calgary

“I don’t agree with some of your ideas but I can still give you credit for your quite logical and coherent thinking, and because you cherish pluralistic openness… It is heart-warming to read something witty and still balanced about sexuality and religion, exceptionally nice to read it from the other side of the Atlantic.  And, of course, I give you even more credit for your self-reflection.  Warm thanks from an old-fashioned Christian white male Finn.” - Jussi, Kuopio, Finland

“Ms. Manji, your voice of truth rings with sincerity.  It is beautiful.  I will do my utmost to have it resound throughout the world.” - Nancy, Melbourne, Australia

“These Western countries of whom you are a stooge, they have nothing but venom for Islam.  You have nothing but praise for them.  What kind of freedom do you have [in North America]?  Maybe you don’t know.  Look deeper and you will find the truth.  Even the hair on your head stands up in protest of your lies. You will never be forgiven, Irshad Manji.” - unsigned

“Brava! I only wish your co-religionists will listen to you.  Rather, I fear, they will try to shut you up. Good luck!” - Gretchen, Alexandria, Virginia

“As a Jewish youth, it was always understood (at least to me) that my religion welcomed interpretation, discussion, and openness to other societies.  I supposed I figured other religions were the same way. Maybe it comes down to the definition of Islam - ’sacrifice to G-d’ - and the definition of Israel - ’struggle with G-d’ - and those who follow those meanings literally.” - Michael, New York

“Wake up and search for testimonies by ex-Muslims who are now true Christians, Mrs. Manji. Use your common sense and explore the truth.” - Jack, Plano, Texas

“Irshad, if you can pardon the expression, you deserve a yashar koach.  It’s nice to know that some Muslims can seek peace with us, even if they are thousands of miles away from the holy land.  It truly is time for a fresh voice on the Arab side.  We need a fresh voice on ours too.” - Reuven, Jerusalem

“In this time of great difficulty for Muslims, I would not be surprised, even without your painful background, if you hoped to distance yourself, to seem less Muslim by criticizing the religion and culture.  Many Blacks have tried to pass for white, many gays have tried to pass for straight, and many Jews converted to Catholicism in an attempt to escape the holocaust. (Many Jews will remember their own people acting as enforcers for the Nazis, in order to save their own necks.) Perhaps now some Muslims may attempt to pass as pro-Zionist to escape anti-Arab sentiment. I must remind you that you are young, and you will no doubt go through many morphings before you reach my advanced age, and will modify many of your opinions as you gain more experience and a broader education.  This happens to all of us who choose to retain as much of our youthful idealism as possible, while working to grow as individuals throughout our lives.  And those of us with lower profiles are fortunate not to wreak much damage along the way.  But you have deliberately chosen a high-profile existence, and are in a position to do a great deal of damage if you don’t do the hard work of learning to separate your personal biases and resentments from Islam.” - Corinne, Ottawa, Canada

“Your views are very refreshing in the hate-filled atmosphere in which the Mid East conflict is submerged… During the first Intifada, hundreds of Palestinian Arabs were murdered by their own for voicing different opinions, such as yours. Not until there is freedom in the Palestinian camp for democratic and valiant stands will there be any chance of achieving a true peace between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs.” - Alexander, Lima, Peru

“Point-scoring in the quest for moral higher ground in organized religion is a futile exercise.  Atrocities have been committed in the name of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions.  But is anyone calling Christianity to task because George W - a ‘true believer’ - is perverting the teachings of Christ with every bomb he drops on starving Afghan villagers? Did anyone hold Judaism responsible for Baruch Goldstein’s murder of Muslim worshippers in Hebron?” - Hadani, Vancouver

“It has always struck me as tragic that many Christians have hated Jews, and many Muslims have hated both, since, as you point out, the later religions could not exist without the earlier ones. But the powerful sociology of The Other transcends the obvious.  Difference alone is perceived as a threat, in the cognitive error that one characteristic of a person determines the whole, as well as a person’s whole worth.  In this context, group control and manipulation are both goal and result, as the ghastly crimes committed in the false name of religion repeatedly show. If a solution to hate is to be found in introspection and trustful questioning, then I am glad that we people like you helping to think our way through a centuries-old problem.” - Paul, Ancaster, Ontario

“I am still disappointed that I have never read in any paper or seen on TV a Muslim leader condemn the Palestinian suicide bombers.  If it were Israeli or American soldiers conducting a war in that fashion, there would be such a hue and cry.  Can someone explain to me, as if I were 12 years old, why the world does not rise up in unison against these acts? Excuse my colloquialism but do the world’s intellectuals have shit for brains?” - Frank, Victoria, B.C.

“I am a Christian minister and I trust that your writing will, as you say, help people of all religions to ‘mature into citizens, defending the very pluralism of interpretations and values that makes it possible for us to be here in the first place.’” - Eugene, Denver, Colorado

“To all those who write: Just a word of warning about Ms. Manji! She is a Radical Leftist Anti-American Lesbian! I live here in the Great White North and have the displeasure many times of seeing this puke on TV, bashing Conservative policies.  You want to be very careful hitching yourself to this woman!” - Devon, Edmonton, Alberta

“Wow.  Irshad, you are a jewel.  I am Jewish, and have prayed to God for one reasonable Muslim voice so I can quell my anger.  You are the one, and I am crying.” - Judy, Toronto

Your letters - posted January 1, 2007 (Part 1)

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

“As a journalist, you should dig deep into your conscience and intellect (if you have any). You will find the real culprits behind 9-11. Maybe then you’ll realize how much damage you’re doing to Islam and Muslims. You will sooner or later pay for your pack of lies.” - unsigned

“I applaud you for putting out the call for Muslim self-examination. The vulnerability that Muslims feel ought not to be used to shelter critique. However, it’s important to distinguish between anti-Zionist policies and anti-Jewish ones.” - Ameena, Toronto

“Writers, Ms. Manji, are supposed to have some respect for the truth - a truth you’ll never hear from the professional liars of the Jewish lobby!” - Peter, Calgary

“I don’t agree with some of your ideas but I can still give you credit for your quite logical and coherent thinking, and because you cherish pluralistic openness… It is heart-warming to read something witty and still balanced about sexuality and religion, exceptionally nice to read it from the other side of the Atlantic.  And, of course, I give you even more credit for your self-reflection.  Warm thanks from an old-fashioned Christian white male Finn.” - Jussi, Kuopio, Finland

“Ms. Manji, your voice of truth rings with sincerity.  It is beautiful.  I will do my utmost to have it resound throughout the world.” - Nancy, Melbourne, Australia

“These Western countries of whom you are a stooge, they have nothing but venom for Islam.  You have nothing but praise for them.  What kind of freedom do you have [in North America]?  Maybe you don’t know.  Look deeper and you will find the truth.  Even the hair on your head stands up in protest of your lies. You will never be forgiven, Irshad Manji.” - unsigned

“Brava! I only wish your co-religionists will listen to you.  Rather, I fear, they will try to shut you up. Good luck!” - Gretchen, Alexandria, Virginia

“As a Jewish youth, it was always understood (at least to me) that my religion welcomed interpretation, discussion, and openness to other societies.  I supposed I figured other religions were the same way. Maybe it comes down to the definition of Islam - ’sacrifice to G-d’ - and the definition of Israel - ’struggle with G-d’ - and those who follow those meanings literally.” - Michael, New York

“Wake up and search for testimonies by ex-Muslims who are now true Christians, Mrs. Manji. Use your common sense and explore the truth.” - Jack, Plano, Texas

“Irshad, if you can pardon the expression, you deserve a yashar koach.  It’s nice to know that some Muslims can seek peace with us, even if they are thousands of miles away from the holy land.  It truly is time for a fresh voice on the Arab side.  We need a fresh voice on ours too.” - Reuven, Jerusalem

“In this time of great difficulty for Muslims, I would not be surprised, even without your painful background, if you hoped to distance yourself, to seem less Muslim by criticizing the religion and culture.  Many Blacks have tried to pass for white, many gays have tried to pass for straight, and many Jews converted to Catholicism in an attempt to escape the holocaust. (Many Jews will remember their own people acting as enforcers for the Nazis, in order to save their own necks.) Perhaps now some Muslims may attempt to pass as pro-Zionist to escape anti-Arab sentiment. I must remind you that you are young, and you will no doubt go through many morphings before you reach my advanced age, and will modify many of your opinions as you gain more experience and a broader education.  This happens to all of us who choose to retain as much of our youthful idealism as possible, while working to grow as individuals throughout our lives.  And those of us with lower profiles are fortunate not to wreak much damage along the way.  But you have deliberately chosen a high-profile existence, and are in a position to do a great deal of damage if you don’t do the hard work of learning to separate your personal biases and resentments from Islam.” - Corinne, Ottawa, Canada

“Your views are very refreshing in the hate-filled atmosphere in which the Mid East conflict is submerged… During the first Intifada, hundreds of Palestinian Arabs were murdered by their own for voicing different opinions, such as yours. Not until there is freedom in the Palestinian camp for democratic and valiant stands will there be any chance of achieving a true peace between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs.” - Alexander, Lima, Peru

“Point-scoring in the quest for moral higher ground in organized religion is a futile exercise.  Atrocities have been committed in the name of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions.  But is anyone calling Christianity to task because George W - a ‘true believer’ - is perverting the teachings of Christ with every bomb he drops on starving Afghan villagers? Did anyone hold Judaism responsible for Baruch Goldstein’s murder of Muslim worshippers in Hebron?” - Hadani, Vancouver

“It has always struck me as tragic that many Christians have hated Jews, and many Muslims have hated both, since, as you point out, the later religions could not exist without the earlier ones. But the powerful sociology of The Other transcends the obvious.  Difference alone is perceived as a threat, in the cognitive error that one characteristic of a person determines the whole, as well as a person’s whole worth.  In this context, group control and manipulation are both goal and result, as the ghastly crimes committed in the false name of religion repeatedly show. If a solution to hate is to be found in introspection and trustful questioning, then I am glad that we people like you helping to think our way through a centuries-old problem.” - Paul, Ancaster, Ontario

“I am still disappointed that I have never read in any paper or seen on TV a Muslim leader condemn the Palestinian suicide bombers.  If it were Israeli or American soldiers conducting a war in that fashion, there would be such a hue and cry.  Can someone explain to me, as if I were 12 years old, why the world does not rise up in unison against these acts? Excuse my colloquialism but do the world’s intellectuals have shit for brains?” - Frank, Victoria, B.C.

“I am a Christian minister and I trust that your writing will, as you say, help people of all religions to ‘mature into citizens, defending the very pluralism of interpretations and values that makes it possible for us to be here in the first place.’” - Eugene, Denver, Colorado

“To all those who write: Just a word of warning about Ms. Manji! She is a Radical Leftist Anti-American Lesbian! I live here in the Great White North and have the displeasure many times of seeing this puke on TV, bashing Conservative policies.  You want to be very careful hitching yourself to this woman!” - Devon, Edmonton, Alberta

“Wow.  Irshad, you are a jewel.  I am Jewish, and have prayed to God for one reasonable Muslim voice so I can quell my anger.  You are the one, and I am crying.” - Judy, Toronto

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