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Your letters - posted November 12, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Nov 12, 2005

Posted November 12, 2005

Dear friends and foes: Between now and the new year, I’ll be all over the map to shoot a documentary film about Islam. Which means that this is the last website update for a few weeks. I predict you’ll enjoy it. After all, this update features your ideas as much as mine.

Recently, an Aussie reader reviewed the entire Letters Archive of irshadmanji.com — two years worth of your comments and my responses. Below are the 46 lessons that he took away. I love #7, #15, #19, #31, #33, #40, and #45.

What if you posted your favorites on the door of your mosque, church, synagogue or temple?

1. Accept the truth from whatever source it proceeds.

2. All human beings are entitled to think for themselves.

3. All systems of belief need to be constantly challenged to maintain equilibrium.

4. Always struggle to create a voice for the voiceless.

5. 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.

6. Are my beliefs passionately moderate, humane, and open to evolution?

7. Bear true witness, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your family.

8. Being tolerant of intolerance is something that doesn’t make sense.

9. Believe in mind, not myth.

10. Blast away at the hardened slag that suffocates religion in order to reveal its golden, beating core.

11. By asking questions, we create conversations rather than make sweeping statements.

12. Complacency gets us further into a hole.

13. Demonstrate your love by how it manifests in your own life.

14. Do we separate ourselves by the narcissism of small differences?

15. Dogma compels us to cling. Faith frees us to explore.

16. Even when disagreement can be almost forbidden, a state that insists on compelling assent can be relatively easily made to look stupid.

17. Every issue must be debated. Every last one.

18. Faith is not threatened by dissent. Dogma, on the other hand, is.

19. Fundamentalism of any stripe reduces each of us to something less than our whole, multi-faceted, paradoxical and eminently interesting selves.

20. How precious freedom of speech and expression is for a healthy and functioning society!

21. I have been a silent Refusenik. While I sat around, you acted. While I listened, you spoke. What I observed, you wrote.

22. Is optimism a lack of information, and pessimism a lack of imagination?

23. Is unswerving belief in scientific supremacy an orthodoxy unto itself?

24. It’s better to speak the truth, no matter how much it may hurt, than to remain silent about it.

25. Keep drinking from the fountain of independent thinking, but quench your thirst without getting drunk in the process.

26. Laughter is the best medicine.

27. Legitimacy requires consulting sources far and wide…

28. Literalism quickly turns into fundamentalism.

29. Love all creatures because of the One who created them.

30. Moralistic, legalistic religion which emphasizes external conformity and blind following betrays its own highest aspirations.

31. Prayer is about thanks, not about endless traditions.

32. Questioning is not intolerance. Denial of questioning is.

33. Questions and answers both root for truth, so go ahead and question.

34. Religion is about how (well) we treat our fellow human beings.

35. Religion often sees God as an answer. Spirituality sees God as a question.

36. Sadly, many of us love to do nothing but blame others.

37. Seek, question, challenge, explore, and grow!

38. Self-esteem and pride are involved in any dispute… (Ego rears its ugly head).

39. Thanks to religion - or my rebellion against it - I learned to distinguish between authority (eg. one’s conscience) and authoritarianism (one’s clerics).

40. The “Straight Path” is also exceptionally wide.

41. The moderate majority has the right, and responsibility, to challenge the fanatics.

42. There’s no shame - and, indeed, great value - in asking questions of sacred texts.

43. Thinking, rather than merely imitating, is key to ending prejudice.

44. What is a religion if not the actions of those who practice it?

45. What’s the moral value of being complacent?

46. When religious faith becomes a ruling political principle, all hell breaks loose!

#40: The “Straight Path” is also exceptionally wide.

Your letters - posted October 1, 2005 (part 1)

Posted in Q & A on Oct 01, 2005

Posted October 1, 2005

“Tell the truth on islam and not all these lies you crazy woman. Ppl like you must pay and will pay.” - Abdel
Posted October 25, 2005

Friends and Foes: I’m devoting this special edition of Muslim-Refusenik.com to Deeyah, a young Muslim singer and musician who has a maverick message for us all. Months ago, Deeyah emailed me out of the blue. She wanted to know if I would appear in her next video. Intrigued, I investigated. I found that she represents integrity and independence of thought, so I showed up at the video shoot.

Since the release of her video, Deeyah has received numerous death threats. Media outlets in Britain, India and elsewhere have succumbed to the intimidation of angry Muslims, and are low-balling a great tune. As an act of support for Deeyah – and for honesty - I am posting her video on this website.

Download it. Take courage from it. Dance.

Click here to play the video of What Will It Be by Deeyah (featuring rap artist Young MayLay) http://www.brainwashproductions.com/

Deeyah says:

My core message in this video is the right of a woman to choose her own path and express herself without the fear of violence or cultural excommunication. This video and song is the first time I have directly addressed the problems I’ve faced being a female Muslim recording artist. After years of being called a “whore,” “devil,” and “bringer of shame” by people who use Islam as their shield, I have decided to let this video speak for me.

In this video I have the faces of women who have been killed in the name of “honor,” and I have put their faces on my naked back. Both the nudity and the showing of these women are considered sins by the very people who perpetrated the hate crimes. I have found that the hypocrisy prevalent in our culture is too much to bear without speaking up. I am tired of the people who clamor at the slightest hint of skin on a Muslim woman but who will not speak up when a woman is beaten and even murdered in the name of Islam. THIS is what brings shame to our culture. This unchanging mentality is what gives Muslims a bad name, NOT a bare shoulder or back. In this video my nudity is a canvas for their crimes.

The irony is, although they claim that skin is a sin, they will still watch me. And they will still see only the nudity, not their crimes reflected in it. That is the basic hypocrisy of their beliefs. They manage to watch but not truly see that their sins are two-fold: murder and lust. Who’s the real criminal – me, the “whore” or they, the “righteous ones”?

Lyrics of What Will It Be by Deeyah
(Verse 1):

Does the truth only come from the top of a holy man’s spire?

From three paces back, covered head to toe?

Are the rules just for the masses and written just for show?
(Pre chorus):

Where the beat goes — nobody knows

Where the street goes — nobody knows

(Chorus):

Do you stand up, lay down or follow?

What will it be?

Will it all be the same again tomorrow?

What will it be?

You can claim it but the words are hollow

Do you stand up, lay down or swallow?

What will it be?

(Verse 2):

Thug life, street life - both sides of the world

Not a bit of glamour – no one listens to the words

Survival of the fittest – or maybe how you’re born

The kids bear the burden when there’s no shelter from the storm

 

(Pre chorus):

Where the children go — nobody knows

Where the money goes — nobody KNOWS

(Chorus):

Do you stand up, lay down or follow?

What will it be?

Will it all be the same again tomorrow?

What will it be?

You can claim it but the words are hollow

Do you stand up, lay down or swallow?

(Young MayLay Rap)

We dont take it lightly when you threatinin women,
how you have so much hate and faith in religion.
Fake in the system, need to take a break wit the dissin,
before you end up in the lake where they fishin.
Hearin bout the Muslim Madona, Asian J Lo, lookin for drama
(ok) if you say so. If you that religious and not wit trendy clothes,
then what you doin even watchin videos.

(Chorus):

Do you stand up, lay down or follow?

What will it be?

Will it all be the same again tomorrow?

What will it be?

You can claim it but the words are hollow

Do you stand up, lay down or swallow?

Do you stand up, lay down or follow?

What will it be?

Will it all be the same again tomorrow?

What will it be?

You can claim it but the words are hollow

Do you stand up, lay down or swallow?

WHAT WILL IT BE?
Irshad replies (not to Abdel but to you, dear reader): Judging by his email address, the individual who sent me this message lives in Denmark.  His last name is Andersen.  Sounds to me a like a convert — and a “homegrown” or “Western-raised” threat.  We’re seeing more and more like him. Which is why pretending that the problem exists outside of the West is no longer an option.  At least the next woman gets it…

“It is time others had the moral courage to admit to the truths that you tell in public.  It is difficult for non-Muslim women to criticize the treatment of women in Islam without being wrongly accused of racism.  I work with women who have been raped and abused. I have no doubts about how the Christian religion has also been used to subjugate women.  However, the honor killings, female genital mutilation, forced marriages, etc taking place in Western societies have been ignored for too long under the guise of respecting other cultures.  It is time that all decent people, regardless of race, religion, or gender stood up against violence and tyranny.” - Eileen, Belfast

Irshad replies: Right on, Eileen! Many Westerners today would like to have it both ways — embracing the universality of human rights as well as the equality of cultures.  But that’s not sustainable.  Because if you believe that all human beings are entitled to a certain set of dignities, then cultural practices that violate those dignities can’t, by definition, be defended. The French-Arab novelist, Amin Maalouf, nailed it when he wrote, “Traditions deserve respect only insofar as they are respectable - that is, exactly insofar as they themselves respect the fundamental rights of men and women.”

“I am a French-Acadian woman. Last summer, I went to Moncton, New Brunswick and saw a large number of women wearing the hijab [head-scarf].  This included a girl of my daughter’s age, 9 years old.  It bothered me.  Not because I don’t agree with expressing faith, au contraire, I do it myself.  It bothered me because there is always that question in the back of my mind… ‘Is it really a choice?’  It worries me that in our country of Canada there are still some women who are not free to make important choices.  But when I heard you on TV, I realized that what bothers me the most is not feeling free enough to simply ASK those questions.

What also scares me is when I hear Muslims (or any other religious people) tell me that I don’t have the authority to discuss religion.  When a person tells that to another person, it creates an even bigger gap between cultures because the person who is trying to understand is suddenly not able to express questions. It is also giving the authority to a certain group of people who have the power to explain and interpret religious books the way they want.  Slowly, Muslims become “THEM” and we are the group called “US”.  And history has shown that “THEM” is always the cause of all troubles, and has to be eliminated by the “US”.  We need more people brave enough to ask real questions. We don’t always need answers, but questions are a necessity!” - Josee

Irshad replies: What I hear you saying is that good-hearted, open-minded liberals in the West fear being called racists if they ask questions about the human rights abuses that are happening in the name of Islam.  Here’s my answer: You WILL be called racists from time to time.  Get used to it.  But don’t make peace with it.  When your accusers hurl the r-word at you, remind them that 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.  That’s not to deny Western imperialism.  It’s to point out that imperialism comes in many shades and colors.  Because Muslims are the foremost victims of Muslim violence, when you and I stand up for human rights in Islam, the first people we’re defending are ordinary Muslims themselves.  What’s so racist about that? Get comfortable asking those questions — out loud.

“I am a Muslim and I have been living in the West for 20 years.  The rest of my family is still in Asia.  Every time I come home for a visit, once the novelties of my homecoming are gone (usually after 4 days, and usually after dinners where the males in my family seem to take it for granted that their empty plates should be cleared by the women, even though these males are not victims of lost limbs), I seem to start these heated debates with my family about why women are being treated as second-class citizens and the injustices faced by Muslim women in parts of the world.  Every time I raise these questions, I am treated as an outsider, which infuriates me.

I respect my mother and sisters, who recently decided to wear head scarves. But somehow, in doing so, I noticed they have gradually given up some of their rights as women, which is so upsetting to me.  What next? If they decide to wear the burkha, does this mean they are subjecting themselves to beatings from their men, too? I have always thought of my family as modern and liberal, but I am not so sure anymore!!” - G.S., Germany

Irshad replies: As long as you have the courage of your confusions, you should continue asking questions at the dinner table.  I’ve found that merely wondering aloud shakes many Muslims out of their comfortable, complacent certitudes.  Even if it doesn’t feel like you’re getting through to your mother and sister, trust me: In their private moments, when they’re alone, they will not be able to forget your questions.

Above all, don’t worry about tension at the dinner table. When the males with the functioning limbs and empty plates call you an outsider, tell them you’re enough of an insider to know that the Quran states: “Believers, conduct yourselves with justice and bear true witness before God, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your family” (4:135). Pass the potatoes, please!

Your letters - posted October 1, 2005 (part 2)

Posted in Q & A on Oct 01, 2005

Posted October 1, 2005

“Tell the truth on islam and not all these lies you crazy woman. Ppl like you must pay and will pay.” - Abdel

Irshad replies (not to Abdel but to you, dear reader): Judging by his email address, the individual who sent me this message lives in Denmark.  His last name is Andersen.  Sounds to me a like a convert — and a “homegrown” or “Western-raised” threat.  We’re seeing more and more like him. Which is why pretending that the problem exists outside of the West is no longer an option.  At least the next woman gets it…

“It is time others had the moral courage to admit to the truths that you tell in public.  It is difficult for non-Muslim women to criticize the treatment of women in Islam without being wrongly accused of racism.  I work with women who have been raped and abused. I have no doubts about how the Christian religion has also been used to subjugate women.  However, the honor killings, female genital mutilation, forced marriages, etc taking place in Western societies have been ignored for too long under the guise of respecting other cultures.  It is time that all decent people, regardless of race, religion, or gender stood up against violence and tyranny.” - Eileen, Belfast

Irshad replies: Right on, Eileen! Many Westerners today would like to have it both ways — embracing the universality of human rights as well as the equality of cultures.  But that’s not sustainable.  Because if you believe that all human beings are entitled to a certain set of dignities, then cultural practices that violate those dignities can’t, by definition, be defended. The French-Arab novelist, Amin Maalouf, nailed it when he wrote, “Traditions deserve respect only insofar as they are respectable - that is, exactly insofar as they themselves respect the fundamental rights of men and women.”

“I am a French-Acadian woman. Last summer, I went to Moncton, New Brunswick and saw a large number of women wearing the hijab [head-scarf].  This included a girl of my daughter’s age, 9 years old.  It bothered me.  Not because I don’t agree with expressing faith, au contraire, I do it myself.  It bothered me because there is always that question in the back of my mind… ‘Is it really a choice?’  It worries me that in our country of Canada there are still some women who are not free to make important choices.  But when I heard you on TV, I realized that what bothers me the most is not feeling free enough to simply ASK those questions.

What also scares me is when I hear Muslims (or any other religious people) tell me that I don’t have the authority to discuss religion.  When a person tells that to another person, it creates an even bigger gap between cultures because the person who is trying to understand is suddenly not able to express questions. It is also giving the authority to a certain group of people who have the power to explain and interpret religious books the way they want.  Slowly, Muslims become “THEM” and we are the group called “US”.  And history has shown that “THEM” is always the cause of all troubles, and has to be eliminated by the “US”.  We need more people brave enough to ask real questions. We don’t always need answers, but questions are a necessity!” - Josee

Irshad replies: What I hear you saying is that good-hearted, open-minded liberals in the West fear being called racists if they ask questions about the human rights abuses that are happening in the name of Islam.  Here’s my answer: You WILL be called racists from time to time.  Get used to it.  But don’t make peace with it.  When your accusers hurl the r-word at you, remind them that 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.  That’s not to deny Western imperialism.  It’s to point out that imperialism comes in many shades and colors.  Because Muslims are the foremost victims of Muslim violence, when you and I stand up for human rights in Islam, the first people we’re defending are ordinary Muslims themselves.  What’s so racist about that? Get comfortable asking those questions — out loud.

“I am a Muslim and I have been living in the West for 20 years.  The rest of my family is still in Asia.  Every time I come home for a visit, once the novelties of my homecoming are gone (usually after 4 days, and usually after dinners where the males in my family seem to take it for granted that their empty plates should be cleared by the women, even though these males are not victims of lost limbs), I seem to start these heated debates with my family about why women are being treated as second-class citizens and the injustices faced by Muslim women in parts of the world.  Every time I raise these questions, I am treated as an outsider, which infuriates me.

I respect my mother and sisters, who recently decided to wear head scarves. But somehow, in doing so, I noticed they have gradually given up some of their rights as women, which is so upsetting to me.  What next? If they decide to wear the burkha, does this mean they are subjecting themselves to beatings from their men, too? I have always thought of my family as modern and liberal, but I am not so sure anymore!!” - G.S., Germany

Irshad replies: As long as you have the courage of your confusions, you should continue asking questions at the dinner table.  I’ve found that merely wondering aloud shakes many Muslims out of their comfortable, complacent certitudes.  Even if it doesn’t feel like you’re getting through to your mother and sister, trust me: In their private moments, when they’re alone, they will not be able to forget your questions.

Above all, don’t worry about tension at the dinner table. When the males with the functioning limbs and empty plates call you an outsider, tell them you’re enough of an insider to know that the Quran states: “Believers, conduct yourselves with justice and bear true witness before God, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your family” (4:135). Pass the potatoes, please!

Your letters - posted September 16, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Sep 16, 2005

Posted September 16, 2005

Dear Friends and foes: One of the Middle East’s most popular news sites, www.alarabiya.net, has conducted the definitive interview with me. I say “definitive” because it covers so much territory. Click here to read the interview in Arabic. Below this box, I’m posting it in the original English. I’m sure many of you will tell me where I’ve gone wrong. Awaiting your enlightenment…

1. You are a Canadian, lesbian, feminist and Muslim at the same time. How is that happening?

Irshad answers: Well, the Prophet himself was a Muslim and a feminist, so I do not think that is such an odd combination. As for my nationality, my mother’s family comes from Egypt and and my father’s from India. I was born in Uganda. How did I wind up in Canada? Uganda’s Idi Amin - a Muslim - expelled thousands of others Muslims from our native land. I take pride in being a refugee. Again, the Prophet himself experienced the joys and pain of migration. I am happy to have landed in a country where, as a Muslim woman, I can dream big dreams and realize most of my potential.

Now to the really controversial part: lesbian. I could have been dishonest and hidden that part of myself. But as a creature of Allah, I decided it is better to pay tribute to God’s wisdom. I acknowledge that the Quran contains passages implying that homosexuality can not be tolerated. It also contains passages implying that Allah knows what He is doing when he designs the world’s breathtaking diversity. In addition to the verse that says, “God makes excellent everything He creates,” there are other verses that say “God creates whom He will” and that nothing God creates is “in vain.” How do my critics reconcile those statements with their utter condemnation of homosexuals?

Notice I am not saying that I am right – I do not know that I am right. The question is: what makes my critics so sure they are right? And in claiming to be right, how do they know they are not usurping God’s jurisdiction as the supreme judge and jury?

There is something else worth pointing out. Those Muslims who insist that one perspective must take precedence over another, if only for the sake of social order, neglect another question: how do we know it is the anti-gay verses that take precedence over all else? Why don’t the pro-diversity verses get that honour?

It seems to me that no matter how you slice it, 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. I recognize my own selectiveness, but at least I am honest enough to admit it.

And so I select – I choose – to see the bigger point that the Quran makes about diversity: “If God had pleased, he would have made you all one people. But he has done otherwise, that he might try you in what he has given to you.” In my view, what a passage like this shows is not just the virtue of tolerating difference. It shows that pluralism is both divine and deliberate. If that is a far-fetched interpretation, then it is a mistake for which I shall pay on the Day of Judgment.

Meanwhile, I am NOT asking Muslims to accept my sexuality. I do not seek anybody’s approval except for that of my Creator. God made me and only God can unravel me. All I do ask Muslims to accept is that the there is room, even in the Quran, for debate about this and many more issues.

2. In The Trouble with Islam Today, you say that “we’ve got to end Islam’s totalitarianism, particularly the gross human rights violations against women and religious minorities… If ever there was a moment for an Islamic reformation, it’s now…” How could this reform come? Do you want it come by foreign hands?

I would prefer that change come from within the Ummah [worlwide Muslim nation]. The Quran tells us that “God changes not what is in a people until they change what is in themselves.” We all know that Muslims must begin taking responsibility for the mistakes we have made. And the fact is, Muslims have made plenty of mistakes. In the last one hundred years alone, more Muslims have been tortured and murdered at the hands of other Muslims than at the hands of any foreign imperial power. That is not to deny Western imperialism. I am pointing out that imperialism comes in many skin colors. Look at what the Arab militias, backed by the government in Sudan, are doing to both Muslims and Christians in Darfur. When we Muslims take ownership of our problems, the people we are first and foremost helping are other Muslims. There is nothing anti-Islamic about that.

In Chapter 7 of my book, I outline a global campaign for positive change in Islam — a change that will revive Islam’s own tradition of critical thinking, or ijtihad. I call this NON-military campaign “Operation Ijtihad.” It consists of two main aspects: first, liberating the entrepreneurial talents of Muslim women through micro-enterprise loans. I speak regularly with people who work with poor Muslim women, and they consistently tell me that these women are ready, able and willing to accept such loans, as well as the social obligations that go with them – such as becoming literate, teaching their own children to read and write, and even starting their own schools. That is actually happening in parts of Kabul today. Women are starting schools where you can read signs that say, “Educate a boy and you educate only that boy. Educate a girl and you educate her entire family.” The thirty-year track record of the micro-lending movement shows that when Muslim women have the resources to start small businesses, not only to do they fulfill for goods and services in their communities, but they can lift the quality of life for villages or neighborhoods.

Why will this help make ijtihad popular? Because when women become literate, they can read the Quran for themselves and identify those verses that mullahs and imams usually do not tell them about. Like the verses that allow women to negotiate their own marriage contracts.

The second aspect of Operation Ijtihad focuses on Muslims in the West. It is in North America and Europe that Muslims are best positioned to restore ijtihad because it is there that Muslims already enjoy the precious freedoms to think, express, challenge and be challenged –- all without fear of state reprisal. Yes, Muslims in the West are often targeted for harassment, profiling and other forms of discrimination. Indeed, I, myself, had that experience during the first Gulf War, when I was unceremoniously marched out of a government building for no stated reason. Still, if we Muslims dare to to engage in debate about the Quran, it is in the West that we need not fear being imprisoned, maimed, raped, tortured or murdered by the government for doing so. What in God’s name are Muslims in the West doing with these precious freedoms?

3. You narrate your story with Mr. Khaki, who told you “believe or get out.” Do you want to say that Islam is so “believe or get out”?

Not at all! When Mr. Khaki said “believe or get out,” what was he ordering me to believe? Lies. Lies about the supposed inferiority of women and about the inherent evil of Jews. These are lies and they should not be perpetrated in the name of Islam. If the choice I was given was to believe in lies or leave the madressa, then there was no contest. For the sake of integrity, I had to leave the madressa.

But as I remind my wonderful mother, just because I left the madressa does not mean I left Allah. After Mr. Khaki expelled me, I had a crucial choice to make: I could have abandoned Islam, as many Muslims quietly do. Or I could have given Islam another chance AND asked Islam to give me another chance. Out of fairness to my faith, I took time over the next twenty years to study Islam on my own.

I am so glad I did, because that is when I learned that Khadija, the Prophet’s beloved first wife, was a self-made merchant and most important advisor to the Prophet. She became a very positive role model for me. I also learned about Aisha, the Prophet’s last wife, who made so many important decisions on the battlefield and behind the scenes that many Muslims silently consider her to be the “real” successor to Prophet Muhammad. I also learned about Rabiya, the Sufi Muslim and ex-slave. According to Islamic tradition, Rabiya was given her choice of suitors. After interviewing the smartest among them, she decided he would remain single — just as the Quran gives her the choice to do! Finally, and maybe most impressively, it was during this time of self-study that I learned that the first European feminist may very well have been a Muslim man. In 12th century Islamic Spain, the philosopher Ibn Rushd told the religious fanatics of his day — mostly Christians — that “women’s ability is not known because they are relegated to the business of procreation, child-rearing and breast-feeding.” He went on to say that “treating woman as if they are a burden to men is one of the reasons for poverty.” Many Muslim countries could use that lesson today!

You see, I would not have learned any of this at my madressa. But I certainly did learn it at the public library. Thank God for freedom of information. The very freedom that Mr. Khaki thought would corrupt me has actually managed to save my faith in Islam! So, Islam is not a believe-or-get out religion. The fact that I remain in the faith is evidence of that.

4. Some will say you wrote a book “in love with the Jews” when you selected the worst story from your teacher when he said “they worship moolah, not Allah.” Why didn’t you mention any good stories?

Mr. Khaki never told us any good stories about Jews. Not once. Yet I knew in my heart that it is not right to promote Jew-hatred in the name of Islam. That is why I questioned him. And that is why he kicked me out. I would humbly suggest it is not my objectivity that needs to be challenged; it is that of the madressa teachers who pump poison into the minds of their pupils.

By the way, I do love the Jews, Christians, even Hindus. As the Quran says: those who believe in one God and the final day “have nothing to fear or regret.” We Muslims cannot keep chanting that “Islam means peace” and remain silent when our so-called educators condition us to hate non-Muslims.

The interview continues here…
http://www.irshadmanji.com/news/alarabiyanet-05-09-14.html#q5

Your letters - posted September 1, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Sep 01, 2005

Posted September 1, 2005

This week, we start with feedback about the Arabic version of The Trouble with Islam Today. Why? Because the Arabic edition is being published this month - yes, published! - in parts of the Middle East. Egypt’s popular Al-Ahram newspaper is already buzzing about it. But remember, the Arabic translation can still be downloaded from this site for free, as can the Urdu translation, and, coming soon, the Persian translation…

“I have read ur very interesting book (in the arabic version - my native language).  I find myself obliged to express my admiration (and surprise at the same time) for this great honesty, sincerity, and caring about the subject u r discussing.  I live in an Islamic country (Egypt) and I have always believed that such way of thinking and seeking truth is the most needed for humanity to keep developing and improving.  Religion is like human body; needing continuous nourishment and waste disposal to keep healthy, pure, and free of toxins. I wish at some time to express myself with half the courage and honesty of u.” - Sherif

Irshad replies: All I can say is, shukran (thank-you).

“I’m a so-called western and atheistic woman married to a Muslim.  He once had the intention to convince me about the ‘good ideas’ in the islamic religion. But he gave up because I always tell him about the things that happen in reality, which do not confirm the things written in the Quran. 

Then I read an interview with you in the German Suddeutsche Zeitung. After visiting your website, I have this question: Why do you post your book only in the arab language? Do you want especially arabic-speaking people to recognize and understand your book? Or has it something to do with making profit by selling the book in all the other language but not in arabic?” - Marlene

Irshad replies: Don’t be too suspicious, Marlene.  After all, the Arabic edition is about to be published and sold in the Middle East, which means I’m seeking to make a profit in EVERY language!  Now, if you don’t wish to purchase my book in a language that you can understand - German, presumably - then just borrow it from the public library. It’s as simple as that.  Why you would expect me to forgo money from sales is rather baffling.  Perhaps you can send me the email address of your employers and I will inform them that you don’t expect to be paid for the work that you do.  I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.  I’m equally sure you won’t be.

“As an atheist, I believe that muslims, christians, pagans and atheists should be able to live together.  You give me hope that this is possible. Maybe not now, maybe not in 50 or 500 years. But at least in theory.

I am planning to print out copies of the free arabic edition of your book and hand them to the people outside the local mosque in my city (Bergen, Norway).” - Einar

Irshad replies: And people say that *I* have a death wish…

“There is hope for us all if we never suspend the process of critical thinking on a kind foundation that you champion so bravely. I consider myself a Buddhist and you display all the qualities necessary to be a sincere practitioner.” - Errol, Queensland, Australia

Irshad replies: Before you decide I’m a budding Buddhist, read the next letter…

“Most moderate Muslims will agree with your point of view, but have never dared to speak out like this (some of whom are sadly my friends).  I am a Hindu by belief and you might have read that Hinduism is not a faith or religion but a philosophy of life which guides people to live peacefully and with honesty in this world, and realize our full potential as human beings.  Hinduism believes in one God but any number of paths leading to the same goal… Thus a ‘true’ Muslim or a ‘true’ Christian is a Hindu in the correct sense of this philosophy and vice versa.  It does seem to me that you have reached a similar conclusion in your own search for a ‘true’ Islam.” - Tarun, UK

Irshad replies: First I’m lovingly told that I’m a Buddhist.  Now I’m assured that I’m a Hindu.  Every day I’m accused of a being a Jew.  Every week, an atheist reminds me that I’m on my way to ditching religion, so I should just do it.  Look, I’m happy to exhibit the attributes of all of the above, but you know why I remain in Islam? For the reasons articulated by the next guy…

“As a non-Muslim educated in Europe and the U.S., I knew of the Golden Age of Islam a thousand years ago, when it was common for Muslims to reach out to the rest of the known world and serve as a model of tolerance, which you vividly recounted in your book. We are most grateful that Islamic scholars were the ones who studied and transmitted to the West the ancient cultural achievements of Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome, which in turn made it possible for the people of Europe to escape the dark ages characterized by religious superstition, and experience the bright lights of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.  No one would want to speculate what the West would be like today without this major contribution by Islamic scholars.

Your book is an articulate and endearing account of the development and abandonment of a certain Islamic tradition that you describe as ijtihad, the tradition of independent thought.  It has restored our respect for a faith practiced by hundreds of millions of people, and you deserve to be recognized the world over as a reformer who desires to reconnect with the traditions of Islam’s Golden Age.” - Gerhard

Irshad replies: Spoken like a good infidel!

Your letters - posted August 25, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Aug 25, 2005

Posted August 25, 2005

WE INTERRUPT OUR REGULAR CONTENT FOR IRSHAD’S TAKE ON THE (LATEST) PAT ROBERTSON CONTROVERSY…

Like the Reverend Pat Robertson, I was saved. Almost.  In 1975, at age seven, I attended Rose of Sharon Baptist Church near Vancouver.  My parents sent me for free babysitting services.  But I wound up winning the “Most Promising Christian of the Year” Award. 

Mum and Dad didn’t approve.  We were Muslims, for God’s sake.  They promptly plucked me out of the pews and kept me busy until the local Islamic school opened its doors.

Still, I’ve never forgotten the power of the gospel – its ability to inspire and incite.   Which is why I can say with authority that Pat Robertson is one blessed fellow.  On his daily Christian broadcast, “The 700 Club,” he evangelized the U.S government to assassinate Venezualan president Hugo Chavez.  For this, the reverend has received a windfall of publicity.

But what his comments haven’t yet attracted is a public endorsement from President George W. Bush.  Only a wink from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who described Mr. Robertson as a “private citizen” — and, hey, private citizens say the darndest things.

Surely that’s not good enough for a core constituent of this administration. I say Reverend Robertson demand face time with the President.  My suggestion is no jab at Cindy Sheehan, the bereaved mother and anti-war activist who’s lobbying to see Mr. Bush at his Crawford, Texas ranch. After all, Ms. Sheehan first came to Crawford without fanfare. Mr. Robertson knows enough to re-locate his entire show there. 

Cindy Sheehan set up Camp Casey, named for her soldier-son. Mr. Robertson could set up Camp Crazy, named for his state of mind.

He might then deliver his Sermon from the Set — complete with custom lights, cameras and commandments. Having already put a bullet through commandment number six - “Thou shalt not kill” - he would replace it with “Thou shalt blame all this uproar on the Liberal, Feminist, Lesbian Media.”  Being surround by journalists of that ilk, can you imagine what he’ll find in his collection plate?

The only hitch is a survey just conducted by Newsweek magazine and the spirituality website, Beliefnet. It found that the vast majority of evangelical Americans don’t swallow all this talk about non-believers going to hell. Which suggests Mr. Robertson has a credibility problem — with his own flock.  That’s not going to help President Bush. 

In the end, Pat Robertson may be turned away for tea with the Commander-in-Chief. But he’ll make Cindy Sheehan look less threatening by comparison.  And nobody, not even Hugo Chavez, will have had to die in that campaign. Pass the collection plate, please.

Your letters - posted August 18, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Aug 18, 2005

Posted August 18, 2005

The good, the bad, the ugly and the unsure: a diversity of emails to wrap up our very weird summer.

THE GOOD:

“I am a Pakistani-American Muslim woman. I am also a wife, a mother and feminist, and I applaud you for the saying the things I was thinking but never had the guts to voice.  What I do have is a wonderful story that will hopefully bring a smile to your face.

After raising three children in the United States, my parents were disheartened by the fact that they had neglected to give us a proper education in our faith.  So they hired a teacher to come by the house every Sunday and teach my brother and sister the basics of Islam, including how to read the Koran in Arabic.  (Thankfully this happened after I got married and moved away, so I didn’t have to suffer for two hours every Sunday.)

Mr. Mustafa, their Islamic Studies teacher, preached all kinds of garbage, such as how to beat your wife with a newspaper if she doesn’t have dinner on the table when a man gets home from work.  He demonstrated this by rolling up the Sunday paper and whacking the dust out of my parents’ living room sofa.  Luckily my brother and sister, both in their early 20s, didn’t pay any attention to him and kept him around more for comic relief than education. My parents, who are both extremely liberal, kept him around because they felt sorry for the poor guy, who earned a meager living teaching Sunday classes.

After one of his lessons, he asked my brother to lead the prayer.  My brother couldn’t lead the prayer if his life depended on it because he didn’t know the sequence.  One of my female cousins was visiting us and volunteered to lead prayer.  She was the only one who knew how.  Mr. Mustafa would not hear of it and insisted that only a man could lead prayer.  When my sister asked why, Mr. Mustafa went on to explain that if a woman leads prayer, then all the men would look at her ass.  Therefore, a man must lead prayer.

When my sister said that if a man leads prayer, then women might look at his ass, Mr. M was astounded and replied that women don’t do such things.  He also stated, “Man number one and woman number two.” When my dad (a wonderful dad and a true feminist) heard all this, he insisted that my cousin lead prayer and that in his house, it was “Woman number one and man number two.” In the end, my cousin did lead prayer and did a wonderful job with Mr. M, my brother, my sister and my father all following her lead. I couldn’t be more proud of my family!” - Proud Muslim, Baltimore

Irshad replies: The next time you see Mr. Mustafa, bounce this off him: The Prophet Muhammad’s beloved first wife, Khadija, was a wealthy, self-made merchant for whom the Prophet worked over many years.  She was his boss. If Mr. M is serious about emulating the Prophet’s life, he won’t simply grow a beard.  He’ll also work for his wife. In one way or another, we’re all lousy Muslims, aren’t we?

Of course, it’s one thing to be a second-rate Muslim and quite another to be an apostle of Satan. Guess which category I fall under, according to the next writer…

THE (REALLY, REALLY) BAD:

“Your latest manifesto, in all its contentious glory, has earned you a place on the world stage. This, of course, makes you the target of criticism from an endless parade of adversaries - myself among them.

I find it interesting that your book features a distinct dust jacket for each country in which it is available… The Canadian cover is as bold and brash as you are. Your name spans the top like a masthead - a harsh Germanic colour scheme. Your photograph is instantly familiar, despite the cold blue tones and obscured mouth (subtle, by the way). It is the face familiar to many Canadians, the face so often seen on television engaged in angry debate. Behold, Irshad Manji, Canada’s ubiquitous emissary of religious controversy. The cover leverages your reputation quite adeptly and makes total sense for this national market.

Which brings us to the American pressing of your work. As a relative unknown in the United Mistakes of America, I imagine your presentation to our southern neighbours was carefully calculated to ensure the maximum degree of reader appeal (read: sales). The U.S. jacket features a different portrait of Irshad - a decidedly gentler and more appealing one in fact. Whereas the Canadian issue has you looking straight ahead, sharp and alert, this one has you sans trademark glasses, gazing doe-eyed towards the heavens. Your earnest, somewhat saddened countenance is disarming in its soft attractiveness and in no way communicates the vitriol of your views.

You are a successful woman and an outspoken feminist yet you pander to the prejudices of the ignorant by altering your usual appearance — from dyke to diva as it were. I have no doubt that this new-and-improved Irshad will help move product. This calculated and shrewd  marketing tactic demonstrates the complexity, and duplicity, of your ideals.

You are a muslim yet you are a lesbian. You are a self-proclaimed independent thinker yet you rely on the words and ideas of others to bolster and validate your position. You have studied Islam for no other purpose than to expose its flaws. It is clear that your agenda is by no means simplistic. Rather, I see a volatile combination of emotion, intellect and material appetite that has made you an exceedingly unbearable personality. Increasingly, it seems as though your dialogues have become less about Islam and more about Irshad. It seems as though you are finally getting the attention you so clearly crave.

What has yet to be mentioned in all your rhetoric is that Islam is the invention of one man. Much like Mormonism or Christian Science. Of the Big Three, Islam is the relative new kid on the block and unlike its sister faiths, it was not born out of the experiences of many. It  originated 800 years after Christianity and thousands of years after Judaism and was “marketed” to those overlooked by the previous  two. The fact that billions of people adhere to this false-faith does not give it any divine credence whatsoever. Islam is a haven for the disenfranchised and therefore a fertile field for the seeds of propaganda and persuasion.

Likewise, your own personal morality and sense of justice have no bearing on the absolute truth of all things. Your aptitude for argument and rebellion  allows you to live your life according to Irshad and none other. The intellectual and spiritual wall that surrounds you protects you from everything that would otherwise compromise your carefully constructed narrow and selfish world-view. As a second-rate scholar, you are completely unreceptive to anything beyond the academic. As a second-rate muslim, you are unreceptive to anything truly spiritual.

There is only one thing I detest about you Irshad, but this one thing is your entire raison d’etre. I detest your pride - your smugness and your self-righteousness. You seem utterly convinced that your views are superior and correct. You have chosen your side and taken your stance seemingly without consideration of error. I agree with many of your points on Islam and much more beyond that. As I have indicated, I believe Islam is at best a false-faith and at worst an evil system of satanic proportions. The difference between us is that I have not made my personal opinion into my identity, nor have I uttered it as a global battle cry as you have done.

You have justified your homosexuality, your dissent and your contempt for organized religion publicly and have challenged us with your opinions and defied us to defy you. Since you have not been quiet, neither shall I. I suspect you will  carry on with this tiresome posturing long after I have lost interest. Carry on then, with your lies and perversions as you kneel in praise of your own glorious self.

One last thought. Quite contrary to Islam, Judaism and Christianity, there is only one “commandment” in the practice of satanic worship - Do what thy will. With this in mind, I would say that you are a model disciple since there is no god above Irshad.  Seems to be the motto of so many these days. There are some who believe that when mankind elevates the creation (himself) above the Creator (God), all hell breaks loose. And so we wait.” - Anna

Irshad replies: Wow. You’re an Irshad-hater AND an Islam-hater. I can’t wait to see what my Muslim critics do with that combo!

As for the Canadian cover of my book — honey, get with the paperback edition.  Despite my self-obsession, you won’t see my face on it. Here’s what the new (and possibly improved) cover looks like.

THE UGLY?

Maybe this should have been on the cover of the paperback. A very supportive reader painted a portrait of me and sent it my way.  I love it.  Let’s just say my friends don’t. But because I’m a) narcissistic enough to post it without shame or b) secure enough to be caricatured without offence or c) both of the above, I’d like to share the portrait with you.  Let me know your thoughts.

THE UNSURE…

“As a concerned Malaysian Muslim, I would like to say, ‘Please keep on dissenting!’ I pray they open up ijtihad again.  Surely, I do not agree with your liberal-ness in same-sex perversions. Men and women were created to complement each other, and not to compete. The West’s blatant feminism has moulded you.  I really pity men of the West that are left high and dry, literally.  In the West, really buried deep inside the minds of women are the needs of male sexual gratifications and companions.  But because of their bloated feminist egos… Good luck in your dangerous dissention.” - Shariff, Kuala Lumpur

Irshad replies: Huh?

Your letters - posted August 2, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Aug 02, 2005

Posted August 2, 2005

After all the heavy terrorism talk of the past month, a lot of you have asked for something lighter. How about poetry from fans and foes alike? What you’re about to read, I confess, ain’t all light. But hey, it rhymes. Sometimes.

ABOUT IRSHAD
By Anonymous

“Roses are Red
Her Blood is redder
God wants her DEAD
And we promise Him We’ll get her”

Irshad replies:

I’ve just chatted with God
He doesn’t recall asking you to murder
Maybe you misheard Him
When He said: “Hmmm… Hurt her?”

“No, boys,” He clarified
“That’s not the way
Think and engage
Or don’t bother to pray”

“For I gave my creatures a gift
It’s called free will
You might hate how it’s used,
But it’s not yours to kill.”

Anonymous replies:

“So when my brothers explode themselves
They’re using free will
You can speak out against it
But remember, it’s not yours to kill.
Gotcha bitch.”

Irshad replies:

Gotcha? Not quite
You forget one fact:
When your ‘brothers’ detonate
They kill others with that

If they harmed only themselves,
I wouldn’t complain
But they steal free will from many more,
That’s a whole different game.

It’s clear they are thieves
I must ask: Who are you?
An accomplice? A Muslim?
Is there no difference ‘tween the two?

Anonymous replies:

“Nice poem, whore.
But it won’t Save you
Only God will
And guess what? He HATES you”

Irshad replies:

Is it God who hates me?
Or is it you?
Just because roses are red
Doesn’t mean violets are too…

(To be continued if anonymous writes me back.)
ISAAC AND ISHMAEL: DEAR BROTHERS OF A DIFFERENT MOTHER
By Ahmed

Am I Muslim? Maybe.
Did I grow up in Egypt? Ok, gladly.
But can I say something?
Just listen up and tell me what’s crazy:

Please God, all knowing, all wise
Why did you give us truths disguised?
Is it to try and open our eyes
To the problems that lie inside?

Lessons you have to learn with time
And scriptures take on new meanings, as we get old
And habitually kinder to different kinds
Like innocent, ignorant kinder
Or children in German, if you don’t mind
Admitting your ignorance, kindling a light
To different minds’ points of view

God knew
The harm we were going to bring upon one another
With all this hating and killing each other
So he decided to make Abraham kill his own son
Better than to let us try and solve the problems alone
But an angel’s voice stopped him before the sacrifice was done

What Angel is mighty and powerful on Earth?
Satan?
I’m not certain, just thinking
Satan decided it wasn’t right
He had to intervene
Profit off of future conflict
Way back we lacked the intellectual might
To do other-wise
Win-win compromises

So generation upon generation of tradition
Got us separated to a point of not recognizing
Our own brother from a different mother
We’re caught up in fighting over stupid things
Suffering leads to understanding
Yet hate brings blinders down on wisdom
We’re completely missing solutions

At the moment of confrontation
Our hearts get started, pounding with conflict
We’re steaming as we fiend to get even
Our righteousness rationalizes things for us

Even until they end up killing both my cousins
I’m wishing he had done it
And killed his own son, Shit!
I said it
Gotten rid of either Godfather of the problem
This is messed up, this is wrong
God tried to save us from the hard way
Harm’s way
But we decided we’re better off if he had done it
We wouldn’t have to get along alright
With a different kind
There would be nothing but our right

They’re sending my cousins to burials, the world isn’t doing well
What might compel a man to give orders that kill a little girl?
We committed the crime that God didn’t even try
And now the blood is on our hands
As we keep sacrificing our lambs

He tried to show us how faith can be as strong as it is weird and strange
And make people deranged

People, please quit slaying, please people quit slaying
We all kneel and pray ‘n we all can learn maybe
To criticize our own selves, find health, move to understanding
We’re simply getting angrier over land
And
Our politicians are scandalous
And they got nothing else
More powerful
To use
To do
Than what THEY want to

Let’s grow and learn, let’s try to heal what’s been done
Give me psychologists instead of warrior sons
Let’s fix the problem, it’s only fair
That we move on with a new ethic:
CARE.
INTERSTITIONAL IDENTITY
By Adrienne

We find in our minds
the inclination to categorize
wise though we may be
not wise enough to see
the layering of labels, colors,
instinctively we separate and generate
groups into which pour our fears
definitive ideas, frozen on ice
of determined rigidity

And so, when bounding past us
leaping gracefully round the corner
of our mind’s eye is one who
does not fit squarely into
such a small narrow space,
refuses to yield to sharp
Corners, preferring rounded
curved borders, or pastel upon oil,
paper with torn edges, high places
without a ladder, we squirm in our
seats, sit upright and look away
or press still further into the clay.

I cannot yield to such pressure,
will not swim shallowly, so follow
me as I dive down deep, and defy
your description.

ODE TO IRSHAD
(Hand-written and given to me during a book-signing in London, UK)

Irshad Manji
Knows her kanji
From her katakana
She’d ne’er confuse
Sikhs with Hindus
Or plantains with banana

Her erudition knows no bounds
Her wisdom scarce a limit
But if all this praise
Too fawning sounds
Then I’ll be prompt,
And trim it!

Your letters - posted July 19, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Jul 19, 2005

Posted July 19, 2005

On Tuesday, July 19, British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with his country’s Muslim leaders. He wants them to help him fight the ideology behind the July 7 subway and bus bombings in London. The BBC asked me to deliver a challenge to Muslim leaders just before their meeting with Blair. Here’s what I told them — and the British public:

The 7th of July changed my community forever. Never before have I heard fellow Muslims condemn so sincerely the terror committed in our name. I thank Muslim leaders - and God - that we’re finally awaking from denial.

Except on one front: the possible role of religion itself in these atrocities.

You see, the Muslim Council of Britain insists that Islam had nothing to do with the London bombings. They identify other factors - segregation, alienation - as motives for the suicide bombers. Now, I don’t deny that living on the margins can harm self-esteem. When that happens, decent kids can become vulnerable to radical messages of instant belonging.

But how can mainstream Muslim leaders reject, flat-out, that religion may also play a part in these bombings? What makes them so sure that Islam is an innocent bystander?

What makes them sound so sure is literalism. That’s the trouble with Islam today. Muslims everywhere, including here in West, are routinely raised to believe that because the Quran comes after the Torah and the Bible, it is the final - and therefore perfect - manifesto of God’s will. Which means that even moderate Muslims accept, as an article of faith, that the Quran is the untouched, immutable word of God.

This is a supremacy complex. It’s also dangerous. First because of what it does for the radical fringe, giving them more legitimacy than they deserve. And second because of what it does to the moderates. This supremacy complex inhibits us from asking hard questions about what happens when faith becomes dogma. Mainstream Muslims need to face those questions, just as the moderates in Christianity and Judaism have been doing for the past century.

Instead, our leaders are exploiting Islam. Not as a sword. As a shield. They’re using the sensitivity of religion to protect Muslims from serious introspection. Well, I don’t consider this a favour — to anyone. I say it’s time to lay own the shield and accept the birthright of an open society: that there’s no crime in asking questions. Sometimes pointed questions. Sometimes in public.

So here’s my question for Muslim leaders in Britain: How do you know that religion is a victim and not, even partially, a perpetrator in these crimes? For the sake of honesty and change, let’s get that discussion out of the underground and into the full light of day.

Your letters - posted July 1, 2005

Posted in Q & A on Jul 01, 2005

Posted July 1, 2005

“I’m 28. I was born and live in France, but my parents are from Morocco. When I was 15 I asked them if was a Muslim only because I was born in their house. I didn’t want to be a Muslim this way. I didn’t want to repeat traditions, to be a virgin waiting for a Muslim husband. My parents are cool. I studied in Catholic schools. But I’m still fighting to be a free woman, a free Muslim. I thank you for your book and I’m ready to follow you.” - Sabrina

Irshad replies: Please don’t follow me. (In saying this, I know I’m speaking for most Muslims!) Instead, Sabrina, follow your conscience. Clearly, you’re already doing that and I commend you for it. But in looking for someone to “follow,” I implore you not to discount your own leadership skills. You can lead me, not the other way around.

How do I know this? Project Ijtihad is a perfect case in point. The idea for it came from young Muslims. After my public appearances, a bunch of them would say: “Irshad, sign me up. What are next steps?” And I would reply: “You tell me what next steps are.” That’s when they would reveal their needs — the need for permission to dissent openly with orthodoxy, the need for a physical space in which to meet and discuss issues, and the need for more education about the Golden Age of Islam, when Muslims, Jews, Christians and others worked in relative harmony to preserve and expand knowledge. Young Muslims are the ones who’ve set this agenda. I’m only helping to make it a reality. In that sense, I’m following people like you.

“Salams!! Regarding Project Ijtihad, hats off to you!!! I was born and brought up in a moderately liberal (read as: my dad doesn’t sport a beard and my mom doesn’t wear the hijab… but boyfriends are a no-no) family and I have always wanted to ask the BIG questions pertaining to Islam. Such as: Why can’t women lead a prayer in a mosque? What happens to lesbians and gays who are Muslims?

I have had a lot of Christian friends and I admire their Sunday school system wherein you get to meet people of your age and have festivals and competitions. My friends used to take part in all such events and the best part was that they learned about God through music. One of the greatest tragedies, though, was that two of my closest friends converted to Christianity and I couldn’t do anything to stop them. Reason they converted: antiquated notions and too much mullah-believing.

I sincerely feel that when you start your school (inshallah, in the near future!!) you should encourage new methods of teaching. Unlike the older methods where a teacher simply lectures and the students listen. Best of luck.” - Rehab

Irshad replies: I couldn’t agree more that most schools, not just Islamic ones, need new methods of educating — less “teaching of” students and more “learning with” students. I explained above what I learned from young Muslims in order to launch Project Ijtihad. Well, here’s another result of learning with: The online Arabic translation of my book.

You see, after The Trouble with Islam Today came out in both Canada and Germany, my inbox began filling up with messages from young Muslims in the Arab world. They appealed to me to get the book translated into Arabic so that they could share these ideas with their friends. My standard, totally unimaginative response: “Please. Name one Arab publisher with the guts to touch this book.”

Most of these young Muslims wrote back to say: Why rely on the publishing establishment? Why not get the book translated and post that translation on your site? When we can download it, free of charge, that means we’ll be able to read the book in privacy and safety — something we won’t have if we carry the book around with us. And that, in turn, will let us share your ideas with our peers.

I loved the logic and took their advice. Since then, we’ve had thousands of downloads.

The point is, “learning with” made me a more effective educator. The leadership center that Project Ijtihad will establish is meant to cultivate the leadership of students and not just of educators. So I’ll happily take your advice. May you teach me as much as other young Muslims have.

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“If you read all the books with an open mind you will realize that Islam is perfect today just as it was brought down many years ago. Unfortunately, realizing this does require spirituality, which is lacking from all that we see coming from you… I am a Muslim student studying in the West and have no problem practicing my religion the ‘right’ way as well as socializing and having fun within the laws of Sharia. Those who complain that they are not comfortable with the rules of Islam today, it is better that they leave the religion and seek their desires elsewhere. It seems that Islam is too good for their kind. What you have brought about is corrupting the minds of youths, and I don’t know what pleasure you get out of it.” — Aamina

Irshad replies: Pleasure? Try a more appropriate word: purpose. For me, promoting ijtihad is about having a sense of obligation to a new generation of Muslims.

Let me tell you a story. I speak a lot about diversity at high schools, colleges and universities. Even before 9/11, after many of my speeches, I noticed that it was young Muslims who would emerge from the audiences. They’d gather at the side of the stage, start chatting excitedly amongst themselves, wait for everyone else to filter out, then walk over to me and say, “We need more voices such as yours to help us open up this religion of ours. Because if it doesn’t open up, we’re leaving it.”

Woohoo! Your wish for struggling Muslims to leave the religion might just come true. Does that make Aamina happy? More importantly, do you think that makes Allah happy? If not, then please try understanding a basic point: Restoring ijtihad isn’t about corrupting Islam, but about saving it. And that’s what gives me pleasure. God, I’m such a hedonist.

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“As a gift for my 26-year-old activist daughter, who is a great admirer of yours, I am compiling a scrapbook of advice from wise women. I know you are very busy doing your good work, but if you have a few minutes, might you be willing? A small donation will be made to the charity of your choice.” - Mary

Irshad replies: The credo by which I live, and which I hope will inspire your daughter, combines the words of the Muslim love poet, Rumi, and the words of civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. In one of his most memorable poems, Rumi advises us all to “start a huge, foolish project like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.” Reading this was first time I’d heard anyone, living or dead, affirm that social approval isn’t necessary. It’s nice; just not necessary.

Great, your daughter might say, but how do I deal when people, including my friends, dog me out for breaking silences? Enter Martin Luther King, Jr. When he was chastised by his fellow Christian clergymen for creating “needless tension,” MLK Jr didn’t cower or cave. He embraced their accusation. In his now-famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail, MLK wrote:

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. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis, so 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.’

In other words, Mary, your daughter WILL be accused of creating “needless tension”. She must give her critics credit for being half right. Tension, it is. Needless, it is not. Recognizing this is what allows me to keep advocating the liberal reformation of Islam.

Speaking of advocacy, please make your charitable donation to Project Ijithad. Remember: You get what you pay for — and as much as you pay for!

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“Miss Irshad, you know Islam does not need reform. There are 102400 prophets who came into this world and God sent the book to them. And then Mohammad (peace be upon him) came into this world and God sent His last book to Mohammad (peace be upon him). God told the universe that I have a complete religion, Islam, and that there is no other prophet coming to this world… We should be proud of how Islam spread in the West and around the world. People like you can’t be Muslim. If you have already changed your religion, tell the world and never try to hid your identity. One thing else. If you look at history, more Muslims have died by Christians and Jews than any other. Also, Islam has given the rights of women a thousand years ago, but these Western countries just gave those rights to their women. It’s very easy to write and sell this type of garbage.” - Anis

Irshad replies: Whose garbage are you referring to? Yours or mine? Assuming it’s mine, well, don’t be so sure that it’s easy to sell. Muslims who want to exercise independent thinking are, by definition, picky consumers. Check out the next letter…

“At first I thought you were a real anti-Muslim. I decided this was a good enough label for you and continued my day a little frustrated with some of your remarks. A few weeks later I was strolling down the vast aisles of Chapters [a bookstore chain in Canada], when suddenly I bumped into a table holding copies of your book. After some deliberation, I decided I could not simply label you without giving you a chance to explain your ideas. I mean, if I have not read your book, then how can I judge it or you?

So I purchased the book and finished reading it that very day! I received much criticism from my family and friends on how unproductive reading the book was and that there are so many other important books I could have read. My response to them: Really? Have you read it? I may not agree with some of the things you say, but I can truly appreciate your struggle with Islam as I, myself, am struggling.

I am very lost, and mostly lost in my interpretation. Your book has assisted me in the practice of ijtihad. But does ijithad really cure the struggle? Thank you for your excellent contribution to both the Western and Muslim cultures.” - Shazeem

Irshad replies: The word “ijtihad” comes from the same root as “jihad” — meaning “to struggle.” On that basis alone, we know that ijtihad doesn’t cure struggle. Sometimes, it initiates struggle; a struggle to understand the big, complex world around us. But that’s a good thing. For without struggle, there’s no growth. There’s only certainty. Ideology. Rigidity. Which is why I’m not interested in a “cure” for struggle; I’m interested in making struggle constructive.

I know you’re uncomfortable with being lost in interpretation. You’d rather feel safe and anchored. That requires predictability. Are you prepared to accept utter boredom as the price of safety? “No,” you might answer, “but I also don’t want to lose faith.” You don’t have to. Keep in mind that faith never needs to be threatened by questions. You know what does? Dogma.

So let me leave you with one final question: What are you struggling for? Dogmatists struggle to impose and conquer. But you can struggle to understand and grow. Ijtihad is a tool — and it’s as constructive or destructive as you intend it to be.

Want my advice? You grow, girl!

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