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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!