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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 For the Koran, like every scripture, is as much an historical document as a divinely inspired one.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