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

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Irshad replies: Kash, meet one such person below…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the beat goes on…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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