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

Posted in Q & A on Jan 01, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. We’ll have to think further; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hello Miss Liberated Feminist Lesbian Irshad. I am an educated Muslim who is a moderate and yet I feel you have some fantasies for fame and greed. Here’s a good title for you to think about for your future books: ‘How I can fool the West into thinking that homosexuality is acceptable in Islam.’ Here is another one: ‘How to sell yourself to the devil.’ I will not buy your book! Unless you want to send it free to me. I could use it in my fireplace.

P.S. My next door neighbours are Lesbians and we respect each other immensely, so try another spin in your rebuttal.” - S.R.

Irshad replies: Salaams Mr. Liberated Neighbour. Thanks for your engaging email - and for the new book titles. I’ll certainly take them into consideration as I continue racking up my riches and fending off book publishers who want more, more, more from me and my un-Islamic morality. Thanks, also, for offering to burn my book if I send you a free copy. I’ve thought long and hard about whether to oblige and my decision is… (drum roll please)… Nah. You see, I’m just too greedy for profits to give you a freebie. Why deny my greed? Since I’m calling for honesty in this book, I’d better lead by example. Nonetheless, enjoy your neighbours. I’m sure they’re lovely ladies. I only hope they realize how lovely you are.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Fuck you! Nipple eater!” - Rabia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Irshad replies: Joe, my bro, amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Even if some Muslims are scared, some (like me) will support you NO MATTER WHAT. We will no longer be SILENT!

Believe it or not, it will be Muslims who make liberalism sexy again and will teach the West how precious freedom of expression is for a healthy and functioning society. Ask the Iranian youth how they feel about that. The UK, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa (I was born  in Cape Town) have many Muslims who think like us.

We need to connect like-minded Muslims and non-Muslims around the world, because a brouhahah, to put it mildly, is coming. What happened to Rushdie cannot happen again. Support for us must be built, and you are the spark to that powder keg.” - Zahur, Burlington (Ontario)

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

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

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

“Ex-sister Irshad: What is your partner’s religion? Jew?” -Anonymous

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

“Dearest Irshad,

What has happened to us? Why are so many Muslims using their potential to destroy so much of what our oft-forgiving, merciful and kind God has given to us, all of us? Does it really help anyone when another suicide bomber dies and their family is left behind? Why is so much energy spent on creative havoc and death instead of a better life? Why are us moderate Muslims not taking a stronger, defiant stand against all this madness, in the name of ‘Islam’??

Yeah, injustices have been done, country against country, no doubt about it. But are we going to hold onto that resentment and hate for the rest of our lives, at the expense of trying to create a comfortable existence for future generations? Irshad, God will protect you and see that your message is heard by the ones who need to hear it (pretty much all Muslims). You have more than earned his protection and blessings.” - Saira, Toronto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Good and evil are choices made by us, and for every action there is ultimately a reaction… People like you who insult and falsify Islam simply make my faith in Islam much stronger. And for that, I thank you.” - Yasir

Irshad replies: Glad to be of service. But when your faith faces no challenge, how do you know it’s strong rather than complacent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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