http://www.muslim-refusenik.com/
Reader comments and Irshad's replies Posted July 15 "My name is Hamza and I am currently in high school. I was born to Pakistani parents. I want to congratulate you and encourage you on your initiative to help reform Islamic practices. We really need that. I also want to say that I hope you don't leave Islam, like you said you might. We really need people like you in Islam. I have some personal issues that I've been trying to sort out, and issues with my family, and you've kinda been a role model for me. But sometimes you criticize Islam too much. Perhaps you should endorse the true, open-minded, peaceful, forward-thinking Islam more than bashing the ill-practiced Islam in the world today. I wish you the best of luck." - Hamza Irshad replies: Like you, I think it's vital to promote a positive vision rather than merely complain about what's wrong. Which is why, in The Trouble with Islam, I outline a global campaign to promote innovative approaches to Islam. It all begins with recognizing that Muslims are capable of being more thoughtful and humane than our clerics give us credit for. Your email is proof positive. So are the next two... "As a young, open-minded Muslim, you can count on my unstinted and unreserved support. The work you have done and are doing is crucial. I am glad there is someone out there, like you, who has the guts to say it all. We Muslims no doubt have to reform ourselves. God bless you, Irshad." - Sheeraz "I didn't read your book because I live in Jordon. They wouldn't allow it. Thinking is forbidden. But I read an article criticizing you in the local newspaper and I did my search on the web. I never thought someone else could see in a similar way as I do. Islam needs a reform movement. It's about time to re-think the whole thing. I believe in mind, not myth. One of the greatest errors in the 'divine religions' is that the god who created them didn't install a protection mechanism for the future generations. The point is: working hard and learning to offer a better life for the next generation so they can live successful, healthy and happy is the best way to worship god... Social success requires a lot of work and knowledge. Many religious Muslims escape to religion to cover their failure. I don't mind being part of a group, but the group that Islam represents is the furthest one from me. I prefer 'faith' much more than 'religion.'" - Tareq "What is the trouble with Islam??? Like, are you a Jew?? I was at a party all the people were talking about you. I didn't know who you were at first. But then they showed you on TV and websites. I just want to say that you come on TV and talk about Islam and the rights or whatever, but in real life, everyone is making fun of you!!" - Seema Irshad replies: If they didn't care, they wouldn't be talking -- or videotaping my TV appearances! I'm flattered. Please convey my gratitude to your friends. "I have listened to your crap about Islam and Muslims and I don't appreciate your shallow arguments that are meant to please your bosses, who would like more than anything else to stab Islam and Muslims. You make no sense, take it from me. I am not a religious Muslim but I have a lot of sympathy for my brothers and sisters who are being targeted, demonized and often insulted by those who work in the media, such as yourself. I am pro-Bin Laden, anti-American, anti-Israel, and anti-people such as yourself who have absolutely no conscience and no morals, yet they get to work in the media and spit their poison and filth all over the networks." - M. Merza Irshad replies: You accuse me of having "no conscience and no morals" but you proudly trumpet your support for Usama Bin Laden. Thank you for showing me that there's more than one way to "make no sense." "I converted to Islam two years ago and I've grown so disgusted with other Muslims' violent rhetoric that I almost gave up on Islam. Sick people praising terrorism, Osama, the Taliban and Saddam. Muslims claiming that if you do not support Osama you are not a Muslim. Others blaming Jews for 9/11 and for everything else in the world. It's what I like to call the Muslim Victim Mentality. Why do so many Muslims bash Jews? Why so much oppression of women in Muslim countries? Why do so many Muslims think I must act like an Arab and dress like an Arab to be Muslim? Why the Arab superiority in Islam? Thanks for being strong, Irshad. You give me strength not to give up. One last thing. Are you Persian? Your name seems Persian." - M Irshad replies: Yep, my name has Persian roots. "Irshad" means "the divinely guided moderate one." Not that everyone is convinced. Check out the next letter... "I'm sorry but your book is quite offensive to many Muslims. You do not have a clear understanding of this beautiful faith that has been distorted by your interpretations. May Allah guide you back to your truth faith." - Rabia Irshad replies: I appreciate your prayer. Since one good turn deserves another, I'll say a prayer for you too -- asking God to open your mind and heart to debate. More feedback... All pages on this site are �2004 Irshad Manji. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Yahoo! Domains - Claim yours for only $14.70 http://us.click.yahoo.com/Z1wmxD/DREIAA/yQLSAA/BRUplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************************************************** Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. www.arsip.da.ru *************************************************************************** __________________________________________________________________________ Mohon Perhatian: 1. Harap tdk. memposting/reply yg menyinggung SARA (kecuali sbg otokritik) 2. Pesan yg akan direply harap dihapus, kecuali yg akan dikomentari. 3. Lihat arsip sebelumnya, www.ppi-india.da.ru; 4. Posting: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5. Satu email perhari: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6. No-email/web only: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 7. kembali menerima email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ppiindia/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
