By Syed Ijaz Ali, MD
Akron, Ohio


I have read Irshad Manji's book" Trouble with Islam". When I noticed Dr. Amjad Hussain's comments on the book in Pakistan Link, I immediately wanted to read it. He handled it very nicely.

I totally agree with him. While her style and approach is vitreous or acidic and confrontational, the message is clear - there is an urgent need for ijtehad. If we claim that Islam is for all times and all places then there is no choice but to interpret the verses in the light of the changing time and places, while retaining the spirit of the overall message.

If we don't do that, then as Dr. Hussain says, there is a distinct possibility of a split between moderates and conservatives. From time to time the threat of physical violence against those who come out with new thinking has been used. However, this attitude would be harmful to Isl am in the long run.


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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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