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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