Bashy Quraishy, 24 April 2009

on: Deliver Us from the Return of Religion, by Lewis Gropp Dear Qantara, Thanks for all the great articles you bring to advance the cause of building bridges between the West and the Muslim world. Lewis Gropp' article; Deliver Us from the Return of Religion is a fresh breeze ushered by Robert Misik. I agree with Mr Misik when he explains the difference between criticism of religion just to provoke a minority and an inside development, a religion needs to move forward. But he is not fair when he says that religious groups repeatedly demand special treatment for their convictions and that religions claim that all kinds of criticism are automatically a demonstration of a lack of respect. I can not speak on behalf of Christianity but in Islam, there is both a place for internal criticism and a tradition of religious debates with outsiders. Moorish Spain and Mogul India are just two examples. In my 30 years of work with minorities in Europe, I have never heard Muslims saying that people should not criticise Islam or Muslim communities. On the other hand what they actually resent, is demonising, insults and anti-Islam propaganda in the media, from politicians and in public discussions. In short criticism yes, insults no. This does not sound to me special treatment for their convictions. The fact is that the modern day Western insistence that freedom of expression is not debatable to me, is close to an absolutist ideology which dares not open itself to criticism. Why can not I challenge the concept of this holy cow, called total freedom of expression and not be called an Islamist or an undemocratic person? Coming back to Misik's statement that in Quran all of the moderate suras date from a period when Prophet Mohammed did not yet have the political power to disseminate his faith with force while the later suras, which originated at the zenith of the prophet’s political power, are permeated by a spirit of belligerence. Here again, there is a great need for correction. Mohammed is a historical figure and all his deeds are recorded – as a prophet, a statesman and a political leader. As a leader of Medina where he established a state, there was a need for laws, regulations and rules, like in every society. Karen Armstrong in her famous book; Mohammed-Prophet of our time explains that he always sought compromise and negotiation than enforcing his will. Even if he could have used brute force to conquer Mecca, when he marched on the city, he came unarmed and showed mercy and spared even those who had kicked him out. Contrary to Christianity, Muslims have in most times been magnanimous towards minorities when they were in power. Another important aspect to remember is that a person who is truly religious and is in tune with his creator does not need to show power and majesty. Submission to God is what makes a person humble and not arrogant. By the way, I am not a practicing Muslim but I admire those who have faith, peace and dignity. Bashy Quraishy Chair - ENAR Advisory Council-Brussels Chair - Jewish Muslim Platform-Brussels Mobile. 0045 40154771. Tel&Fax. 0045 38881977 www.bashy.dk