Islam Needs Reform

[Matt]

Rushdie urges Islamic reformation

Islam needs to be reformed to bring it into the modern era, the Indian-born Muslim novelist Salman Rushdie argues.

A broader interpretation of the Koran would lead to better relations and cut alienation, he writes in the Times.

This would also combat jihadist ideologies that led to the 7 July London terror attacks, Rushdie argues.

Rushdie spent years in hiding because an Islamic fatwa ordered his death over allegedly blasphemous passages in his book The Satanic Verses.

The former Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued the religious edict calling for his execution in February 1989.

In his comment piece for the Times, Rushdie says Muslims in some parts of Britain lead lives separated from the rest of the communities.

In such insular circles, "young men's alienations can easily deepen", he argues.

"What is needed is a move beyond tradition - nothing less than a reform movement to bring the core concepts of Islam into the modern age.

"A Muslim Reformation to combat not only the jihadi ideologues but also the dusty, stifling seminaries of the traditionalists, throwing open the windows of the closed communities to let in much-needed fresh air."

He also argues that the Koran should be studied as a historical text rather than treated as "infallible".

21st Century

This has rendered all scholarly discourse impossible, he says.

"If, however, the Koran were seen as a historical document, then it would be legitimate to reinterpret it to suit the new conditions of successive new ages.

"Laws made in the seventh century could finally give way to the needs of the 21st.

"The Islamic Reformation has to begin here, with an acceptance that all ideas, even sacred ones, must adapt to altered realities."

The novelist's forthcoming tale, Shalimar the Clown, is about a young Muslim boy who is guided by a radical mullah to become an Islamic terrorist.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4140540.stm

I post this not to add to the growing hostility towards Muslims, but to show others that they are trying to overcome this "problem".

[SaLiVa]

Sadly one mans words still will not change the world in a day.

I dont think Islam wants a reform. The majority of us are traditionalists. There's little to change. What needs changing is the condemnation of terrorist acts. That I see a complete lack in the Muslim community. We are not trying hard enough to look innocent, but maybe we have no motivation to do so. We know we are innocent, the smart people of the world know its not our religion that is the problem. So why prove ourselves innocent when it's proven already?

Everyone treats something different differently. Especially in a time of shock, all these sweeping generalisations of an Arabian being a terrorist occur. The media seem to know how to paint the worst picture and place it in the best made frame.

[Azadre]

Islam is meant to be the final set of laws and rules applicable to men until the end of the universe. It sets up social structures, political sturcture, even laws. Problems arise when courts mix local tradition and customs with it. If anything, Muslims need to reform and become strict Qur'an-based governing.

[SaLiVa]

If anything, Muslims need to reform and become strict Qur'an-based governing.

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*Shudder*

[Dave Veteran]

Islam is meant to be the final set of laws and rules applicable to men until the end of the universe.  It sets up social structures, political sturcture, even laws.  Problems arise when courts mix local tradition and customs with it.  If anything, Muslims need to reform and become strict Qur'an-based governing.

586360720[/snapback]

You'll excuse me for my skeptic coming out.

But if individual Muslims can not agree with one other as to what the Qur'an is preaching, how can you expect a whole government to agree?

I mean I obviously have other concerns, but that was the most obvious problem for me.

[Aaron Veteran]

I have a feeling that Rushdie's fatwa is about to get fast tracked...

[dreamz Veteran]

this is nothing new, and applies to other religions, as well as other bodies of knowledge. people have been pushing for a critical humanism (more interpretation and reason) for a long time now.

[_sphinx_]

Salman rusdie is a vile ****** that hates Islam with every fibre of his sick body for no reason...his book "ayaoton shaytaniya/satanic verses" shows it all. For once I agree with ayatolla al khomini who declared a fatwa against salaman ahmed rushdie. He has no right to speak of Islam ir mention its name with his filthy mouth. I have read satanic verses, even though it was banned here, and it was the most insulting piece of literature I have read in my life.

Personally I think hostility towards muslim will always remain as long as the media smears it.

Now with the reform part...ok I know many people here don't agree with Islam, or any religion...but forget that for a sec...ok...You are asking me to take something which I belive contains holy words and twist it....that is basically what terrorism is about. Bin laden and his idiots took the words of Islam and ****** them up...maybe he should reform his book, that ######

And because Quraan is only a book that people could follow rightously or take its teachings and **** them up into a terrorism justification or not follow at all (most of my fiends don't pray at all), you shouldn'y codemn it or shove it down a ****in toilet.

Stop talking about Islam and start talking about Islamism

Edited August 12, 2005 by _sphinx_

[Black Hawk]

For once I agree with ayatolla al khomini who declared a fatwa against salaman ahmed rushdie. He has no right to speak of Islam ir mention its name with his filthy mouth.

586363476[/snapback]

You expect people to see Islam as a peaceful religion, yet you want to kill someone cause he spoke badly about your religion? :sleep:

[R-Flex]

Salman rusdie is a vile ****** that hates Islam with every fibre of his sick body for no reason...his book "ayaoton shaytaniya/satanic verses" shows it all. For once I agree with ayatolla al khomini who declared a fatwa against salaman ahmed rushdie. He has no right to speak of Islam ir mention its name with his filthy mouth. I have read satanic verses, even though it was banned here, and it was the most insulting piece of literature I have read in my life.

Personally I think hostility towards muslim will always remain as long as the media smears it.

Now with the reform part...ok I know many people here don't agree with Islam, or any religion...but forget that for a sec...ok...You are asking me to take something which I belive contains holy words and twist it....that is basically what terrorism is about. Bin laden and his idiots took the words of Islam and ****** them up...maybe he should reform his book, that ######

And because Quraan is only a book that people could follow rightously or take its teachings and **** them up into a terrorism justification or not follow at all (most of my fiends don't pray at all), you shouldn'y codemn it or shove it down a ****in toilet.

Stop talking about Islam and start talking about Islamism

586363476[/snapback]

Well put!

[LispyGlitter2]

Islam does not need reform. We need to go back to Islam. THAT is the only reform we need.

[Aeons]

For once I agree with ayatolla al khomini who declared a fatwa against salaman ahmed rushdie. He has no right to speak of Islam ir mention its name with his filthy mouth.

Man, it's called an opinion. Everyone has one. You don't see the Pope everytime someone says something about the Catholic Chuch saying "Off with his head". See this is exactly the problem with people in Islam. I know that Islam isn't the problem, but the people who practice it. NO ONE deserves to die for voicing an opinion whether you like it or not.