Moderate Muslims?

What is the problem with Islam? Better still, is there a problem with Islam? There are various opinions and ideas about Islam. Some say that mainstream Islam has been hijacked by the extremists. Others believe main stream Islam is tolerant and peaceful, but that the Wahhabi sect is composed of radicals who focus on only the most violent and intolerant parts of the religion. How do we sort this out? Is it even important that we sort this out?

Many moderate Muslims live in the west, abide by western laws and do not attempt to promote Shari’a law on those around them. In fact, they themselves could be said to violate Shari’a if they permit their families to conduct themselves as westerners. That is, wives and daughters do not cover themselves from head to toe, are permitted to have careers, and even marry outside of Islam. According to Shari’a law these are apostate Muslims and should be executed.

A friend recently noted to me that Islam is not monolithic just as Judaism and Christianity are not. There are Hasidic Jews, Reform Jews, Conservative Jews and Liberal Jews, just as there are Roman Catholics, Baptists, Methodists and Episcopals. These differences are primarily a matter of how they interpret the Bible. This is especially true of Christianity which has dozens of subgroups. However, one thing is undeniable. The God they worship is a God of love, mercy, and grace.

It is true that both Jews and Christians have gone to war. The reasons vary; however, wars are not encouraged to convert others to their beliefs. With Islam, this is not the case. War is used as an instrument to spread the faith. Within Islam theology it is a basic tenet to divide the world into two broad categories. Dar al Islam (The House of Islam) is that part of the world governed by Islam and Islamic law. Dar al Harb (The House of War) is that part of the world not under Islam. Here we can see a basic tendency to view the world that is not part of Islam as the enemy, or those with whom Islam is at war. Granted, this is a medieval term and not much in use anymore. But it does say something about the perspective of the religion historically. Those conquered were given the option of conversion or death. People of the Book (A distinction given to religions of the Bible including Jews and Christians) were permitted a slightly more lenient alternative; that of submission or tribute. For example Coptics (Egyptian Christians) must pay tribute (a tax) to the government of Egypt. Hence, non-Muslim People of the Book are historically seen as second class citizens. In several Muslim countries, however, Christianity is not even permitted. For example, Saudi Arabia allows Christians to enter the country as foreign workers for temporary work, but does not allow them to practice their faith openly. Christians, therefore, are generally forced to worship in secret. Consequently, they are second class citizens.

The United States, most of Europe and the rest of the world are considered Dal al Harb. I mention the use of war as an instrument to further Islam throughout the world in order to emphasize that it is, at its core, a violent religion. So called “moderate” Muslims who embrace a more tolerant and equal role of women, and reject strict enforcement of Shari’a law are not following the fundamental beliefs of Islam as put forth in the Qur’an and the Hadith.

Critics of Christianity are quick to point out the Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries as examples of how Christians promoted war. Let’s clarify that misunderstanding. Throughout his life, Muhammad used war as an instrument to spread Islam. After his death it continued to be used to expand Islam across North Africa and almost to the gates of Paris. Jesus Christ never encouraged the use of force to gain converts. In fact, he did just the opposite. His credo was that of love. “Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.” The first crusade was not a war to spread Christianity but one to re-establish the right of Christians to make pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

So what is the point? As I attempt to sort this out I ask a question. Is there such a thing as a “moderate” Muslim. The life of Muhammad and the book he wrote make it clear that Islam is a violent religion. Although Muhammad made statements about peace and forgiveness early in his life, he took a much more intolerant and violent stance as he matured. He endorsed and even ordered beheadings and amputations. When conflict arises within the Qur’an, his latter statements, written in his less tolerant and violent stage of discovery, take precedence. This is a fundamental tenant of reading and interpreting the Qur’an. Those who claim to be Muslim but do not agree with its violent aspects are, in fact, apostate. In the United States that is their choice. In Saudi Arabia or Iran they would be in big trouble

Then, there is the concept of deception. The Qur’an clearly states that it is permissible to deceive or lie to an infidel. This “Holy Lying” is known as taqiyya. It may take many forms, including outright lies, feigned moderation, and condemnation of terrorist attacks to the Infidel while rejoicing with fellow Muslims. Since this concept is perfectly acceptable, it becomes quite difficult to tell a sincerely moderate Muslim from one who is committed to radical beliefs but engaged in deception for the purpose of fulfillment of his plan. Additionally, there are examples of Imams (Muslim leaders) who say one thing to the American press while saying something contradictory to an Arabic news source.

Up to this time, I have seen no nationally known Imam denounce radical Islam, Wahhabism, Hamas, Hezbollah or Al Qaida. Until that happens I will assume they are in the radical camp. Unfortunately, those Muslims who are legitimately moderate will have to deal with my disbelief. Fortunately, for them, this is the United States of America and we do not cut off one’s head for being a moderate. It could be that that is why they prefer to live in America?