USA-MICHIGAN: MANJI'S VIEWS ARE NOT WELL RECEIVED

She touts realistic view of Quran, Islam
Saturday, November 18, 2006
By Charles Honey
Press Religion Editor

GRAND RAPIDS -- Irshad Manji has an urgent message for her fellow Muslims: Don't be afraid to question the Quran.

The controversial and outspoken author asserts that most Muslims take a literalist, uncritical reading of their holy book, thereby empowering Islamic militants and muting the mainstream.

"The jihadists are so adroit at quoting from the Quran to justify their violence, because the rest of us have been taught that asking questions of the Quran is off limits," said Manji, who will speak tonight at Fountain Street Church. "So we're left with this queasy feeling that questioning the Quran-quoting jihadists is to question the Quran itself."

The Canadian journalist and human rights activist says it is time more Muslims question what is being done in the name of Islam. Oppression of women, anti-Semitism and human rights violations in many Islamic regimes call for widespread reform, she writes in her 2003 best seller, "The Trouble With Islam Today."

"We're in crisis, and we're dragging the rest of the world with us," Manji writes. "If ever there was a moment for an Islamic reformation, it's now."

But some Muslims charge Manji's message fuels anti-Muslim sentiment, and some local Muslims have objected to her visit at Fountain Street.

Opposing views

Tamara Miller called the church to question why they invited Manji, whom she feels does not have the scholarly credentials to make her critiques. Though she has not read Manji's book, Miller said Manji wrongly asserts mainstream Muslims are fundamentalists.

"She's entitled to her opinions, but she doesn't understand what Islam is really all about," said Miller, of Ada Township.

Fountain Street invited her because she is addressing questions many people have about Islam but are reluctant to ask, said the Rev. Weldon Frederick Wooden.

"She doesn't represent Islam, she represents herself," Wooden said. "Listening to a provocative voice is a way for all of us to think about the anxieties we have in a very turbulent and religiously charged environment."

...

I am not sure if Tamara Mills is a moslema or a member of the Fountain Street Church...

Pertinent Links:

1) She touts realistic view of Quran, Islam