Since publishing the Muhammed caricatures February, let’s just say I haven’t been in the good graces of Muslims. I received many death threats, tons of hate mail, and messages I couldn’t even read, nor care to. But in the end there was one Muslim, ironicly named Muhammed, who has contacted me not to voice anger, but to share knowledge.
Muhammed is from Karachi, Pakistan where he lived for 25 years. 5 years ago he came to the US and currently resides in the Muslim loving state of Texas :) Muhammed is a self-described liberal staying in the confines of Islam. He is well-versed in all the current conflicts involving Muslims and is no fan of Israel.
I asked Muhammed if he would be kind enough to answer any questions that we may have. He promptly agreed so let’s give it a go. Just leave your questions in the comment section. Feel free to ask him anything about recent conflicts, Islamic traditions, woman’s rights, the Koran, and whatever else you are curious to know. Once we have enough questions, I’ll send them off to Muhammed to answer. When he’s done, I’ll setup a section for people to read and comment on his responses.
All I ask is that you refrain from insulting comments or abusive language. That hasn’t been a problem on here for the most part and I appreciate that!
Thanks!
Related posts:
Two philosophical questions:
1. Why would a perfect being need somebody to praise him?
2. What is his answer to the “problem of hell”? (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_Hell)
–Nova–
Hello Muhammad,
Thanks for agreeing to answer some questions.
I have a question: Is there now or has there ever been in the past a sizable liberal Islamic tradition? As a self-identified liberal Muslim, I would imagine that you would be well situated to answer that question.
The reason I ask is because I know that Christianity in the US used to be largely liberal. It emphasized helping the poor, the dangers of greed and power, and intellectual understanding of the teaching of Jesus. It now emphasizes sexual restraint, literal adherence to doctrine (unless it involves making money), and obedience to authority, all conservative values. I was wondering if Islam has undergone a similar transformation.
1. What is the moral justification of loving a god more than your fellow man, including your friends, family and children? Do you think societies would benefit more in their tenure on Earth from collectively loving a god more or collectively loving one another more?
2. Does your religion permit you to question or logically inquire into the existence or nature of your god, or is doubting your god’s existence forbidden? If it is forbidden, do you consider it cruel for that god to not provide any type of measurable proof of his or her existence?
I sincerely appreciate your willingness to take questions, and I thank you very much.
Hello,
i was wonderring about several things,if you’ll be so kind to explain them to me.
where is it written in the qoran that women should wear a veil?and what is the meaning of it?why do they look at a woman as a sexual object?like the only thing which matters is her body,so she needs to cover it up from head to toe,i would apprecaite it if you’d answer me that.
There is one thing that has truly bothered me and I have not been able to understand it. How the mothers can so willingly say that they sent their children to battle for various reasons? What in the religion makes people sacrifice their children instead of trying to protect them? I understand self-sacrifice but the concept of sacrifying own children is concept that truly makes my head ache.
Muhammed, thanks greatly for encouraging open dialogue and conversation with those who you may disagree with or who may offend you. I think mindsets like yours make this world a better place.
Anyway, my question is – as a liberal Muslim, how much similarity (if at all) do you see between conservative American Christians and conservative Muslims in theocratic countries?
Discussion of ideas and not proselytizing, this is what the world needs. Even if neither side wishes to change their ideas, discusion aids understanding and understanding aids peace.
1)What is you opinion of the leaders on all sides of the current conflicts that call out that god stands on their side.
2) A logical follow-up to that question is, As a liberal Muslim, what is your take on the deities of these religions? Do you believe them to be one in the same with different names, or do you feel that they are different deities. If the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism all have the same roots wouldn’t the Religious leaders on all sides of the wars in the Middle East all be claiming the same god as being on their side?
3) Do you feel that a child should automatically be labled with the religion of their parents and therefore have the parents as enforcers of the belief in the young mind or should parents encourage their child to seek their own beliefs while, well within their rights, acting as an example to the child of their own religion in hopes that they set the best example in the child’s mind?
I would like to know from you, as a Muslim, what exactly is the problem with Israel? My history is a little rusty, but I do believe that the relative size of the Islamic-controlled Middle East has changed greatly over time, and yet this small piece remains the major issue. Now I understand that it is “The” small piece, but still, why the continued violence? I don’t believe that Muslims are banned from there now, so what difference does it make that the leader is of a different faith? Doesn’t the Muslim focus on “retaking the Holy Land” seem far too similar to the Crusades?
For reference, I’d like to know Mohammeds take on capital punishment. When, if ever, is it applicable? (Murder, adultery). What method should be used? (E.g. stoning vs. lethal injection).
I’d also like to read his opinion on the Danish Mohammed cartoons.
Thank you Muhammed for offering to enlighten us. I have only two questions,
1. In the metric that the West and the Middle East share Abrahamic religion, do you believe it is possible for some form of reconciliation of the two, and what would be the conditions for this to occur?
2. Do you believe war is an irrational part of the human condition?
Thanks again.
On the lighter side… I know you don’t necessarily reflect all liberal Muslims here or anywhere else, but I’m curious about the similarities between your typical daily life and those of “native” citizens. Do you watch much American TV? What are your favorite non-news shows and movies? What is your overall opinion of American entertainment? (good, bad, immoral, stupid, funny?) or the media in general? Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?
Thanks for you time.
Muhammed, thank you for being willing to enlighten us a little.
My question surrounds Israel and the Jewish people.
Given the history of how Israel (the state) came to be, I can definitely understand why Israel is not wanted/recognized in the most of the middle east.
But, it comes across that the Jewish people and the land of Israel seem to be synonymous. Am I mistaken that if Israel (the land) were to be re-distributed or totally internationalized that the Jews would still be treated and looked upon with the same contempt throughout the region? To re-state that, is it really more of a hatred of Israel (the people), Israel (the land that’s being occupied), or just a combination of both?
Thanks again!
Do you think there is anything in the world that truly happens because of religion? For example, are “religious extremists” truly religious? Are people truly fighting for God? Do religious states truly feel their laws are serving God? Or is religion merely a highly visible tool, simultaneously a distraction from and a justification for the agendas of those in and those seeking power. Would the world be any different without religion? Are the believers and the non-believers alike simply pawns in contests between Leader A and Leader B?
…please do not interpret my questions as a marginalization of religion. Upon re-reading the post, it seems that to me that it might be interpreted that way.
What I really mean is: is religion really a problem or are we completely missing the point when analyzing the world? If I put a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim, would they really just up and try to kill each other? There is no question that if I threw Tom Cruise in there he would definitely not come out alive, but that is different, I suppose.
Have you read “The End of Faith” by Sam Harris? He gives Christianity a hard time, as you might imagine, but he’s also very hard on Islam. Basically, he says that the right wingers are largely correct — that Islam has a lot more hate than Christianity (and that’s saying something).
I wonder what you think about this.
Mohammed, first, I’d like to express my appreciation and admiration for your volunteering to come forward to open dialogue in a potentially hostile environment without first making any statement or ranting.
I understand that in America, those that are politically active are in the minority. Of those, probably about half are advocating violence and force against those they disagree with. However, I’d be surprised if the rest of the world doesn’t have some kind of stereotype that all Americans are pro-Israel and anti-Muslim gun-slinging cowboys who invite our enemies to “Bring it On”…
Since our media disproportionately reports on the violent extremists in the mideast, I’m wondering – what percentage of Arabs are actually apolitical like the average American? What proportion of Muslims are just Muslim in name, but inside are really apathetic about Islam? What proportion of Muslims were actually offended by the Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed?
Also, why do we mostly hear about the violent extremists in the Mideast who justify their actions in the name of religion, as opposed to in Indonesia? Does it have something to do with Israel, and if so, how come Indonesians don’t appear to be as passionate about that issue?
thanks again, and apologies in advance if my questions imply any kind of misunderstanding I have.
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