Understanding Islam
Articles from a diverse range of perspectives on Islamic art, history, faith, religion and culture.
Religion can move with the times
 by John L. Esposito Rome - Islam and other great world religions are not "inherently democratic", but history has shown they can move with the times, leading historian of religion John L. Esposito told Adnkronos International (AKI). "To me, the question is what do Muslims want: the fact is, most desire political pluralism, freedom and the rule of law," said Esposito. He believes that authoritarian, secular Arab regimes - which Western powers are working with in the short-term - are the principal source of instability in the Mediterranean region. |
Ellison and the Qur'an: "a great American story"
 James J. Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American Institute (AAI), describes the debate over Keith Ellison, the first Muslim American elected to Congress, swearing his oath of office on the Qur'an. Explaining the open process by which all elected Congressmen are sworn in, he argues that this act, and indirectly the surrounding debate, in fact demonstrate the beauty of the United States and should be celebrated. |
Changing the present and dreaming the future
| Tariq Ramadan, professor of Islamic Studies and senior research fellow of St Antony's College at Oxford University, asks readers to consider transforming the present to bring about a future of constructive interfaith relations and a more secure world. Admitting that peace, and indeed conversation, can be very difficult and even frightening, he challenges each individual to consider the difference between emotion, which "put us in a position where we perceive "˜us' versus "˜them' and where we have to defend our identity", and spirituality, which is about effort, in our attempts to make "peace" and "mutual trust" more than just words. |
Muslims do want democracy: An Interview with Radwan Masmoudi
| In this interview published in the Charlotte Observer, college professors Paul Kengor and Michael Coulter ask Radwan Masmoudi, founder of the Washington-based Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, tough questions about democracy, shari"˜a and the Muslim world. Do Muslims want democracy? Is it possible in Iran? In Iraq? What elements of Islam could be considered "liberal"? |
Introduction to Islam: A Christian Perspective and Appreciation (Part I)
 Fred Bush, professor emeritus of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Seminary, looks at the religion of Islam from a distinctly Christian perspective, examining the similarities and differences of these two monotheistic faiths. |
An Islamic-Western alliance against sectarianism in Iraq
| Freelance writer, Mehlaqa Samdani, considers the role that the Muslim world and the West can play jointly when it comes to mitigating sectarian conflict in Iraq. Highlighting some of the major players in Iraq and those who have the ability to sway public opinion, the writer outlines a list of actions that they can take to encourage inter-sectarian cooperation and explains how the West can support these efforts. |
Chief rabbi writes to Sunni cleric about pope's remarks
 by Yair Ettinger
Tel Aviv - Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar wrote to a leading Sunni cleric in Qatar to express his sadness over the comments made by Pope Benedict XVI last week that sparked a wave of fury among Muslims worldwide. In a letter in Arabic to Yusuf Kardawi, Amar wrote that "we must respect all faiths and the ways of all peoples and nations, as the Prophet [Mohammed] said: 'That each nation will go as instructed by their God. Even when there is a struggle between nations this must not be turned in a struggle of faiths.'" Kardawi, who is based in Qatar, is considered a leading figure in Sunni jurisprudence, and the message was sent to him through Sheikh Abdullah Nimer Darwish, the founder of the Islamic Movement in Israel. |
