Religion in general and Islam in particular are women's enemy. Women's inequality is god's commandment, in Islam enshrined in immutable law by Mohammad and eventually recorded in scripture. In most countries under Islamic states or under the influence of Islam, Koran's directives are incorporated into contemporary law.
"Immutable law"--therein lies an obstruction to reformation, particularly on the part of devout Muslims.
BTW, I've seen the site before. How much play is this movement getting within mainstream Islam? Is this material being distributed at the Saudi-funded mosques and schools here in the United States? That distribution is essential!
The ISIS was originally associated with Ibn Warraq but he moved on. Irfan Kawaja, an American of Pakistani heritage, now runs the site. He’s a philosophy Professor, educated in Notre Dame, I believe, and is not religious. I’ve talked with him online and he is quite bright, passionate, and a tough critic. I’d put him in the category of Wafa Sultan or Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I think the reception is likely to be similar.
Yes, I think ISIS is probably not very well-liked within the Islamic community. But, I think we ought to support them.
AOW,
Of course, I don't agree with his point that all religion is women's enemy. But, you know, Hirsi Ali hates all religion as well. While I think that is a very ignorant opinion, I still have to admire these guys for their bravery and their moral commitment. I understand where they are coming from, even if I disagree with them.
If I say Muslims ought to step forward and condemn terrorism, and encourage their fellow Muslims to do the same, and then don't credit those who do what I call for, then I am an asshole, right?
This guy truly condemns the same things I condemn. So, I give credit to him.
Saturday, July 08, 2006 7:15:00 pm
Anonymous said...
I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
Me too. It was the "reformation of Islam" bit I reacted to. As we all should know by now, it cannot happen. That doesn't mean that people who call themselves Muslims and condemn terrorism shouldn't be given credit for it. We just shouldn't confuse it with a sign of potential for Islamic reform.
Well, it is what this guy is working towards, whether it is possible or not.
In order to discuss the guy, one has to articulate his position.
Sunday, July 09, 2006 3:19:00 pm
Anonymous said...
As a Muslim male I can without doubt say the women in my house (mum, sisters, wife) will always get their own way. So the notion that women are treated badly is not at all fitting with what I believe. The most perfect believer in faith is one who is kindest to his wife (Mohammad pbuh). And if you still have trouble understanding then read a book about the earliest women of Islam.
As many Western and Eastern apologists for Islam repeatedly tell us that what is happening to women in the so -called Islamic countries is not according to real Islam, and that real Islam is egalitarian, I mainly refer to the Koran. Laws about women are the most cruel, inhumane and cunning aspects of the Koran and Islamic Shari'a.
The rigid laws of Islam have deprived half of the population of their basic human rights. The male is in charge of the female: Koran 4:34, and the subjugated half is led to believe, through Islamic teachings, that the supremacy of the man is the will of Allah, and it has been predestined for women to live as submissive, obedient wives.
They are forced to accept that women are inferior to men, that their testimony is equal to only half that of the man, that they should inherit one - half of the male share, that Allah doesn't want to see any women unveiled, that she may not conserve with men except her father, or her brother.
The proper job and position for women is taking care of home, children and to be a housewife. The majority of Muslim women are brought up with theconviction that it is Allah's command for them to be under male dominance and their fates are interwoven with that of men.
In the Koran there are four so called neutral verses where women are considered equal to men (at least not demeaning towards women); to which apologists for Islam refer us repeatedly. Here are those:
3: 195 "Their Lord responded to the: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female, you are equal to one another¦."
4: 124 "As for those who lead a righteous life, male or female. While believing, they enter paradise; without the slightest injustice"
16: 97 "Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world, and we will surely pay them their full recompense for their righteous works."
40: 40 "Whoever commits a sin is required for just that, and whoever works righteousness - male or female - while believing, these will enter paradise wherein they receive provision without any limits."
In opposition to above four so-called neutral verses, there are hundreds of versed that deliberately defame and dehumanise women:
An-Nisa 4: 34 "As to those women On whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill -conduct, admonish them (first), (next) refuse to share beds, (and Last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): For God is Most High, Great (above you all)"
Al - Baqara 2: 223 "Your women are a tilt for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilt as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (o Mohammad)"
Al - Baqara 2: 222 "They questioned thee (O Mohammad) concerning menstruation, Say it is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not unto them till they are cleansed."
(...)
Veiling (hijab)
One of the most misogynist Islamic laws with respect to women is the requirement for complete veiling (hijab) in accordance with koranic tenets. The wearing of the veil was instituted by Mohammad in the early days of Islam. Within about one hundred years of his death, the institution of veiling and seclusion had been spread all over the Middle East. One and a half centuries after his death, the system was fully established.
The effect of all kinds of veils is the same, the woman is rendered anonymous, a non -person ...
Why is Islam so obsessed with keeping men and women part? Why have Islam gone to such great lengths to maintain control over women?
The main reason for hijab is the need for controlling women's sexuality. Veiling internalises the Islamic notion in women that they belong to an inferior sex, and that they are sex objects. It teaches them to limit their physical movements and their free behaviour. Veiling is a powerful tool to institutionalise women's segregation and to implement a system of sexual apartheid.
10 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formOpening pargraph from that last link:
Religion in general and Islam in particular are women's enemy. Women's inequality is god's commandment, in Islam enshrined in immutable law by Mohammad and eventually recorded in scripture. In most countries under Islamic states or under the influence of Islam, Koran's directives are incorporated into contemporary law.
"Immutable law"--therein lies an obstruction to reformation, particularly on the part of devout Muslims.
BTW, I've seen the site before. How much play is this movement getting within mainstream Islam? Is this material being distributed at the Saudi-funded mosques and schools here in the United States? That distribution is essential!
Friday, July 07, 2006 2:18:00 pm
The ISIS was originally associated with Ibn Warraq but he moved on. Irfan Kawaja, an American of Pakistani heritage, now runs the site. He’s a philosophy Professor, educated in Notre Dame, I believe, and is not religious. I’ve talked with him online and he is quite bright, passionate, and a tough critic. I’d put him in the category of Wafa Sultan or Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I think the reception is likely to be similar.
Friday, July 07, 2006 2:45:00 pm
AOW and Jason,
Yes, I think ISIS is probably not very well-liked within the Islamic community. But, I think we ought to support them.
AOW,
Of course, I don't agree with his point that all religion is women's enemy. But, you know, Hirsi Ali hates all religion as well. While I think that is a very ignorant opinion, I still have to admire these guys for their bravery and their moral commitment. I understand where they are coming from, even if I disagree with them.
Friday, July 07, 2006 4:10:00 pm
Pastorius,
I can understand the reaction that all religion is problematic, though I don't agree.
I was more focused on the immutability portion of the portion I exerpted.
Friday, July 07, 2006 8:52:00 pm
Ah yes, I see what you mean. Of course, that is a huge problem.
Friday, July 07, 2006 9:27:00 pm
This is exactly the kind of Moderate Muslim organization that is needed for a true reformation of Islam.
So you haven't stopped beating that dead horse yet?
Saturday, July 08, 2006 6:37:00 pm
I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
If I say Muslims ought to step forward and condemn terrorism, and encourage their fellow Muslims to do the same, and then don't credit those who do what I call for, then I am an asshole, right?
This guy truly condemns the same things I condemn. So, I give credit to him.
Saturday, July 08, 2006 7:15:00 pm
I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
Me too. It was the "reformation of Islam" bit I reacted to. As we all should know by now, it cannot happen. That doesn't mean that people who call themselves Muslims and condemn terrorism shouldn't be given credit for it. We just shouldn't confuse it with a sign of potential for Islamic reform.
Sunday, July 09, 2006 3:04:00 pm
Well, it is what this guy is working towards, whether it is possible or not.
In order to discuss the guy, one has to articulate his position.
Sunday, July 09, 2006 3:19:00 pm
As a Muslim male I can without doubt say the women in my house (mum, sisters, wife) will always get their own way. So the notion that women are treated badly is not at all fitting with what I believe. The most perfect believer in faith is one who is kindest to his wife (Mohammad pbuh). And if you still have trouble understanding then read a book about the earliest women of Islam.
Friday, June 15, 2012 3:23:00 pm