Anybody interested in Islam and the role of Muslims in a pluralistic society should read this fascinating interview with M. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. Most of us should be able to agree that we need more Muslims speaking out against people trying to hijack their religion for violent causes. The interesting thing is that Jasser does so in such an eminently reasonable way without sounding like an anti-militant militant.
A couple of quick personal notes: I have known several Muslims closely over the years. We have had some good talks about religion, and they are fascinated that there are Christians who believe that prophets existed after Christ. One thing that has always interested me about talking to them is that they are strangely silent about the issue of radical Islam. They always want to change the subject.
Now part of this may be natural defensiveness in a post-Sept. 11 society. But I have always found this response interesting because when I encounter people who criticize Mormons for being literal “the world was created in 7 24-hour day creationists,” for example, I always am quick to say that most Mormons don’t believe that and it is not a tenet of our religion. So, I would expect Muslims to do the same thing, to basically say as Jasser does, “these people are wrong, and I want the world to know they do not represent my religion.” In my personal interaction with Muslims, I have not encountered that, so Jasser’s response is encouraging and, in fact, uplifting.