UNDERSTANDING  ISLAM


I am not a Moslem although I spent some time last year in the Islamic State of Pakistan. I lived with many Sunni Moslems and respected their faith. I remain a Christian but my experiences have led me to understand Islam better and I feel I should share these truths.

The Koran was written by human beings at a particular time. A few of its principles are immutable, but very few. Most of the text has to be interpreted afresh by every generation. Thus "kill them wherever you find them", a phrase about infidels often quoted by fanatical Muslims and by hostile non-Muslims, was written at a particular time of war and referred not to infidels in general but to some of them who had come as spies to betray a new and struggling Muslim society.

It is not the status of the Koran that is the problem, but the minds of its readers. We betray the whole text if we adopt literal interpretations of particular passages. It must always be read in conjunction with the writings that interpret the tradition and the advice of the scholars, and in the light of the prophet’s own life and the examples he set. Nowhere did he ill-treat women or infidels. He allowed those of his followers who left the faith to depart, unmolested.

Muslims also face many problems today on which their texts are silent. There was no cloning in the prophet’s time for example. Faced with such questions, Moslems have to use their minds to formulate new interpretations and principles.

Sharia Law is a way of finding a spiritual path that will make hearts faithful to God in the light of six things, all of which are important. Your religion, your personal integrity, your intelligence, your knowledge and intellect, your family relationships and your dignity.

If we meet Muslims taking drugs or committing adultery there is no point telling them that Islam forbids these practices; they already know that. We must understand their psychology and their circumstances before we can move forward.

So how should Moslems respond to dominant groups in the countries where they live? Some try to become invisible. But the opposite is required. Speak out, quote best principles of the society to our fellow citizens. They must claim their rights and fulfil their responsibilities. Work with other faiths to make the schools better for us all and so build trust between us.

The Koran sanctions the death penalty and it is used in 50 out of 55 Muslim states. In six, there is stoning of women. 'But', said Professor Tariq Ramadan grandson of the founder  of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, 'most of these are corrupt, tyrannical, racist societies where such powers will be used corruptly and tyrannically. So we must say Stop. But Stop, in the name of Muslim values, not in order to please the West'.

Protestation about conditions in jail at Guantanamo Bay are appalling, but we should also recognise that they are far worse in Egyptian or Saudi jails.

In conclusion, if conservative Moslems and the non-Muslim majority in our society will give young people sufficient time and space they will make a contribution to their own communities, the country and western society, for which we will all be grateful.

Our forebears trod the same path. Society changes. Adjustments have to be made.