In Perspective

The tragedies in Spain made me angry – just like I’m sure they did for many others. However, as the amazing show of solidarity in Spanish streets shifted to the election outcome, I must admit that I had some not-so-nice things to say about what was going to happen as a result. Then, as the hostage taking episodes began in Iraq, I was all too happy to draw a causal link from Madrid to tactics in Iraq. However, I’m not so comfortable in those assertions any more. This op-ed in particular made me think again. I’m not sure where I…

I understand that in some “Progressive Muslim” circles it is almost blasphemous to criticise Khaled Abou El Fadl, but I am going to to do it anyway. Let me state first off that I think all Muslims and non-Muslims should read ” A Conference of the Books: The Search for Beauty in Islam”. It is a moving, well written, collection of essays that will forever change the way one thinks about Islam. I will read anything by El Fadl and consider him to be one of the foremost thinkers on Islam today. He is a great legal scholar and one…