I remain convinced that a country that cannot embrace the diversity within Islam, cannot understand what it means to be “Islamic.”
In a Muslim State, Fear Sends Some Worship Underground – NYTimes.com.
While sectarian divisions are associated more with countries such as Iraq and Pakistan, Islamic experts say Malaysia is a rare example of a Muslim-majority country where the Shiite sect is banned. They say the recent raid reflects the religious authorities’ reluctance to accept diversity within Islam, and was part of the authorities’ continuing efforts to impose a rigid interpretation of the religion.
Your observation is so true. Speaking of which: http://hangingodes.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/blasphemy-discourses-i-deconstructing-the-contemporary-context/#comment-8243
You need to make that comment a blog post. I’ll host it if you want. 🙂