Comments on: More about Islam & Islamism: Response to “Islamoscope”

By: Diane Vera

Diane Vera — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:30:40 +0000

To Islamoscope: Yes, your blog does mention a Muslim reform group on the side panel. It would be nice if there were a link to them there, not just a “badge.” It would be nice if you added a links list (blogroll) to your side panel, linking not just to Muslims Against Sharia but to other Muslim reformers as well.

My main objection is to the way you insist on defining the word “Islam” to refer only to the beliefs of “radicals” (as you call them) and not the reformers. By defining the word “Islam” that way, you are effectively siding with the “radicals” against the reformers, though that’s probably not your intent.

By: Diane Vera

Diane Vera — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:20:40 +0000

To jookut: Obviously there do exist Muslims with a variety of different opinions as to what Islam is. (See my previous post for a list of examples.) No one is "dividing" them. They are thinking for themselves.

By: islamoscope

islamoscope — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:57:24 +0000

Thank you for the response to our about me section. We are always open to learning more and having our own personal views challenged.

In regard to the first point, you are entirely correct – awareness of reformists movements is an imperative step. I will not deny that Islamoscope has given far more time to the radical elements of Islam than it has to reformists in the field. However, to imply that the blog has not attempted to create such awareness is a big step in the wrong direction. Please note that the only group publicly supported by our blog at this point of time is a Muslim reformist movement by Muslims.
If you were to check out the side bar under ‘We Support’ there is a badge for the “Muslims Against Sharia:Islamic Reform Movement”.
For anyone interested in this group their website can be located here: http://www.reformislam.org/

I will respond to the rest as time allows.

Thanks again.

By: jookut

jookut — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:20:31 +0000

Islam does not divide Muslim to radical or reformer. They who use both term only has an interest to break Islam into many pieces. Islam is clear and straight in one point, and Islam can be tolerant in another point. But we can’t divide Muslim into radical or reformer.