The Trouble with Islam Today: A Wake-Up Call for Honesty and Change

Irshad Manjii

Aug 2011 · Random House

About this ebook

Irshad Manji calls herself a Muslim refusenik. 'That doesn't mean I refuse to be a Muslim,' she writes, 'it simply means I refuse to join an army of automatons in the name of Allah.' These automatons, Manji argues, include many so-called moderate Muslims in the West. In blunt, provocative and deeply personal terms, she unearths the troubling cornerstones of Islam as it is widely practised today: tribal insularity, deep-seated anti-Semitism and an uncritical acceptance of the Quran as the final, and therefore superior, manifesto of God.

In this open letter to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, Manji breaks the conspicuous silence that surrounds mainstream Islam with a series of pointed questions: 'Why are we all being held hostage by what's happening between the Palestinians and the Israelis? Who is the real coloniser of Muslims - America or Arabia? How can we read the Quran literally when it's so contradictory and ambiguous? Why are we squandering the talents of women, fully half of God's creation?' Not one to be satisfied with merely criticising, Manji offers a practical vision of how Islam can undergo a reformation that empowers women, promotes respect for religious minorities and fosters a competition of ideas. Her vision revives Islam's lost tradition of independent thought.

The recipient of death threats as well as heartfelt support from her co-religionists, Manji travels throughout the world with her challenge for both Muslims and non-Muslims: dare to ask questions - out loud.

Ratings and reviews

Frankly, I see no hope for Islam, not in this 21st century! Muslims must understand just one thing viz. as long as minds exist, there will be questioning, without which we are no longer humans; just animals in a herd. We have a choice; to think rationally or die like animals in slaughter houses. The purpose of human life is to explore his/ her human potential; Not to follow any one or thing. Buddha sought his true self and attained it, in the end. He knew religions are man-made and have nothing concrete to offer but bigotry and power to those who command them.Irshad is a rare jewel as as all she asks, Muslims and non-,Muslims, is to exercise our own faculty of thinking by questioning all irrational dictates and behaviours of mindless fanatics. Your life is your own and because Quran, Bible, Torah or Gita can tell you anything new what you already know and can know, because nature has endowed humans with this unique organ, called brain and combining it with a questioning conscience alone, we can be free of religious irrationalities. Hence, every one of us must read and support minds like Manji and condemn the soul-murderers in the cast name of priests and politicians, or for that matter , anyone who says obey and follow; and not to question. Question alone leads to your inner rebirth and exploring your true human potentials. Others are merely soul&dead zombies, living and dieing like lower animals and are not fit to join the human race. In fact, they create more problems for their own near and dear ones and are burdens to the society, society of sane individuals. I would recommend an author who seek answers to our hunan problems viz Dr.Erich Fromm, who can give insight to such people and problems.

What are fantastic book! Irshad has hit the bullseye in explaining the trouble with Islam today! If only all the "holy men" do read this book with an open mind (which, in itself be a major miracle), then Islam will regain its rightful place in our society! I would recommend this book to every Muslim and to non-muslims who are inquisitive!

About the author

Irshad Manji is a best-selling author, journalist and public speaker based in Toronto. She was born in East Africa and raised near Vancouver. A 'feminist for the twenty-first century' according to Ms. magazine, Irshad travels the globe, engaging Muslims and non-Muslims about how to support the liberal reformation of Islam.