An Atheist Asks a Muslim 4 Questions on Islam and Muslims

Matthew: Unfortunately, religion can also be used as a tool for violence and bigotry as well. From my view, much of this stems from viewing a holy book or religious figure as infallible. What are your thoughts on Islamic reform? Would teaching young Muslims to question their teachings and have a skeptical worldview prevent harmful fundamentalism?

Yes indeed religion can be, and has been, used to promote intolerance, bigotry that often leads to violence. Islam is no exception. Muslims do view the Qur’an as infallible and the true word of God. However, its message, at times at least, is subject to interpretation and thus subject to human biases and preset values. Moreover many people who commit violence in the name of Islam have actually not read the Qur’an. Most Non Arabic speaking Muslims, that constitutes majority of Muslims in the world, have never read the Qur’an cover to cover even once in their lifetime. Most of their practices and beliefs therefore are second-hand and they are at the mercy of the Imams or the Internet.

Matthew: Despite the fear and propaganda spread by some politicians, Muslim terrorists are actually not a large threat to Americans. In fact, white men who have no connection to Islam are far more dangerous. How can we combat these harmful stereotypes? What would you like to see more non-Muslims do in order to fight against this bigotry?

You are absolutely right, Matthew, that Muslim terrorists are not a large threat to Americans. But the stereotyping has led to the belief that all Muslims are terrorists and all acts of terrorism are committed by Muslims.

“But headlines can mislead. The main terrorist threat in the United States is not from violent Muslim extremists, but from right-wing extremists. Just ask the police[10]

So what can we do to counter the stereotypes? I am afraid the answer is not that simple. But it involves a unified approach and efforts by like-minded people. Much of it is education at various levels. It includes engaging others at local levels- at work, engaging in interfaith activities, engaging with neighbors and blogging to name a few platforms. We all know the power of media to change perceptions and engaging with media- print, radio, TV and blogging are all important means to get the word out.

Most importantly, it is putting the human face to the word “Muslims”. When you know your neighbor as a human, you are much less likely to demonize and dehumanize them. You are right that this work should not be limited to Muslims, and everyone should be united in our efforts to combat the “othering’ effect and combat hate- be it Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, homophobia or racism.

Here is a link to a short video produced by Unity Productions titled “American Muslims: fact or fiction”, that helps tell the story. I have shown this numerous times to various audiences and as part of “Know Your Muslim Neighbor” program of my interfaith council. I encourage you to use it at every opportunity.

https://www.upf.tv/films/american-muslim-facts/

Thanks a lot Matthew, for your questions and engaging in this dialogue!

[1] The Qur’an 3:104

[2] The Qur’an 5:48

[3] The Qur’an 2:177

[4] The Qur’an 4:36

[5] The Qur’an 30:22

[6] The Qur’an 4:135

[7] Dr. Martin Luther King, “I have a dream” speech: August 28, 1963, Washington, DC

[8] The Quran 49:13

[9] The Qur’an 25:63

[10] Charles Kurzman and David Schanzerjune. The Growing Right-Wing Terror Threat., NY Times June 16, 2015