Open to Debate Is Islam A Religion Of Peace?
Oct 14, 2010
Zeba Khan, a writer and advocate for Muslim American civic engagement, joins Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a critic of fundamentalist Islam and scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, along with Majid Nawaz, a former radical Islamist and director of the Quilliam Foundation, and Douglas Murray, a best-selling author turned atheist after studying the Quran. They dive deep into the complex interpretations of Islam, debating its characterization as a religion of peace while exploring personal narratives, the influence of Khomeini, and the role of women in Islamic societies.
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Zeba Khan's Upbringing
- Zeba Khan, raised in a Muslim American household, shared her experience of a diverse and inclusive mosque.
- Men and women prayed side-by-side, and a woman served as president, challenging common stereotypes.
Interpreting the Quran
- The Quran contains verses of both peace and violence, creating interpretational challenges.
- Zeba Khan argues that focusing on the peaceful actions of the majority of Muslims is crucial.
Majid Nawaz's Transformation
- Majid Nawaz, a former radical Islamist, recounts his transformation in an Egyptian prison.
- He realized the effectiveness of peace through Amnesty International's intervention and scholarly study.