The Thinking Muslim The Scholars That Have Become Mouthpieces for the UAE with Dr Farah El-Sharif
Sep 10, 2025
Dr. Farah El-Sharif, a scholar specializing in Islamic tradition and ethics, discusses the alarming trend of scholars aligning with oppressive regimes, particularly the UAE. She emphasizes how this complicity undermines the integrity of the Islamic tradition, especially in times of crisis like the violence in Gaza. Dr. El-Sharif calls for accountability among religious figures, urging them to prioritize justice over proximity to power. Her insights challenge listeners to reflect on the moral responsibilities of scholars in today's world.
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Power-Blind Islam And Madkhalism
- Madkhalism demands unconditional obedience to rulers and produces a power-blind Islam that excuses tyranny.
- This trend mirrors historical court intellectuals who launder injustice as virtue.
When Scholarship Becomes Sophistry
- Scholars who justify servility turn prophetic ethics into sophistry and serve tyrants.
- This converts Islam into rhetorical cover for power, betraying its moral purpose.
Hamza Yusuf Cited As Example
- Farah names Hamza Yusuf as an example of an eloquent scholar who promoted 'suffer in silence' rhetoric.
- She argues this stance throws resisting Muslims under the bus by appealing to the logic of the strong.