Tariq Ramadan | Moral Shortcomings, State Witch-hunt & Political Islam | BB #101
Aug 16, 2023
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Dilly Hussain talks to Tariq Ramadan about his ongoing rape cases, the French establishment's witch-hunt against him, reflections in prison, and the future of political Islam. They also discuss the impact of the allegations on his family and academic peers, as well as the role of the UAE and the Zionist lobby in Islamophobic witch-hunts of Muslim influentials in Europe.
Sheikh Tariq Ramadan highlights the lack of evidence against him and the involvement of powerful entities in his legal battle.
He encourages Muslims to stand up against injustice, challenge societal norms, and promote positive values.
Sheikh Tariq Ramadan emphasizes the need for Muslims to actively engage in promoting what is right and resisting what is wrong.
He urges Muslims to define their own terms and principles, engage critically in society, and reclaim their narrative.
Deep dives
The Targeted Destruction
In this podcast episode, Sheikh Tariq Ramadan discusses the trials and tribulations he faced during his legal battle. He reveals the involvement of powerful entities, such as former President Sarkozy and the French interior ministry, and their efforts to destroy him. Despite facing false accusations and intense scrutiny, Sheikh Tariq Ramadan maintains his innocence and highlights the lack of evidence against him. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual autonomy for Muslims and encourages them to define their own terms and principles instead of conforming to societal expectations. Throughout the discussion, he underscores the significance of promoting what is right and resisting what is wrong, asserting that Muslim communities should actively engage with society and strive for positive change.
The Importance of Courage
Sheikh Tariq Ramadan reflects on the lack of support he received from the Muslim community during his legal battle. He emphasizes the importance of courage and intellectual autonomy in the face of adversity. He encourages Muslims to stand up against injustice, challenge societal norms, and promote positive values. Sheikh Tariq Ramadan explains that being a British or French Muslim means being a part of society while remaining true to one's Islamic principles. He challenges the notion of living in enclaves and advocates for active engagement, not only with fellow Muslims but also with the wider society. He calls on Muslims to reclaim their voice and define their own narrative, rather than allowing others to dictate their identity and values.
Challenging the Narrative
Sheikh Tariq Ramadan discusses the distorted narrative often imposed on Muslims and the need to challenge it. He highlights the importance of principles and values such as justice, freedom, and integrity, not only within Muslim communities but also as part of a wider societal discourse. He argues that Muslims should not settle for being invisible, but rather actively engage in promoting what is right and resisting what is wrong. By doing so, he believes that Muslims can demonstrate that their understanding of these principles is in line with the majority and can help reconcile societies by bridging the gaps between different communities.
The Call for Intellectual Autonomy
Sheikh Tariq Ramadan emphasizes the importance of intellectual autonomy for Muslims. He urges Muslims to define their own terms and principles, instead of allowing others to dictate their identity and values. He argues that Muslims should not conform to societal expectations but rather engage critically and proactively. He challenges the idea of living in enclaves and advocates for active participation in society, promoting positive values, justice, and resisting injustice. He encourages Muslims to reclaim their narrative and engage constructively in public discourse, shaping their societies for the better.
Importance of Sincerity and Self-Awareness
It is crucial for Muslim public figures who find themselves in compromising situations to be sincere with themselves and recognize their vulnerabilities. They should not lie to themselves and should have an awareness of their own spiritual state. In such situations, it is advisable to have open discussions with their spouses and seek support from trusted friends or mentors. It is important to avoid superficial modesty and to understand the true meaning of brotherhood, where sincere conversations and advice are valued.
Facing Adversity and Strengthening Family Bonds
Prof. Tariq Ramadan emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family bonds when facing adversity. He shares how his wife and children have provided unwavering support throughout the difficult times, displaying understanding, love, and patience. Additionally, he highlights the role of self-awareness and sincere communication within marriages, which can help cultivate a deep sense of trust and strengthen relationships.
Impact of Muzzling Efforts on Muslim Public Figures
Prof. Tariq Ramadan discusses how attempts to silence Muslim public figures, such as himself, have impacted their ability to engage with Muslim communities and the wider public. He highlights the cancel culture and the fear that some Muslims have in even mentioning his name or publicly supporting him. Despite these challenges, he remains grateful for platforms that provide space for open dialogue and emphasizes the importance of focusing on substance rather than numbers in social media engagement.
In the opening episode of Blood Brothers Podcast season 3, Dilly Hussain spoke with the prominent Swiss Muslim academic and thinker, Dr Tariq Ramadan. #BloodBrothersBodcast#Metoo#TariqRamadan
Topics of discussion include:
The multiple ongoing rape cases against Tariq Ramadan. Background, facts, and fiction.
The French establishment vs Tariq Ramadan. A witch-hunt by the media and senior politicians.
Reflections in prison, jail stories, and reconnecting with the Quran.
Impact of rape allegations and extramarital affairs on family, marriage, and academic peers.
The Arab Spring and the future of political Islam in the Muslim-majority world.
The roll of the UAE and the Zionist lobby in stoking Islamophobic witch-hunts of Muslim influentials in Europe.
