The Trouble with Islam : A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith

Rating:
Summary: The Trouble with Manji
Review: This book makes some important points -- the Islamic world has long suffered from a lack of self-examination, blind adherence to tradition, a mentality of victimhood, conspiracy-mongering, anti-Semitism, misogyny, etc. It is refreshing to see these issues tackled by a Muslim, at a time when many non-Muslims seem afraid to address the obvious. Where Manji falters is her approach. Her tone is casual to the point of chattiness, coming off more as a television program than a book. Intelligent, well thought-out television, but television no less. Clumsy neologisms like "foundamentalism" hardly help. The book's very existence, however, is its foremost merit. Major critical works published on the state of the Islamic world can be counted on one hand. The others come either from non-Muslims (Bernard Lewis) or those who have left the faith (Ibn Warraq). Manji strikes a somewhat conciliatory note in suggesting that all is not lost -- the trouble lies not necessarily with Islam but with its supposed defenders. It is therefore important reading for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book, but I'm Waiting for the Sequel!
Review: Many people struggle privately with their religion, at least some time in their life. Of course, when they do, their tendency is usually not to write a book chronicling it. Fortunately for us, this is precisely what Canadian journalist Irshad Manji did. This book, written as an open letter to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, offers us a first-hand glimpse at Ms. Manji's struggles to identify, wade through, and possibly rectify "the trouble[s] with Islam."

What are these troubles? The first is that unlike Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc., Islam's mainstream consists of Koranic literalists and what Manji calls "foundamentalists." The Koran, so they say, is not only to be taken completely literally, but is perfect.

As Christianity went through an arduous enlightenment period where Christians were forced to rethink and retool Christianity, Manji would like to see the same for Islam. She would like to see a time when Muslims are taught the virtues of thinking for themselves, learning from sources other than the Koran and the Madrassa. She even invokes a little-known idea from the Koran as backup: "ijtihad," meaning something along the lines of "the act of independently interpreting Islamic law."

I applaud the Enlightenment spirit in which Ms. Manji writes this book. It is the same spirit that moved Thomas Paine to write "The Age of Reason" and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to write "The Women's Bible" - two books that dared to question the coherence and morality of Biblical literalism. What I question, though - and what Ms. Manji fails to give a good answer for - is whether Islam can really embrace such an Enlightenment process.

Ms. Manji admits several times that there are plenty of passages in the Koran that endorse a purely literal reading of the Koran, and others suggesting that Islam is the perfect manifestation of God's will. (She cites no counter passages!) So how does one go about convincing Muslims to take passages endorsing Koranic literalism non-literally? And how does a religion that's holy book writes of itself as the perfect and final word of God convince itself that this holy book might not be so perfect or final after all? As one of Islam's core tenets is literalism, then how can Islam be de-literalized without, in some way, de-Islamizing it as well?

I am not suggesting that Islam cannot modernize in this way. Christianity and Judaism did it. And maybe with a book like this as a call to action, Islam can do it too. All I can say is that I would have given the book two more stars had Ms. Manji actually handled this question directly. Instead of "Would I like to see Islam change?", maybe, "Can Islam as it actually is actually change?" Instead of "How would I like to see Islam change?", maybe, "How much is it feasible for Islam to change, at least for now?" And more importantly, "How can a religion that's rigidity seems part of its very identity become less rigid WITHOUT LOSING THAT IDENTITY?" Had I heard Ms. Manji - a direct and firey writer if ever there was one - addressed this head-on, I'd have easily given the book five stars.

In the end, I must give it three stars. Ms. Manji has written a needed book in a firey, iconoclastic style that deserves high appreciation. Shei s not afraid to call Islam out where she sees fit, and is not afraid to get personal about her simultaneous love and uncomfort towards Islam. Good book. But I'm waiting for the needed sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Does what it sets out to do
Review: Highly recommended. The 'open letter' approach is personal, and that is what the author wanted to do. Though she's clearly done her homework, the lack of footnotes was refreshing in the reading (though she has a website for appropriate documentation of her facts). Also, the point she makes most strongly--that Muslims must allow questioning and dissent among their own as well as from others--is well taken. Other religions may castigate questioning; few or none of those others kill or maim the questioner. Read it in conjunction with Bernard Lewis for a more historical take on the issues. One thing is clear: this woman is not afraid to ask questions and take risks!