There have been references on P&N to a dearth of so-called "moderate" followers of Islam. Given that the term "moderate" carries some negative baggage (e.g., regarded as synonymous with "lukewarm" or "compromised", etc.) I'll borrow a term I've read before: Adaptive.
Sunday, 28 Jan the NYT published a front page profile entitled "A Cleric's Journey Leads to a Suburban Frontier," which describes the adaptation of Sheik Reda Shata to his new post as Imam of the Masjid Al-Aman mosque in Middletown, New Jersey. Middletown, New Jersey is quite an interesting place with much diversity. BTW, Middletown was hard-hit by 9/11, with 37 residents killed.
Yesterday's article is a follow-up to a 2005 profile done by the NYT of Sheik Shata's experiences as an Imam in Brooklyn. As described in the first NYT profile, he came to Brooklyn from Egypt, by way of Germany. Publication in the 2005 NYT of his adaptations to the realities of the modern world have created some controversy "back home" in Egypt. Coincidentally, in an unrelated article published in the NYT yesterday, the NYT described Egypt as retreating into nostalgic yearnings for the old ways, so in all likelihood, yesterday's profile will make him even more controversial create among the "immoderates" (unadaptive) in Egypt and elsewhere.
Obviously, there are Islamic communities with interest in Imams who can adapt. The orthodoxy of the establishment is often weakest on the "frontier." Clearly, places like the US and Canada will be the center of gravity for Islamic reform.
However, I am not overly optimistic that any of these sprinklings will do much good internationally for many many years. I would also keep a little skepticism when discussing or labeling someone as a "moderate' Muslim. Remember Al-Taqiya; a concept based on Quran 3:28 *2* and 16:106 *3* (as well as extensive hadith, tasfir literature and judicial commentaries) which permits, and encourages, precautionary dissimulation as a means for, among other things, hiding true faith in times of persecution or deception when penetrating the enemy camp.
Precautionary dissimulation is a form of defensive or offensive hiding under false appearances, concealment by feigning, false pretension, or hypocrisy. It's common to exploit cognitive dissonance; Islamic spokesman can baffle interviewers, listeners and readers by using double talk, clichés and platitudes concerning Islam. Perhaps the most famous example was Arafat talking like a reasonable diplomat to western media while whispering "get the bombs" to his henchman under is breath.
Plus, the articles fit well with the NYT philosophy, which editorializes everything. I would be more convinced if I actually saw raw translations of what they tell their flock, rather than reporters. If I were a hard-line imam, I would tell the NYT the same thing.
Sunday, 28 Jan the NYT published a front page profile entitled "A Cleric's Journey Leads to a Suburban Frontier," which describes the adaptation of Sheik Reda Shata to his new post as Imam of the Masjid Al-Aman mosque in Middletown, New Jersey. Middletown, New Jersey is quite an interesting place with much diversity. BTW, Middletown was hard-hit by 9/11, with 37 residents killed.
Yesterday's article is a follow-up to a 2005 profile done by the NYT of Sheik Shata's experiences as an Imam in Brooklyn. As described in the first NYT profile, he came to Brooklyn from Egypt, by way of Germany. Publication in the 2005 NYT of his adaptations to the realities of the modern world have created some controversy "back home" in Egypt. Coincidentally, in an unrelated article published in the NYT yesterday, the NYT described Egypt as retreating into nostalgic yearnings for the old ways, so in all likelihood, yesterday's profile will make him even more controversial create among the "immoderates" (unadaptive) in Egypt and elsewhere.
Obviously, there are Islamic communities with interest in Imams who can adapt. The orthodoxy of the establishment is often weakest on the "frontier." Clearly, places like the US and Canada will be the center of gravity for Islamic reform.
However, I am not overly optimistic that any of these sprinklings will do much good internationally for many many years. I would also keep a little skepticism when discussing or labeling someone as a "moderate' Muslim. Remember Al-Taqiya; a concept based on Quran 3:28 *2* and 16:106 *3* (as well as extensive hadith, tasfir literature and judicial commentaries) which permits, and encourages, precautionary dissimulation as a means for, among other things, hiding true faith in times of persecution or deception when penetrating the enemy camp.
Precautionary dissimulation is a form of defensive or offensive hiding under false appearances, concealment by feigning, false pretension, or hypocrisy. It's common to exploit cognitive dissonance; Islamic spokesman can baffle interviewers, listeners and readers by using double talk, clichés and platitudes concerning Islam. Perhaps the most famous example was Arafat talking like a reasonable diplomat to western media while whispering "get the bombs" to his henchman under is breath.
Plus, the articles fit well with the NYT philosophy, which editorializes everything. I would be more convinced if I actually saw raw translations of what they tell their flock, rather than reporters. If I were a hard-line imam, I would tell the NYT the same thing.
