Where Are The Muslim Moderates?

Note: This blog calls for the development of a Reformed Australian Islam. I am not a muslim, so I cannot, obviously, participate in the 'nuts and bolts' development of this project. Only muslims can do this.

I assume that 'Reform' in Islam is possible; Judaism has been reformed, Christianity has been reformed, why not Islam? It requires much effort, but it is muslims who must make this effort. The effort to reform Islam will be opposed by other muslims. Islam in Australia faces serious times ahead.

Is anyone awake in Canberra?

This article below is from 'Jihad Watch'. Google it. This site shows the turmoil into which muslim Australians will fall unless they take defensive steps quickly.





Clifford D. May of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies writes that the reason we don't hear from moderate Muslims is they are intimidated by radicals. We at Jihad Watch maintain another reason moderates are scarcely heard is that they don't have a theological leg to stand on in refuting mainstream Islamic doctrine. Undoubtedly, both factors are involved, but we think it would be a great folly for the western world to depend on these unknown numbers of moderates as a matter of policy because of the inherent weakness of their position.

In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev addressed a closed session of the 20th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party. For nearly four hours, he spoke about the unspeakable: the crimes of his predecessor, Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
Though listeners were warned not to reveal what was said, and the speech would not be published for 32 years, word leaked out. The most widely told story, probably apocryphal, had it that as Khrushchev was detailing the mass arrests, torture and executions carried out within the Gulag, someone in the audience shouted: “And what were you doing then?”

“Who said that?” Khrushchev demanded. No one made a sound. “I want to know who said that!” he repeated, slamming a fist on the lectern. The audience was silent, trembling in fear. “That's right,” Khrushchev said finally. “That's exactly what I was doing.”

I am reminded of this story not only because this year is the 50th anniversary of Khrushchev's “secret speech,” but also because it may provide at least a partial answer to the question: Where are all the Muslim moderates? Where are those who oppose terrorism, religious wars, hatred and intolerance? Where are those who think it crazy to attempt to recreate the 8th century in the 21st century? Where are those who want not to destroy the Free World but to join it?

They are out there, I suspect; in larger numbers than we might be led to believe. But if most are silent and fearful of speaking out, can you blame them? The vast majority of Arabs and Muslims live in countries ruled by illiberal and oppressive regimes. And in the few relatively free countries – Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia – there is no protection from the long arm of Militant Islamism. Indeed, even in Europe it can be dangerous to challenge religious fascism. And last year, Shaker Elsayed, leader of Dar al-Hijrah, one of the largest mosques in the U.S., told American Muslims: "The call to reform Islam is an alien call."...



Comment: "The call to reform Islam is an alien call."... The cry of the reactionary throughout the Ages.

Australian muslims have no option but to go down the path of reform. Australian governments must involve themselves in this project by refusing entry to Australia of imams and lecturers of all islamic persuasions, not just the obvious fascists like Shaker el Sayed quoted above.

Australian readers should try and come to grips with the fact that current mainstream Islam is socially fascist. That is why reform of Islam is needed in Australia. Fascism is not part of the Australian world view; we settled this matter in 1945. We do not need to re-run the issue.

The Australian media has a role to play in this vital reform project; they must join the chorus promoting it and not just pander to the 'shock jock' world view now prevalent in Australia. Failure to reform will lead to a disaster for muslim Australians; they will stay heavily unemployed, they will stay socially isolated, their discontent will lead to a winter for all Australians, to paraphrase the catholic William Shakespeare.

Is anyone awake in Canberra?