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News

Islamic scholar advocates reform at campus event

by JONG LEE
The Daily Cougar

Writer and Islamic scholar Irshad Manji, author of The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith, discussed the importance of individualism in Islam on Tuesday in the University center.

The discussion panel included Dina Alsowayel, professor of Middle Eastern and women's studies, and political science senior Atif Khan.

"I make it very clear, in my own words, that what I am is a dissident. As I said in my talks, and will say here for the record, is that I believe dissidents make a invaluable contribution to the process of reform," Manji, who believes that established rituals such as daily prayers should be challenged, said. "We first break deadly silences, and then more than that, we create a space around ourselves."

The forum also introduced Manji's documentary Faith Without Fear, which will be a part of the PBS series America at a Crossroads. The film chronicles her journey through Yemen and Canada.

Following the film Manji, fielded questions from the audience and panel. Some expressed disagreement with Manji's interpretations.

"I agree that she makes some real valid points, but I think the problem here is that she paints with a very broad brush," Khan said. "Certainly the Muslim community, in some forms, does need reform, and you can see that the American Muslim community is engaging this. But I don't believe her way … is exactly the proper way of going with this reform."

Manji, who said she was viewed as an illegitimate Muslim during childhood because of her beliefs, found a greater sense of tolerance in Western society.

"(Being considered a illegitimate Muslim) sometimes comes with a severe punishment. I can tell you … that the fear I felt as a child very quickly dissipated because I came to see that fear reinforces the injustices," Manji said. "The freedoms I have in this part of the world began to overtake whatever fears I may have felt as a kid."

Questions continued after the panel discussion, and Manji signed books for two hours after the event.

"The discussion was fruitful and productive," Alsowayel said. "We need to do more of this."

Faith Without Fear will air on PBS at 9 p.m. April 15.

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