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by Majid Rafizadeh • September
16, 2018 at 5:00 am
- On the surface, for
those who wanted to reform Islam, the only place to do so
appeared to be the West. We all assumed that here in the West,
it would be safe to question and criticize. Instead, so many
institutions utilize a far more subtle method of silencing
criticism.
- The more you conceal
or disregard constructive criticism of Islam, the harder you
are making it for reforms to occur in the religion and the
easier you are making it for Muslim radicals to prevail.
- The reason I
criticize the radical elements of my religion is not because I
have hatred in my heart, but because I desire to protect those
who have been abused and abandoned by their leaders.
Majid
Rafizadeh speaking at the United States Congress, on December 7,
2017. (Image source: Valter Schleder/Wikimedia Commons)
When I received a letter from a Shiite religious
preacher from the United Kingdom, it did not surprise me. I receive
many similar letters from extremist Muslims all over the world, as
well as Western liberals, socialists, and others. Each time,
opening these letters, I prepare for criticism of my careful
scrutiny of my religion. As expected, the letter began with a
familiar suggestion: "Stop criticizing your own
religion."
The letter went on to support this instruction with
promises of the media and Western progressives favoring me and
becoming far more supportive of me, if I were to align my views
with their preferred talking points:
"If you stop criticizing Islam, the West will
certainly be more welcoming of you, and you will receive more
offers and opportunities to further your career."
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