Thread by @YasMohammedxx

Thread On Muslim Reformers

I get asked about this so often, Im going to make a thread to share going fwd. There is a general disagreement w ppl like me and @aliamjadrizvi believing it is possible and ppl like @ArminNavabi and @SarahTheHaider who believe it is not
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We won't know who wins this debate as it wont be settled in our lifetimes, but I see enough evidence to give me hope. I think Muslims can reach the point that most Christians and Jews are at-that is having a tenuous connection to their religion without practicing it literally

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What gives me this impression is that I've lived in Muslim majority countries and attended and taught in Islamic schools and in general-ppl want to be free. If Muslims are given the option between Sharia and freedom, they will overwhelmingly choose freedom.

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The problem is: they dont have that choice today. So what we see happening today is the result of indoctrination from the media, from the education system, and from the govt. If there can be separation of Mosque and state-things would be different

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The evidence of that is-look at Muslims in the West. They are by far more open-minded than Muslims in Muslim majority countries-because they have the freedom to be more open-minded. The indoctrination is at home, but not nearly as all encompassing as under a Sharia govt

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And even under Sharia! Look how the ppl of Saudi Arabia and Iran are pushing for progress despite the fact that they pay for for it by being imprisoned or killed. How can that not give you hope? Their bravery is so inspiring.

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Of course, there is the problem that the doctrines are still there, so ppl could gravitate toward them. Yes, they could. But why would they want to? This is why most Jews are not Hasidic and most Christians are not fundamentalists-it's a difficult and terrible existence.

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So, in closing,I support Muslims and ppl of any/no faiths who support progress and enlightenment values over religion. Ive made the parallel to gun reform-just because it is highly unlikely-doesnt mean we should stop trying. You may see me as a hopeless optimist, but so be it.

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