The Trouble with Islam

I have not yet read Irshad Manji's book, "The Trouble with Islam: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith." I first encountered the book in a used bookstore that I favor with much of my spare time, and while I was intrigued by the cover notes, I passed on the purchase because I already faced a backlog of books on the subject of Islam. I have since read a number of reviews about Manji’s book and I very much regret my uncharacteristic restraint on that distant day.

I mention Manji because Opinion Journal today published an editorial in which she discusses, with candor uncharacteristic of Islam, the violence and intolerance that are written into the Koran and Hadiths. Manji succeeds in explaining some of the theology that drives Islamists- Osama bin Laden for example. She also suggests that an Islamic “reformation” is possible through theological constructs. On the latter point, I withhold judgment. While I am not persuaded by the argument framed in Manji’s editorial, I recognize the limitations of the editorial medium. Perhaps in the space of a book her argument is more compelling.

In the meantime, my reading of the Koran and parts of the Hadiths leaves me convinced that they say little to encourage a theology that is not literalist. My skepticism results from the following logic: the Koran repeatedly claims literal divine authorship and exalts the life of Muhammad (an exaltation that holds Islamic tradition together); and Islamic tradition describes Muhammad’s life in terms that are objectively violent, intolerant and opportunistic. How then can a Muslim question the life and deeds of Muhammad without breaking with what he is taught to consider the literal words of God?

I have not found a satisfactory answer to this problem, but I will read Manji with the hope that she can provide one.