(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
There can be no doubt that Islam – like all other religions – should be criticized for their irrationalism, oppressive positions of women, abusive attitudes towards non-Muslims and so on, not to mention the legitimation of oppression and violence that Islam is also used for. At the same time, it is clear that many Muslims feel that they are being unfairly affected by the criticism and this may be a problem where Muslims are a vulnerable minority.
Of course, it is not the case that Islam can be criticized because there are Muslim minorities in the world. There are more than 1,2 billion Muslims today. Most people live in countries where they are in the majority – and consequently have to endure a sharp critique of their religion when it is used to maintain oppression.
If there was no reason to criticize Islam because there are Muslim minorities in different countries, criticism of Christianity would also be wrong. Of course, the criticism that can be directed at Christianity in the West can be used (or abused) to stigmatize Christian minorities in other parts of the world. But it would be absurd not to address criticism in our part of the world because criticism can be used negatively elsewhere.
There is, however, a difference between sharp criticism of the majority religion and criticism of the beliefs of vulnerable minorities. It is infinitely easier to stigmatize the "weak" groups. It is obviously unfortunate when the criticism of Islam affects "simple" and some Muslims in Norway.
How do we avoid this? It is not a simple issue.
It can be tempting to just point out the positive aspects of Islam, the ones that give cause for hope for change. For example, there are a number of modern interpretations that go in the feminist direction. These are interpretations that emphasize the statements in the Qur'an that emphasize women's rights and equality in relation to men. Many of us will say that these are progressive and positive positions.
Of course it is important to point out such positions, and even support such Muslim feminists, but it would be outright dishonest to claim that this is the main feature of Islam. The er a fact that such modern, progressive positions that emphasize that Islam is compatible with human rights are minority positions. It also shows Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi's position in Iran.
Many point out that the fundamentalism of Osama bin Laden and other fanatics are marginal positions within Islam. Most Muslims are peaceful people who do not want to use violence at all to change the world. There is a lot of truth in that, but undoubtedly the progressive interpretations – like the feminist ones – even more marginal. Therefore, it is a sociological fact that many of the oppressive attitudes and interpretations of Islam are also widespread among Muslims in Norway. Although we should avoid stigmatizing an entire group, it is inconceivable and cowardly not to dare to criticize such attitudes in our own country.
But will not such criticism be used by the xenophobes and racists who attack all Muslims? Yes, it is hardly to be avoided. But because there are in fact serious conditions worthy of criticism related to Islam among Muslims – also in Norway – those who present the criticism will enjoy the legitimacy that the presentation of truthful criticism gives. If the arena of Islamic criticism is left to xenophobic politicians and racists, these groups will gain new legitimacy for their entire xenophobia. If others, without any xenophobic or racist agenda, criticize the wrongs of Islam, firstly it will not be possible for the reactionaries among Muslims to reject the criticism as racism and xenophobia, and secondly it will be much easier to expose and reject it. xenophobic and racist criticism like just that.
The Human-Ethical Association (HEF) has for many years defended the rights of Muslims, as we defend the freedom of belief for all. This means that we actually have credibility among Muslims. Some of them have also told us: “So good that it is you who say this. You have no FRP agenda. Then we can agree with you. ”
Therefore, there is no complete reversal as many believe, when HEF comes with sharp criticism of Islam – for example in connection with the publication of Ibn Warraq's book Why I'm not a Muslim. And therefore it was only natural that HEF also criticizes Minister of Local Government Erna Solberg harshly when she demands that Islam be modernized otherwise… A minister should refrain from making such statements, especially when they are followed by a threat of sanctions.
The Human-Ethical Association also wants a more modern Islam, but it is the Muslims' own business to ensure that this happens. Our contribution will be religious criticism and sharp condemnation of concrete abuses, while continuing our consistent defense of Muslims' rights. It is in fact a good basis for a dialogue in mutual respect.
