Misogyny not allowed in Islam

CAIR-PHILLY: AT ODDS WITH ISLAM - TOP
Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/17/06
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/14839134.h tm

As a practicing Muslim, I find Carlin Romano's commentary ("Daring to reject the cruelties and abuse of Islam," June 4) at odds with the actual teachings and practice of my faith. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the subject of the article, fails to make distinctions between teachings of Islam and the un-Islamic actions of particular groups or individuals. She fails to demonstrate that the complained-about misogynistic practices are grounded in Islamic text or accepted by Islamic authorities.

She instead attributes widespread cruel and inhumane cultural practices against men or women to Islam. Muslims everywhere are horrified by these cultural practices. Those who engage in such practices may seek to legitimize their behavior by claiming Islamic sanction, but one cannot find support for their actions in the Quran or in the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The claim that "Muslim women are virtually excluded from public and political life" is a misrepresentation. I am one of many female directors and spokespersons at the North American offices of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

People of all faiths are invited to participate in a 10-part course CAIR Philadelphia offers, called "Understanding Islam and Muslims through History and Jurisprudence." Anyone may order a free Quran at www.explorethequran.org or learn more about the Prophet Muhammad at www.cair.com/Muhammad.

Instead of accepting the arguments of Romano or Ali, I urge you to engage your Muslim neighbors and colleagues and to explore Islamic texts and resources to learn for yourself what Islam actually promotes.

Adeeba Al-Zaman
Director of communications CAIR-Philadelphia
[email protected]