Theological credibility of "moderate" Islamic rulings in doubt, especially vis-a-vis the authoritative fatwas of Saudi Arabia's shiekhs. "Islamic preachers to give moderate advice," by Duncan Gardham, for Telegraph, July 13:
A panel of Islamic scholars to give advice on modern living is to be introduced as part of a Government scheme to counter extremism.In other words, their credibility will constantly be under attack by "radical" Muslims, who will accuse them of being the infidel government's lackeys.The Muslim clerics will give advice, particularly to women and young people, on how the Koran should be interpreted for life in the 21st century.
The board is bound to be controversial among young Muslims partly because of its state backing but also because only certain scholars are qualified to give Islamic rulings or "fatwas" which normally emanate from Saudi Arabia.
While imams regularly give advice about what is "halal" [permitted] or "haram" [forbidden] their authority is secondary to the sheikhs of the Middle East.
The board is designed to discourage rulings which allow the beating of wives, or compel women to cover their faces.
They would also help young people with issues such as when they can mix with the opposite sex and whether it is permissible to serve in the armed forces.
While technically independent, the panel will receive support from the civil service and will have their expenses paid.
A spokesman for the Department for Communities said: "It will be a theological board aimed at engaging communities in Modern Islam."[...]
But a spokesman for the Muslim Public Affair Committee warned: "To be successful, this initiative must have credibility with the Muslim community as a whole.
"What matters is what happens at the grass roots in someone's local mosque."
"Modern Islam"
There are lots of oxymorons in our language, but this has the be the cream of the crop.
Its worse, much worse:
Hazel Blears will go on an international tour to find ‘moderate Islam’
http://sheikyermami.com/2008/07/13/hazel-blears-will-go-on-an-international-tour-to-find-moderate-islam/
and this:
Cherie BLiar is a victim also!
http://sheikyermami.com/2008/07/13/cherie-bliar-is-a-victim-also/
Modern Islam...yep, that is a tough one. Defies definition. How does 'modern' Islam further the cause(s) of Allah? How does living as a modern muslim effect the chances of getting into Allah's heaven? Being in the world but not of it, requires some kind of isolation, or insulation.
Living in the 'modern' world interfaces musims with dar al-harb. To many dar al-harb offers numerous 'fatal attractions'. Fatal because it shifts the focus of their materialism from what Allah can give them to what the modern world can give them.
Dar al-harb has most of the good stuff.
Here's the problem for modern muslims, Allah knows everything. He's making a list, and checking it twice, he will write down on the tablets of destiny, which muslims are naughty, and which are nice.
You know his attitude toward naughty muslims,
it's bad news for those who cross him....
While technically independent, the panel will receive support from the civil service and will have their expenses paid.
Another way to squeeze jizya out of the Great Satan. And another sign that our government doesn't have a clue as to who or what the enemy is.