From The Guardian, with thanks to Susan: Tariq Ramadan online chat! Susan notes: “In this live chat session at al-Guardian (where else), Tariq Ramadan is repeatedly asked about his ‘moratorium’ on stoning. He does not answer the question, repeatedly.” Look at all the other questions he doesn’t answer as well. And note: he is identified as a professor at the University of Notre Dame. But he is not allowed into the U.S. Is The Guardian simply wrong, or is he teaching his classes by webcast?
Atcha – 02:37pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (26.)
There is an article in Le Monde today that underlines a clear contradiction in your discourse. In your book “Les Musulmans dans la laïcité (Tawhid)” you say that a Muslim is bound by a form of moral and social contract with the country where he lives and that he should respect its laws. In the tapes ” Vivre en Occident” you say that a Muslim should only observe the law of his adoptive country only if they don’t contradict an islamic principle. How do you explain those differences? The same article accuses you of lying during the Guillaume Durand Tv show “Campus” on France 2 when you declared that you had won your libel trial against Antoine Sfier, director of the “Cahiers de l’Orient”. They say that Mr Sfier has won the case. Mr. Sfier’s argument was that you were speaking a double language, according to your audience. Do you have any explanation to provide about these accusations?——————————————————————————-
GoodByeLenin – 11:54am Dec 9, 2004 GMT (26.1)What a shame Dr Ramadan didn’t answer this question. I wonder why.
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jardel4 – 03:20pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (27.)
Professor Ramadhan do you think the laws of the Sharia (most them being the legalistic interpretations of 13th century jurists) will be ever reformed?, by possibly a gifted mujtahid?…(Would you agree that islam needs reforming faqih not a reforming theologian?)
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tariqramadan – 03:45pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (27.1)
This is a good question. We see that from the very beginning of the discussion Muslims do not agree on the meaning of the concept of “shari’a”. Shari’a is not a set of law, it is rather “a way”, a way towards faithfulness. We have to think about the laws while on our way towards the required faithfulness. We have to take into account our environment, our new context and societies. Once again to imitate in the 21st century what was done in the 10th century is to betray the Islamic message which invite us to find the appropriate solution for our age. Muslims should get rid of this “imitation mentality” which gives them the impression that they are protected by the surrounding dangers of the modern societies while this mentality is the a bigger danger for their future——————————————————————————–
GuardianTalk – 03:26pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (28.)
This question via email from Khalil Martin:Dear Brother Tariq,
As-salaamu aleikum
Do you believe that it is possible for Islam, as an ideology, to become a form of idolatry?
That Islam is seen amongst many Muslims as an end in itself rather than a means to an end?
I have heard a commentator say that in the West the highest societal value is placed on Freedom, while in the East, and the Islamic world, the highest societal value is placed on Honour.
If we then think of Freedom as being the Divine gift to Man but constrained by the Divine Law, whereas honour is often nothing more than the ego saving face, could we not say that the West provides more fertile ground for Man’s self fulfilment than the East?
Ma salaam
Khalil
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GoodByeLenin – 03:29pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (29.)Dear Dr Ramadan
Have you seen Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Theo van Gogh short film “Submission”? What is your opinion of the film?
Thanks
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tariqramadan – 03:50pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (30.)
I have not watched the entire film. I did not like what I have watched and I do not think that this is a wise way to help the Muslims to get a critical mind. However we have to condemn the murder without any condition. This is not acceptable and the Islamic teachings are not teaching us to kill the people we disagree with. We have a shared responsbility on that field : Muslims should accept that their religion could be questionned or criticised (and they have to answer and explain their views). The society should not confuse criticisms and insults… the latter destroyes, the first builds——————————————————————————–
GoodByeLenin – 03:53pm Dec 6, 2004 GMT (30.1)Many thanks, Dr Ramadan.
Two answers in an hour?