The comments below are based on some brief notes taken by attendees at three “‘Ask-A-Muslim” events recently staged by Robert Azzi, a Muslim who travels around New Hampshire to meet, at schools, town halls, churches, and other venues, with non-Muslims who are encouraged to ask him “anything at all” about Islam. Here are three of […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still At It With His “Ask A Muslim Anything” Program (Part Three)
3. “It says in the Qur’an that a man can beat his wife if she is disobedient. Could you comment on that?” Azzi: “Yes, I’m glad you asked that question. It’s true that some 1400 years ago, and not just in the Middle East but in Europe, men had far more control over their wives […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still At It With His “Ask A Muslim Anything” Program (Part Two)
Friends introduced him to the Koran, the holiest scripture of Islam. Azzi was captivated by the translation by Muhammad Asad. Asad, himself a convert to Islam, was born Leopold Weiss to a Jewish family in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Asad’s rabbinical skills and the tradition of questioning in Jewish learning greatly influenced Asad’s translation of the […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still At It With His “Ask A Muslim Anything” Program (Part One)
I have written about Robert Azzi before, but because he is as busy as ever with his “Ask A Muslim Anything” events, it’s time for another look at this tireless propagandist for Islam. For several years, Azzi has been visiting towns in New Hampshire — and very occasionally in northern Massachusetts — from his home […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part Six)
9. Mr. Azzi, you have written, and I quote: “In the wake of 9/11, America had a choice: either demonize and attempt to disenfranchise from the global community one-sixth of humanity known as Muslims, or respond, engage, educate and forge partnerships with peace-loving peoples in order to isolate, delegitimize and destroy the criminals that executed […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part Five)
Question #8C: “You said that Islam as practiced in Saudi Arabia provided inner peace and a sense of security? Where apostates and homosexuals can be decapitated? Where the school textbooks preach hatred of Jews and Christians, where the Shi’a are denounced as Infidels? Where women can’t drive, or work alongside men, and are constantly under […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part Four)
7. “What do you think is the future of Islam in America?” Azzi: Oh, I’m very hopeful. Yes, I have my worries — I do recognize that there is a powerful campaign being waged against us. I once described myself, at a low moment, as feeling that I had a crescent on my front and […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part Three)
5. “Could you comment on Muhammad’s marriage to Aisha when she was nine years old?” Azzi: “Oh my goodness. What makes you think Aisha was nine years old?” Questioner: ”It says so, in the Hadith of Bukhari, 5, Book 58, number 234.” (A look of anguish passes quickly over Azzi’s face, as he realizes he’s […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part Two)
3. “Mr. Azzi, I found in reading the Qur’an, one verse — 98:6 — that describes Unbelievers as ‘the most vile of created beings.’ And another — 3:110 — about how Muslims are ‘the best of peoples.’ Can you tell me if Muslims really believe that, and if so, what can or should be done […]
Hugh Fitzgerald: Robert Azzi, Still With His “Ask-A-Muslim Anything” Shtick (Part One)
For several years, Robert Azzi has been touring towns in New Hampshire, offering “Ask A Muslim-Anything” events to benighted Infidels. Having retired from his professional life as a photographer who specialized in taking photographs in the Middle East, and especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he now dedicates time to explaining Islam to non-Muslims. […]