Voices Critical Of Islam

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 12 August 2025 The learned writer Mr Naseer Ahmed rather sweepingly calls Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Irshad Manji, the ex-Muslim missionary and the queer-friendly conformist respectively. He also dismisses other voices in the same disdainful vein. Both the descriptions are derogatory. Mr Naseer further says that the Somalia-born and now a Dutch citizen Ayaan Hirsi Ali is, "Marketed as a voice of dissent, she offers little more than recycled colonial tropes. Her attacks on Islam are often amplified by conservative and Zionist platforms, reinforcing the “Islam = terrorism” narrative under the banner of liberal enlightenment." Sorry, that's a typical as well as threadbare Muslim perception of Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She has substance and sense. Her criticism of Islam is not unfounded. Nor was she brainwashed by any western or Zionist group or agency into believing that Islam was an evil faith. She came to this conclusion on her own when she experienced this first-hand. She's an atheist for whom all faiths and their gods are bogus. She's spot-on when she says that, "The only way for Islam to reform is for Muslims to leave their religion and collectively embrace secularism." For Islam to undergo meaningful reform, Muslims must relinquish their religious beliefs and wholeheartedly embrace secularism. Ali highlights the challenges facing Islam in today's world. She expresses that to address issues such as extremism, misogyny, and intolerance within Muslim communities, a complete departure from religious dogmas is necessary. Ali emphasizes the significance of adopting a secular framework that promotes individual freedoms, gender equality, and religious tolerance. While her stance may be seen as extreme and contentious, it reflects her belief that to realize a more inclusive and progressive society, Muslims must critically examine their faith and embrace new perspectives. She further says that, the biggest problem we face is the inability to discuss Islam openly and honestly. The inability to discuss Islam openly and honestly highlights a crucial issue that many societies confront today. In an era filled with multiculturalism and religious diversity, it is imperative to engage in open and sincere dialogue surrounding Islam. However, due to various reasons such as fear, political correctness, or cultural sensitivities, this necessary conversation often falls short. By acknowledging this obstacle, Hirsi Ali emphasizes the need to confront the challenges and complexities associated with discussing Islam without prejudice and religious tolerance. By fostering an environment that promotes free and honest discussions, we can bridge understanding, dispel misconceptions, and strive towards a more tolerant and inclusive society. She's right when she says that we must encourage Muslims to engage in critical thinking and question the doctrines and practices of their faith. By advocating for Muslims to challenge the doctrines and practices of their faith, she suggests that this introspective approach can lead to personal growth, intellectual emancipation, and societal progress. Hirsi Ali's words underscore the significance of fostering an environment where individuals can freely examine their beliefs, evaluate them with a critical eye, and initiate constructive discussions. By doing so, Muslims can gain a deeper understanding of their faith, strengthen their individual convictions, and contribute to the broader discourse surrounding Islam. Is she wrong or sounds repetitive when she says that, it is time for Islam to undergo a comprehensive and critical self-assessment ? Ayaan emphasizes the urgent need for Islam to engage in a comprehensive and critical self-assessment. As a prominent advocate for women's rights and a former Muslim, she recognizes the immense potential for positive change within Islam. Hirsi Ali calls for the Muslim community to examine and question various aspects of their faith, including issues such as gender inequality, religious extremism, and the separation of religion and state. By undertaking this introspective journey, she argues that Islam can shed outdated and harmful practices while embracing more inclusive and progressive values. This resonates with the idea that any ideology or belief system must evolve and adapt to the changing times, fostering harmony, equality, and respect for all individuals. A comprehensive and critical self-assessment of Islam is crucial in paving the way for a more tolerant, compassionate, and enlightened future for Muslims and the world at large. Lastly, her sage advice to the followers of Islam cannot be ignored: The future of Islam lies not in the domination of other cultures, but in its ability to adapt and coexist peacefully with them. Islam's future lies not in seeking dominance over other cultures, but rather in its capacity to adapt and peacefully coexist with them. Hirsi Ali promotes the importance of embracing diversity and recognizing the shared values that can bridge cultural gaps. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and respect, Islam can evolve and flourish, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant world where different cultures are celebrated rather than threatened. This quote reminds us that true progress lies in embracing unity amidst diversity, and in finding common ground to foster a more peaceful coexistence between cultures. The problem with all hardcore Muslims is that every sane voice that's critical of Islam and vivisects this desert faith is an anathema, whether it's the voice of Ayaan or Dr Ghulam; everyone is an infidel (by the way, Infidel is Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography that hit the stands in 2006). Muslims must be open to criticism of their faith, book and revered personalities however tranchant it may be. Nothing is sacrosanct or irreproachable. Whatever is in this world or relates to it, is mundane and mundane can be condemned. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. 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