How an Islamic extremist found a new path

[moonshaz]

I don't know how many of you saw this on Rachel's show last week, but it was fascinating.Sohail Ahmed, a self-described reformed Islamic extremist and gay Muslim, spoke with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on radical Islam

Comments

[eldvno]

This kind of interview is very informative, but I think a very crucial part of this discussion is missing: NAME THE PROBLEM.

And I don't mean, "Islamic extremism" or "radical Islam", because that doesn't help, there are different levels of susceptibility within Islam, and these phrases which are being used make it seem like ANY type of Muslim can be radicalized. The extremists are not from the 'willy nilly, live and let live, I don't really fast or pray but I like the parties' type of Islam, it is the far-right versions like Wahabbism and Salafism which are being supported by Gulf States. If people are not willing to name the problem, then misinformation and prejudice are going to continue to spread.

[moonshaz]

Actually, I think he sort of did name the problem. He talked about Salafism, the branch of Islam he grew up in, and how it influenced the direction he took.

I strongly recommend watching the interview if you haven't yet, because I think he did address what you're talking about.

[eldvno]

I did, it is really good, and he does mention Salafism, but I should have mentioned that this is a general feeling I have, not in response to those specific interview. I feel like, when actual ideologies are mentioned, the are brushed away by the media (and thus the public) in favor of just calling it "Islamic extremism". While this interview is good, I think people who watch it won't realize this is not an Islamic problem, but a problem associated with certain branches and ideology (all far-right). So even though he mentions Salafism, I don't think this interview will move the discussion in the direction it needs to be headed.

[mimblexwimble]

How will naming the problem Salafism & Wahabbism help prevent prejudice and misinformation, specifically?

ETA: Just wanted to clarify that I'm asking honestly.

[tabaqui]

I'm glad he found peace with himself and his beliefs.

I can't help but think that organized religion is the root of so many issues and problems - I'll be rather glad when it falls out of fashion.

[meadowphoenix]

I mean, the anthropology on religion suggests that that's never going to happen, as long as there are unknowable things in the universe; that religion and the organized nature of it is specifically based on humans wanting to structure the unknown.