Auster proved wrong about moderate Islam

A reader writes:

I see that you have been proven wrong about Islam; there IS a difference between moderate Muslims and extremists; furthermore, democracy does bring these moderates to power.

What the Afghani judge in the Christian-on-trial case has to say about the matter demonstrates the difference:

Judge Ansarullah Mawlawizada, who is handling the case, said he normally takes two months to decide on cases. But because this case is so serious, he expected to hold another hearing within the next week and make a decision.

Mawlawizada, who kept Rahman’s green Bible on his desk, said he respected all religions. He emphasized that he did not favor the aggressiveness of the Taliban, who cut the hands and feet off criminals in a soccer stadium. But he said Rahman had to repent.

“If he doesn’t regret his conversion, the punishment will be enforced on him,” the judge said. “And the punishment is death.”

So you see, for the moderate, death to the infidel is sufficient—none of that crass dismemberment stuff. I trust you will not be so quick to criticize the “Bush Doctrine” in the future.

My reply:

Dear Mr.______:

I am duly corrected!

Radical Muslims say: Apostates must be executed by being chopped into pieces.

Moderate Muslims say: Apostates must be executed without being chopped into pieces.

Clearly, there are significant differences between radical and moderate Islam after all.

Now that you’ve straightened me out, I will publicly confess that my dismissive attitude toward moderate Islam has been unjust.

Lawrence Auster

Posted by Lawrence Auster at March 21, 2006 08:01 PM | Send