The book takes readers inside the Islamic thoughts through sermons, lectures and writings of contemporary Muslim leaders, not in distant Islamic countries, but in the very heart of Western cities like Toronto, Canada. They may shock or alarm non Muslims as many openly advocate for Sharia law, Islamic legal code, to be implemented within modern democratic societies wherever Muslims may reside. This fundamentalist view seems to be the dominant force believed to be held by majority of Muslims world over.
How can such fundamentalist view co-exist within Western liberal democracy where individual rights and freedom including freedom of religion, and equality of all under the law is guaranteed, one might ask?
The author, Eric Brazau, attempts to address the question, in part, by presenting diametrically opposing Reformist views on Islam. Two prominent reformists are studied in some depth: Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, an American Muslim patriot of Syrian descent, ex US Navy lieutenant commander. Dr. Jasser comes from a family of classical Arabic scholars, and he sees no conflict between taking an oath to uphold the US Constitution and being a faithful Muslim. Irshad Manji, is a Canadian Muslim from a refugee family who escaped Idi Amin’s Uganda in the 70’s. She is a lesbian Muslim who is unapologetic when calling for Islamic revolution through moral courage and “ijtihad” – process of reasoning.
While both Christianity and Islam when weaponized as political tools left their bloody trails in history conquering vast colonial territories, the period of Enlightenment that began in the 15th century liberated people by severing church from the state. Whether Islam will go through similar process remains an open question that few are willing to ask.
The author paid a heavy personal price for publicly asking some of these uncomfortable questions as progressive West can tolerate only politically correct views in sensitive subjects. He became one of Canadian political prisoners to serve time for incorrect thoughts. Somewhat ironically, Mr. Brazau became a subject expert during his period of incarceration, and this book is partially the result. His personal journey and insights he gained also makes the book worth reading.
Highly recommended.