Islamic reform: The ulema in Saudi Arabi…
Islamic reform: The ulema in Saudi Arabia are considering criminalizing takfiri fatwas.
If you aren’t a fan of Crossroads Arabia, btw, you need to be. There’s a LOT going on in Saudi that needs to be known. I really think in two generations’ time, the Middle East will be a totally different place.
aziz, 
thabet, and 
Abu Noor Al-Irlandee are discussing.
Abu Noor Al-Irlandee 12:07 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink
A theocratic absolute monarchy criminalizing unauthorized religious opinions that disagree with the government approved opinion — is that supposed to be progress?
As to the ME being a totally different place in two generations’ time — insha’Allah!
aziz 4:59 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink
yes, it actually is. Think about it!
thabet 9:38 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink
You highlight an important point.: the role of the state in ‘religious reform’.
abunoor 6:29 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink
Aziz, I don’t think it is progress at all. I think this type of government censorship and control of religious opinion, especially when done by regimes which are obviously wicked, tyrannical, self-interested and willing to endorse such fatawa when they serve their interests are not helpful.
Of course I grew up in the United States and the whole notion that I would let the government tell me how to think about religious issues is just incomprehensible. A tyrannical government that is an enemy to God and Islam in so many ways is going to now tell me which opinion is acceptable?! Perhaps people in other places think differently.
You cannot truly enforce opinion. From my viewpoint when tyrannical governments try to enforce religious opinion, even when they are trying to enforce something I agree with, it is harmful to the cause and make other opinions more attractive.
This whole takfir thing is a canard anyway. These same people that say it is completely unacceptable run to do it when it fits their interest. KSA has never been reluctant to torture or kill anyone they felt like if they thought it was in their interest.
Allah knows best.
aziz 6:57 am on April 15, 2010 Permalink
see my response here:
http://talkislam.info/2010/04/13/seeing-the-response-to-the-thread-below/#comment-26233