islam, christanity and democracy... Reply to Sam TANIOS, July 19, 2002
Reader comment on article: The Citizen of the 21st Century: How Far, How Fast?

Submitted by fan (Pakistan), Jul 8, 2003 at 10:20

Just searching the Google for "Islam And Democracy", and I found Mr. SAM Tanios' post. Please read my answer regarding this post.

Blaming Islam or any religion that they don't allow a person to do everything [Freedom and Liberty]. since, most of u guyZ are christian, take an example of nun. She is not allowed to have sex with common man. In fact, as far as i know, she is not allowed to marry. If she does so, its a sin. Similarly, there are few restrictions on other religions as well. So, isn't that denying freedom or Liberty? Similarly, in Hinduism, if a person is wishing not to perform his/her religous duties, then that person is deprived of freedom and Liberty. He can't do what he wants. All religions have some restrictions. Although, I admit that Islam restricts its followers to great extent. But its for his own good. I won't try to explain this here, as it won't fit well in this document.

Now, we come to the democracy part. Most of you guyz would say that Islam is incompatible with democracy. Majority is democracy. If Islam is incompatible, then other religions are also incompatible. Consider, in Indian parliament, a religious ordinance is passed. This can't happen. This won't. In fact, you can't pass an ordinance this way to change the ways of religion. Similarly, in Islam, all the walks of life are associated with Religion. Because it has clearly defined the dimensions. Those people are considered weaker, who take into consideration Alternate ways, because they think that would favour them.

By accepting Islam, you accept that you will live within the specified boundary. Sisters (Nuns) and fathers (Priests) when they associate themselves to christanity, they do what God has told them to do and refrain from acts He has told them to refrain. Similarly, Hindu pundit and other religious people are bound. In islam, there is no special restrictions and no special way of life for Imam of mosque. All the muslims are allowed and restricted in the same way as the Imam of the mosque. The only thing that differentiates Muslim is "taqwa" (the more he follows Islam).

I think it can clear many things in many minds, if read with open mind.


In reference to
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Submitted by Sam TANIOS, July 19, 2002 at 09:12

Dear Dr Pipes,

As you may already know, I am an admirer of your writings, and fully agree with their contents.
I just spoke with one of the most knowledgeable Islamologist in France, and he told me that Islam is not compatible with democracy. The major reason being that Liberty - and Freedom - do not exist in Islam (at least in the same sense as for the western world). This in turn implies that democracy without Liberty cannot exist.

P.S : This french professor of Islamology underlines another essential issue which is that Islam is not compatible with modernity.

God bless you;
Sam TANIOS Ph.D.

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