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For an effective dialogue to take place it must be between the West and those who for better or worse agree on an alternative societal and political model for humanity. It is pointless Western commentators and leaders having endless dialogues and interfaith meetings with Islamic 'moderates' who in essence are already at one with them in their societal outlook and political vision. Genuine dialogue can only occur with people who disagree and who have distinct viewpoints so that assumptions, premises and conclusions can be rigorously challenged. So called Islamic ‘moderates’ by their nature do not hold such distinct viewpoints, this is why they are categorised as being ‘moderates’ by the West in the first place. It is also clear from the Pew organisation’s findings that it is not the moderates’ views that are the main stay in the Islamic world.
The other point to make is that the agenda of such meetings must be all encompassing. I acknowledge that calls for a new Islamic political entity may cause unease and reservation in some quarters but this call is based upon reasoned thought. It is dishonest to label those with divergent thoughts as extremist when thoughts require only one of two judgements. Either they are true or false. The use of the term extreme is a way of avoiding the term false, which might lead to a much-feared intellectual debate upon Islamic and Western thoughts. If a case is not built upon thoughts then upon what is it built? Muslims are willing to debate these issues in a calm rational atmosphere and I for one would welcome an intellectual challenge.
Are Western commentators also prepared to debate comprehensively the deep unease that is now being expressed at the state of Western societies? You alluded to some of the social issues, but to these we can add the epidemic levels of crime, drugs, the neglect of the elderly and an inhumane foreign policy. Within this composite dialogue, for it to be meaningful surely the discussion should also incorporate whether the Western world despite its technological advancement is also in need of major overhaul and transformational change, a topic that receives scant attention. It is not sufficient to simply acknowledge the weaknesses within Western society, but still call for its values to be exported to the Islamic world, without first having a robust debate on the suitability of such values to begin with. The challenge for the West is to recognise that the spiritual decay commonly bemoaned cannot be arrested without a fixed moral framework built upon a clear intellectual foundation that recognises man’s limitations and his nature. Islam does offer that and Muslims do still believe and uphold that. The existing dialogue fails to be deep and comprehensive and if maintained will only reinforce suspicions that calls for yet greater dialogue are at best one sided, and at worst tools formulated to enact political change.
Perhaps there is a divide so very great – between faiths – or perhaps the Western world wants once again to have faith in faith. If so, then it must be a faith worthy of faith; that leads and guides and stands above the sea of doubts with solid intellectual arguments. So come and discuss with us – challenge and criticise – yes, but do not expect to recreate us in your own image as a pre requisite for discussion. We Muslims are ready for sincere debate and waiting to see who is ready to meet us with their own thoughts.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Abdullah Robin
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