Debating the Future of Islam in Egypt

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Santi Tafarella

The birth pangs of a new Egypt: a Hitler-like religious fanatic (living in London!) argues with an Enlightenment influenced liberal over the future of Egypt:

Hat tip: Concerned Christian.

About Santi Tafarella

I teach writing and literature at Antelope Valley College in California.
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7 Responses to Debating the Future of Islam in Egypt

  1. Paradigm says:
    April 15, 2011 at 4:24 am

    Poor guy. He should get the hell out of there before it’s too late.

    Reply
  2. Jared Rodriguez says:
    April 15, 2011 at 4:39 am

    The price of liberty is often blood. Christians went through this during reformation and the move to secular governments. Islam is just 700 years behind in the curve. It is going to take people like this guy fighting the religious lunatics to break Islam and the ME free.

    Reply
  3. mary says:
    April 15, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    The Egyptian intellectual speaks from a position of authority – he knows what goes on in his country. The two speakers should trade places.

    Reply
  4. concerned christian says:
    April 15, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    Thank you Santi for following up on this story. As you said “You have three people from the Islamic part of the world—one is a fanatic, one is an Enlightenment-influenced liberal, and the other is a moderate (the moderator).” I don’t know how much influence these secular Muslims have, but I definitely admire their courage and sincerity.
    Now looking to the important question of where the Islamic World in general, and Egypt in particular are heading. Based on the events in Egypt this year, you have a youth driven movement , using the internet, who played a major role in the January revolution. You will have also various radical Islamic groups who tried to hijack the revolution, these groups include the political savvy ‘ Muslim Brothers” and the far-out lunatics of the Salafi’s movement who are well funded by Saudi’s money. A new twist in the Egyptian seen was the fall out between the hard line Salafis and the moderate Sufis, the Salafis started to attack Sufi’s mosques because they consider that the tombs of holy men in these mosques are a form of paganism. Since these tombs are highly respected by many Egyptians, this may actually turn the tide against the Salafis.
    Finally, there is a small group who openly rejected Islam, some became Agnostics such Wafaa Sultan, and some converted to Christianity such as Walid Shoebat. As in every group you need to use your judgment to decide whom you should trust and all I can say here is that although I am a Christian, I trust Wafaa more than Walid. But any way you can read more about each one in these links and decide for yourself.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wafa_Sultan
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walid_Shoebat

    Reply
  5. Paradigm says:
    April 16, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I think it’s pretty clear where Egypt and most other muslim countries are heading. The majority want Sharia and with democracy they will have it. The difference to the Christian world is that Muslim countries have suffered a massive brain drain – almost all Christians, Jews and many secular intellectuals have left. That’s why that guy should stop debating and just get out while he still can.

    Reply

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