Paying Attention to the "Other Islam"
The moderate voices of the Sufi tradition
Now, if the United States or the West were to embark on some sort of wholesale embrace of the Sufis, that could conceivably lead to a problematical outcome. Sufism has always thrived because of its autonomy and its independence, and we can't compromise its spiritual autonomy in the name of a short-term or even long-term political advantage.
However, there are certain things, just in terms of the human-rights responsibilities of western democracies, that we should be able to do for the Sufis. In places where Sufis are under physical attack from Wahhabis—for example, in Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Iraq—I think democratic governments, human-rights organizations, and NGOs have a moral responsibility to point this out and engage in diplomatic interventions and to make it clear they are on the side of Sufis. But first of all, that means that they have to sit down with them, meet with them, get to know them, invite them to diplomatic receptions, and consult with them fairly regularly. As long as the consultation is one that is based on respect instead of vulgar recruitment, I think it would be beneficial for both sides.
Reader Comments
Argghhh
Good evening. The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
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Interesting article
This article provides information concerning Islam that gets lost in the picture. However, I am not sure I agree with the recommendations that follow. As a non-muslim (I am a Christian), I have no notion of the "correct" Islam (If I did, I'd be a Muslim. Think about it.). To me Islam is a set of communities and movements (and traditions), each representing itself as the true Islam (and thus the true Religion). Some of these movements are more mystical, some some more philosophical, some more open minded to science, philosophy, and the arts, and some that are not. Some of these movements appear to be coping relatively well with modernity, some are struggling, and some of which are actually battling modernity (eg al-Qaeda, the Taliban, etc.).
The point I am making is this, for us that are not muslims, we don't regard any of the various Islamic schools or traditions as the one true Religion or the one true Islam. The issue of the "one true Islam" is something that only a Muslim can do sincerely. Anyone else attempting it is simply playing word games with himself.
All we (non muslims) can do is take notice of the Muslims we can get along with, and take notice of the Muslims we cannot. Either way, we need to educate ourselves more about Muslims, Islam, and its history. But, lets be clear, in doing so we are not choosing true Islam vs false Islam, or even good Islam vs bad Islam. We are choosing between the Muslims we can get along with and can pursue mutual interests, and even form community in some sense, and knowing the Muslims with whom we cannot (or if we have to deal with them, understanding that we aren't working with friends).
As far as the US defending religious freedom of Sufis in Islamic countries where Sufis face hostility. That sounds like a good idea. However, lets be honest. Christians are a strong voting block and yet, the US can't seem to generate much support for religious freedom for Christians in nations where Christians are under severe persecution (eg. Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). If the US can't stick up for the human rights for Christians, what makes this author think that it will do so for Sufis?
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