I’ve been reading your blog for 14+ years, but this is the first time that I’ve felt compelled to post a comment: Unfortunately, both Muslim would-be reformers and their skeptical interlocutors are fond of portraying the would-be reformers as “the few good ones.” This perversely serves the skeptics’ desire to confirm their bias against the majority of “others,” and bolsters the would-be reformers’ authoritarian will to power (“support my autocratic rule, because I am one of the few good ones who can possibly bring about reform”). The saddest thing is that I think both sides are often sincere in their beliefs and actions, albeit superficially due to lack of self reflection.
Juan:
I’ve been reading your blog for 14+ years, but this is the first time that I’ve felt compelled to post a comment: Unfortunately, both Muslim would-be reformers and their skeptical interlocutors are fond of portraying the would-be reformers as “the few good ones.” This perversely serves the skeptics’ desire to confirm their bias against the majority of “others,” and bolsters the would-be reformers’ authoritarian will to power (“support my autocratic rule, because I am one of the few good ones who can possibly bring about reform”). The saddest thing is that I think both sides are often sincere in their beliefs and actions, albeit superficially due to lack of self reflection.
Best,
Mahmoud.