Really interesting article

[FAH1223]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/opini ... istof.html

[Basra-]

Interest light on the difference between 'interests' and 'riba'. I have always found Islam ban of interests puzzling and yet Islam open blesses business ventures as it is the most blessed profession according to our prophet pbuh. I have always also - how come the Egyptians are sooooooooooooo behind today, when thousand of years before, they rulled the world. The same with Turkishs and the entire Babylon area,modern day Iraq and Iran. I guess, the answer is --there is no true manly leader to lead muslims. The old leaders were very manly-- their balls were mass of weapon destructions. They conquered the world, while spreading Islam. They brought prosperity to their people as well, where there is money-there is progress. Where there is poverty, there is stagnation and hopelessness.
'

[SultanOrder]

Very intersting, but I think hes assertions are wrong, especially the very last one, where "Islam isn't the problem, or the solution, it's just a religion". But Islam isn't just a religion, but a Diin a way, of life that encompasses everything, something that is alien to the western mentality, and which they want to import their views of religion, mainly to leave it either in your homes, the church, or to dealing with your troubles.

[kadarre]

adn the secular world continues to grow.

[SahanGalbeed]

Good read .

[Amethyst]

I like Nick Kristof. He does great work with women, cleaned up nicely during the Egyptian crisis reports, and was even one of the few who how called out the U.S when they vetoed the Israeli settlement criminalization resolution in the Security council, few weeks ago. That said, I couldn't help but to cringe throughout this column. This guy is SO off base, generalizing, and blatantly wrong that I dont even know where to begin to dissect it, let alone deeming any of it of value or interest. A lot of his premises and facts are wrong, and he seems to be rewriting history. Neo-Orientalist bullshit is what it is.

The prophet was successful because his dealings were honest, not because he was pro-business and favored the wealthy over the poor. He didn't even have much wealth once he migrated, and Islam was fully developed. The Jesus comparison is also odd, as if he tries to make some kind of a distinction between Christianity and Islam dealings, favoring Christians as pro-Poor, and Muslims as pro-wealth, only to confuse them again when he says a little further down that Christinity and Judaism teach the same thing as Islam, whereby Islam is the only one that applies it. Only to confuse it again further down when he says:

the Koran bans isn’t interest as such but “riba,” an extreme form of usury that could lead to enslavement for failing to pay debts. Until the late 18th century, Muslims were as likely to be money-lenders in the Middle East as Christians or Jews. And today paying interest is routine even in the most conservative Muslim countries.

What does he even mean here when he says Koran does not entirely ban Interest, just an extreme form of it? To Muslims Interest is interest, no? Just because they are Arab states doesnt mean that they go by the Islamic teaching to the T, but that still shouldnt change the fact that ISLAM bans interests.


By the way: Is it me or was he just super afraid of using the word Sharciya law? The conservatives toss it around all the time for no apparent reason. He he is writing an entire article about Islamic law and he doesnt even use the word once.

To cut to the chase: When the so called Arab revolution euphoria subsides: Palestine is still the issue. Shia vs. Sunni states hatered/competition still exists. Turkey wont be admitted to the EU whether it does well economically or not because of the European racism. People will still be poor. Poor nations dont just change overnight and are expected to compete with wealthy ones all of a sudden. Whether they have the "rich history" Kristof talks about, o not.

[Basra-]

"But Islam isn't just a religion, but a Diin a way, of life that encompasses everything, something that is alien to the western mentality, and which they want to import their views of religion, mainly to leave it either in your homes, the church, or to dealing with your troubles."


PO---what are you bubbling about? Why are you even argueing? Or you just want to argue, for sake of it? Your whole arguement is not coherent.



Amethyst

What is your problem with him? Neo orientalist bs? Is there something wrong with that? The man is nolstagic and musing about the glory of old Islam, is that so bad? So what he did not mention Shariah Law like the other ignorant western media because he is knowleageable about Shariah law and what not. He doesnt throw words in the air in the name of making talking points. Amethyst i sense you contentious athiestic tendancy mascarading as pro islam supporter here. Get over yourself will ya!

[union]

A liberal interpretation of Islam is the best way forward for Islamic societies. Trying to replicate the 7th century in the 21st century will inevitability lead to failure and stagnation.

[Basra-]

union fat a$$ athiest


kiss my ....

[union]

basra I think u should be stoned to death for having orgasms about western aristocrats
fat %$%^#$

[FAH1223]

A liberal interpretation of Islam is the best way forward for Islamic societies. Trying to replicate the 7th century in the 21st century will inevitability lead to failure and stagnation.

wtf do you mean my liberal interpretation?

[union]

A liberal interpretation of Islam is the best way forward for Islamic societies. Trying to replicate the 7th century in the 21st century will inevitability lead to failure and stagnation.

wtf do you mean my liberal interpretation?

Backing away from the interpretations that place a complete ban on interest, etc. That isn't simply going to work in the global economy and even fundamentalist nations like Saudi Arabia charge now.

[grandpakhalif]

Read Noam Chomsky books, he says NYtimes is part of the media conglomerate owned by Zionist jews. Very bias pro neo colonialism

[FAH1223]

Backing away from the interpretations that place a complete ban on interest, etc. That isn't simply going to work in the global economy and even fundamentalist nations like Saudi Arabia charge now.

Interest nearly destroyed the global economy in 2008

[Amethyst]

Get over yourself will ya!

I'll try!


He's not just talking about the Glorious Golden Islamic days, though. He's making these weird and illogical comparisons between the past, the present and the future. If he's so knowledgeable, he shouldnt need to fluff the facts or try tweak it. Islam speaks for itself .