Irshad Manji

Irshad Manji (born 1969) is a Canadian author, journalist, and activist. A Muslim by birth and faith, she is also an outspoken lesbian, feminist, and critic of Islamic fundamentalism. She was once described by The New York Times as "Osama bin Laden's worst nightmare". She is the author of the bestselling book The Trouble with Islam.

Criticism

Her views on Islam, attitude towards Israel, emphasis on critical thinking and universal human rights represent an extreme minority view according to many Muslims. Her writings on Islam have been criticized for what her critics consider to be lack of scholarly credibility. Among other things, because Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, her lack of Arabic language proficiency has been criticized.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Manji's views are also considered by some to be anti-Arab. She has often decried Arab culture for what she believes to be its extremist interpretations of Islam. She insists Arab power has exercised far too much influence over a religion with such a culturally diverse following.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many critics question the basis for her critiques of Islam, considering her lifestyle and personal value system, and contend that the attention she receives in the western media is disproportionate to her qualifications. Her critics claim that Manji's popularity derives from saying what the western media want to hear about Islam.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She has been debated on TV programs by Muslim scholars, such as Jamal Badawi.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~