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.

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Manji has been a vocal critic of Islam, especially the treatment of women, gays, lesbians and Jews by some Muslims. She does not wear the hijab or chador, interpreting the requirement to apply only to the wives of Muhammad. She has criticized the Palestinian leadership and the attitudes of some Muslims towards Israel.

Related Topics:
Islam - Jew - Hijab - Chador - Muhammad - Palestinian - Israel

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She questions historical interpretations of the Qur'an and advocates the concept of ijtihad, "the Muslim tradition of independent thinking". Manji is a friend of controversial writer Salman Rushdie and has received numerous death threats. The windows of her apartment are fitted with bullet-proof glass.

Related Topics:
Qur'an - Ijtihad - Salman Rushdie

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