All these proposed tasks will not succeed unless we believe in reforming our vision and understanding of Islam in a New World. Constructive criticism and accountability are healthy components of self-criticism when the end result is to better the society around you. Muslims cannot go on either defending actions blindly or lamenting about how victimized they are.
But, nor should they apologize for their faith and beliefs. One should never be self-deprecating or apologetic concerning belief, but should speak out against actions inconsistent with the essence of Islam. Likewise, we should defend legitimate Islamic actions regardless of others' criticism or misunderstandings of the faith.
Muslims should see themselves as the leader of a progressive front that embraces the respect for human dignity, religious and political freedom, and civic virtues, rooting them in the fertile soil of Islam.
We need to take the responsibility Allah bestowed us with to introduce a way of life to others that is an example of mutual respect, social solidarity and cooperation. There are latent obstacles within our mindsets; we need to reflect on the dominance of traditions and misconceptions that taint the real principles of Shari`ah (Islamic law) as Allah desires it.
Recently, coalitions were built with many progressive forces all over the world to support the Palestinian cause in the U.N. Durban conference against racism. This is a good example of opening up and reaching out to other advocates of justice. We should work harder to change views so that there is a unified voice against all forms of injustice, a vision embedded in Islamic virtues.
While our religion is one of justice and humanity, we as humans must rise to that essence and become true examples of our religion.
