Charles Moore: Latest in Long Line of Miscreants?

Whatever the merits of the impending amendment to the incitement to religious hatred law, one thing for certain appears to be that writers like Charles will feel restricted and maybe thats what he's moaning about. Adding wry humour to his insight into Islamic history is the strongest punch that he feels he can pull.

What happens then? Do his type refrain themselves or do they go underground? Mobilise a militia to revert the law which would prevent the rug being taken from underneath their feet.

The enmity that he has towards Islam and in particular to the greatest model of a human being ever to have existed: Muhammad (pbuh) indicates a malignant disease which I fear, we have only barely seen the beginning of . Perhaps he is releasing his frustratation in only the best way that he knows, aiming to give hope to the wider insecurity that some in the West so clearly display when the subject of Islam arises.

In a day and age of mass communication, mass media and consumer culture., having open consructive debates about Islam's role in today's age should importantly be suggested from within Islam rather than from without. On the contrary, recent developments indicate towards the following qustions:

Why are writers, academics and politicians alike, so keen for Islam to reform?

As Muslims do we ever ask ourselves that question?

Although Charlie Moore and his type, at most, just re-invigorate irrational feelings and misplaced passion against Islam, our disquiet is still over-bearing.

We are constantly reminded about the plight of Christians in Muslim countries and this from those who were spectators to the massacre of Muslims on our doorstep viz. Bosnia. Should we point the finger at Christians? Most certainly not.

Maybe I've got it all wrong , it could be that Charlie is just nervous about the rising influence of Islam and feels that his views would soon enough be swiftly dealt within an open forum so let's 'Say what we can while we can'.

What about unwarranted jealousy? It could be that he feels Muslims are being given too much protection and therefore it signals the end of an open season on Islam.

Whatever it is, the fear is that there is a lot more to come.