Expert: Mohammed - 4/12/2005

Question
Hello. First, I'd just like to say that this website is great, and thank you for being willing to answer my question.

Ok. I am a political science student, with a great interest in religion\philosophy. I am also relatively liberal, and was hoping you could provide  some insight into this quandary I have encountered in regards to Arabic culture and Human rights. I have just read Samuel P. Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations." I don't know if you have read it, but it is no doubt a controversial work. In terms of human rights, it basically says that ideas of liberalism, which foment belief in universal human rights and freedoms are essentially unique to Western Civilization. The book goes on to say that both "Islamic Civilization" as well as "Chinese Civilization" are not receptive to these concepts on the whole, and are more concerned with concepts of religious honor and piety toward authority.

I completely understand if you disagree with this viewpoint, or if you find it offensive. However, I would like to hear your thoughts on Human Rights in Arabic Culture. Why do you think democracy has had such trouble achieving a foothold in the middle east? Do you think that ideas of "Liberalism" are essentially western concoctions, or can such ideas be equally applied to Islamic and Arabic culture?

I understand that this is a complex and far-reaching question. Thank you again for your time and your response!

Justin  

Answer
Hi Justin.
In the beginning I hope that you excuse me for my poor English language.
As you mentioned, your question is a complicated question and it needs a person specialized in political sciences and in Religion. But I will try to answer you by what I know.

I see that in your talk you are mixing between the current situations in the Arabic countries and the Islamic religion. Actually they are two different things.

Islam as a religion respects the human rights. For example it forbids the killing of Humans without a reason and it calls for the consultation over the matters and calls for the knowledge and the meditation.
Many examples from the holy Quran -which contains the rules of Islam- can prove that idea,

As for the current situation in the Arab countries or the Middle East countries, there is
A dictatorial rule which has no relation with the Islam, the dictators comes from army and they remain in the authority till they die. They stand with looting the general money and they put their opponents in prisons or simply kill them.
People in this area believes that those dictators are supported by the western countries especially USA.

I am as Arabic and a Muslim, admirer of the western democracy that allows for the individual showing his opinion, the election of the president, and the criticism of his government, but I do not agree on some issues like the moral, the abnormality, and the sex outside the marriage.

In summary:
> Why do you think democracy has had such trouble achieving a foothold in the Middle East?
>> Because of the dictators which are supported by USA, not because of Islam.

> Do you think that ideas of "Liberalism" are essentially western concoctions, or can such ideas be equally applied to Islamic and Arabic culture?
>>This depends on what you mean by "Liberalism". The answer is “they can be applied to Arabic countries” if you mean the democracy and the true elections etc... and the answer is “they can be applied” if you mean the abnormality, and the sex outside the marriage etc…

I hope I was helpful
Good luck

Mohammed.