Reaction to Jordan Peterson's Message to Muslims | Usuli Excerpts

In the introduction to the Project Illumine halaqa on Surah 33: Al Ahzab (Day 4), Grace Song, Executive Director of The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org), comments on the Muslim reaction to the Jordan Peterson "Message to Muslims," and presents two guest speakers to help argue her case. Recorded at The Usuli Institute 16 July 2022.

[@peterbeater012]

This channel is a jewel. Allah bless you and give you the strength and faith to guide others.

[@kawtarwannas]

This is the first time I'm seeing this woman and it's only because I was looking for satisfying responses to that condescending video of JP.. and let me tell you I'm not only satisfied but extremely happy that I finally came across an intellectual smart Muslim woman that takes pride in her faith and actually defends it unapologetically unlike other muslim speakers who only get super defensive when criticizing other muslims. I've already left a comment a few days ago under one of the underwhelming response videos and I want to re-share it here as it truly captures how I've truly felt watching it. "This is what happens when you give someone respect more than they deserve. I don't understand why you guys decided to give this guy a chance in the first place when he previously said some messed up stuff about us and our religion. Why do you guys open your arms to anyone who shows a little bit of interest towards Islam? yes I understand you guys were trying give dawah and it seemed like him possibly converting to Islam would be a big victory, but I feel like the muslim community is sometimes a little too naive when it comes to attention from non muslims especially famous ones. Have some pride brothers and sisters ! Him speaking in this condescending tone is very telling of what he actually thinks of muslims."

[@delavarkhan123]

Yes no excuses, they should unfollow until he apologizes and changes his ways. Muslims need to unify and be stronger. I agree with you 💯

[@zoolothman3609]

amazing job as always. You're doing what more famous/popular scholars should have done. much love. May Allah reward your initiatives.

[@deborahhamsho4799]

Thank you Grace. You have so eloquently expressed what I always knew to be true about Jordan Peterson. Thank you for sharing that very enlightening video. Knowledge is power.

[@suksuk5191]

very well said. im really happy this channel exist and i wish more people get to know about it

[@malenedietl3369]

Yes... well said, sister!! He showed who he is and was all the time. And weak was our reaction.

[@jhunusk60]

Salam. Thanks Grace I felt exactly as you said. And more disappointed by the reactions of our fellow Muslims. Are we so not discerning!!!!

[@sal6783]

Proud of u 👍 thank you so much

[@cinder1667]

The Petersons are not your friends. After this condescending speech, his daughter went on to APUS’ show and basically agreed with his views on Islam and how “backwards” Islam is. Let the Petersons be, they are not your friends.

[@Suth1172]

On another note, in a discussion with Slavoj Žižek on Capitalism and Socialism, Peterson in his critique of Karl Marx admitted that he’d only ever read the **pamphlet** ‘The Communist Manifesto’. This should give you an idea of his intellectual ethic, he doesn’t research in any kind of depth while at the same time pretending to be the ultimate authority on the subject.

[@SK-ns6sl]

I agree with you. But respectfully, the Muslim Responses online are quite strong and not weak at all. The ones I've checked out, at least 9-10 are very robust in the answer to his points and very comprehensive. I would suggest you check out Robert Inlakesh, Deen Show, Ali Dawah, Smile to Jannah amongst many others. I believe it's important to deal with such attacks on islam in a civilized way and with substance as we're taught by our islamic teachings. We have to follow the example of our Prophet saw who maintained his good character and manners when dealing with opposition and controversy. Otherwise no one would listen anyway as rudeness and bed language is actually counterproductive, just basic common sense... thankyou

[@salbro530]

you forgot to mention Saajid Lipham's response :)

[@nacerk2857]

Thanks for your support

[@RedhaHimeur]

Finally, someone who understood Peterson's video like me. That's exactly what i thought while watching the video '' how dare you!!! '' Thank you for your reaction, Muslims needed to understand Peterson's video wasn't friendly at all!!

[@jsjdjjsjdj4050]

اتمنى لك الهداية والتوفيق والسعادة في الاسلام

[@billybob-vy4sw]

I dont know what videos you were seeing --most of the reactions I saw were not weak in condemning JP 'message' also read the comments -they also were not weak.

[@lindawilkins9296]

This is true, I didnt know what the Arabramic Accords represents. I thought he was trying to bring all Abrahamic religions together. And because I had such a high regard for JP, I pushed his condescending ness aside, thinking nah he cant be meaning to be like that. 🤦‍♀️

[@sairabookish]

Well said !!!!

[@GrindLikeNoTomorrow]

Well said 🎯

[@nazmul_khan_]

Some prominent Muslim KZbinrs are responding critically

[@umarmalik9625]

The same ones who were supporting Peterson until two days ago despite repeat warnings, so a bit rich coming from them

[@rokib8681]

You're the first person that I've heard some sense from since I saw the video

[@shamselnahar45]

Thanks for the video Grace. However I must say that the vast majority of Muslim responses were strong and non apologetic. Sajid Ligham did a brilliant response on the spot and many others followed. The very few apologetic responses came later and it will be unfair to generalize them.

[@Hamza00011]

With all due respect, how can you even stand Saajid ‘refuter’ Lipham. All he does is refute his muslims brothers and usually seniors. In other words hes an ignoramus

[@fatimamotala5584]

MashaaAllah

[@ellyelly8883]

Finally a woman without the scarf, great Goood, what a relief!!! Say whatever you want, islam is not their's , islam is ours all of us.

[@queenbee7074]

Thank you sister for making a clear point about Peterson’s condescending and patronising speech about Muslims and Islam! There needs to be more people speaking out against his views

[@engineerauwalauwal355]

Sister you're right. We learned more and more . The face of hypocrisy societies

[@nadiazakaria8036]

Yes, yes, yes!

[@harrynac6017]

In a Joe Rogan podcast Jordan Peterson once said he found a way to monetise Social Justice Worriers. I think he's trying to monetise Muslims now.

[@abcabcv2905]

Salam Sister, I am glad you made this video. I just started watching and here I am commenting. I am hoping for an interview with him (JP). either ways, he invites you or you inviting him. why not reach out. I think it will be beneficial to The Usuli institute in regards to reaching new audiences, and beneficial to all parts, including him and us.

[@Rachidasister]

Most Muslims do not realize Peterson is now linked to the Daily Wire. Once they learn that, they will understand him well. But I liked the calm responses by Muslims. They are some good ones. He should not make your blood boil. He should become insignificant and he has been really roasted but with a calm and dignified way. Maybe, most videos were made after yours.

[@maymunahsydow6276]

Brilliant! Thank you for making this video@ Serves us right for not listening to some good advice to simply choose ur friends! So u land with egg on ur face! This man never sincerely showed any interest except half hearted countering turning everything that was discussed with him into a debate or argument so i was not surprised at all! He just like played along!

[@monowararoshid4029]

Wow! Wow! Wow! How intellectual is this woman.

[@yasinconcepts5235]

Good on Grace for speaking on this, I don't see why some people would criticise her just because she is not wearing a hijab, at least she has the insight and intellect to see when people like Peterson are taking Muslims for fools. Muslims should go ask Peterson if he supports the illegal occupation of Palestine, attacks on Al Aqsa and occupation of Muslim countries.

[@thetruth8295]

Most Muslims know these stuff and they don't do something obvious because no one want to listen, i didn't expect that one day some Canadian psychologist would want to know or talk any Muslim person , so yeah

[@adeelanwer5548]

RIP JP Gone in 60 secs

[@Tskyn]

I sort of appreciate Hamza Yousuf’s attitude during the podcast which was condescending at some parts.

[@homer1273]

Hamza Yusuf is pupet of Arab regimes like emirates

[@bidhrohi12]

I'm an atheist, ex-Muslim. I won't dwell on that point. I'm a bit impressed by most of the Muslim responses I've seen. Jordan Peterson is a master psychological manipulator. And what thing he's shown us, is how eagerly people seek out a leader. A father figure. At least Muslims immediately caught on to his condescension and arrogance. The hypocrisy in his rhetoric and the use of arrogance to stand in for an absolute lack of knowledge or curiosity on his part. That's better than most of his victims in the West. Anyone who ever thought he had good intentions, was a fool. He's a Christian who won't openly say he believes in Christianity, so that he can implant Christian faith via subversion. It's a game a lot of internet personalities play. Dave Rubin, Joe Rogan to a large extent. The Weinsteins.

[@FatimaHussainJ3097]

Who is this journalist & why is his name not included in the discrimination section? Please help me find him. Closed caption did not help me identify his name clearly.

[@TheUsuliInstitute]

CJ Werleman

[@Tskyn]

Absolutely loving sister Grace’s razor sharp statements.

[@osmansaid4601]

I think he listens Ben Shapiro about ibrahim accord.

[@DC-wp6oj]

I was set upon criticising this video as I thought HY made a genuine attempt to not get drawn into an argument and that he wanted to give JP a fair introduction to Islam. This video changed my mind. Lets treat JP for what he is. An islamophobe who believes the horse shit pumped out by the likes of Fox News etc. Someone who has never really tried to understand Islam beyond the superficial tropes. Well done and well said.

[@shaamsolanki2881]

Agree with Welerman on most things but I always take the Uyghur narrative with a heaping spoon of salt. The Uyghurs and other Chinese Muslims have an extremely unique flavor of Islam being some of its oldest converts. I think the Hui Muslims even created a sino-arabic script and have had unique philosophy combining the both chinese philosophy and islam.

[@yusufalef92]

Jordan peterson thinks that eating raw meat is the ideal diet and that vegetables are toxic lol shows how intelligent he is 😂

[@Ali-mv7is]

I've blocked and ignored JP and anyone associated with daily wire.

[@haroonlegends567]

I feel the Prof was corrected. What happed is many Muslims jumped on with intention for YT gain, etc. That was all its about. No substance, content, except YT gain and baits.

[@jeremieerikssonlefebvre2647]

why would you hope he convert? what would be the gain?

[@nasirmeraj618]

Rule of thumb: If they intentionally pronounce 'Muslim' as "Muzlim," they're not your friend.

[@nadjiguemarful]

I just subscribed even though I disagree with so much of your views, and Im Maliki so you may think I respect that bootlicker Hamza Yusuf but he is not a real Sheykh of the Malikiyyah. He visits the gates of tyrants and rulers. Imam Malik NEVER visited any rulers, he would tell them to come to medina if they want advice or he wouldnt speak to them at all.

[@shaamsolanki2881]

Intelligent woman.

[@al-lail9692]

Agreeeee ToTally🏆🏆🏆

[@teijam10]

Well done sister ! All things considered ... i had to decide if Dr J. Petersen is ill informed , uninformed or just a lazy thinker and i am afraid he is too smart and none of the above

[@Leah-zg7mv]

I could never see what was great about the actual interview between JP and Hamza Yusuf I was expecting intellectual dialogue instead it was a brush over thr basics of islam !! Maybe I expected more but whatever it was, it wasn't THAT great

[@franciemacleod1676]

JP fame has gone to his head. He's becoming ridiculous and pompous and if this continues all the good work he did standing up the the woke mob will evaporate. It is with utter dismay that I watched that shameful diatribe. He must apologize!

[@etc6615]

If you find peterson condescending, he speaks the same way to everyone including himself.

[@harukahyuuga7895]

All things aside, I don't get why we're so obsessed with him thinking of us Muslims in positive light. Why do we need him converting to Islam? What is this validation we're seeking? I mean don't get me wrong, it would make me really happy if he converted but for his sake only and not ours bcz the more attention he's getting, the more his head is getting big and I suspect the reason why he's inviting Muslim scholars and speakers is to get more views and more audience bcz his message was clear what he really thinks of Islam in general. His talks have not changed anything.

[@sanegayguy]

It's simply, the more famous people convert to Islam, the more people will follow. It's just psychology, people especially the sheep, would rather hear virtue from their idols above anyone else. In the long run, we're not relying on this clown peterson to spread Islam for us, for it's Allah S.W.T that decides, it's just that, if we had gained Peterson to revert to Islam, it opens many doors to the West to learning more about Islam as well.

[@sal6783]

He don’t know than Islam protected from Allah not from Muslims, even if who ever want to stop it, they will fail if its Allah well, then let them say and plan as much as they want, Muslims not scared and real Muslims they will get closer and closer to deen and Islam

[@ZsuZsu0513]

I saw the video and yes, it is very, very cringe he. I am not a person of any particular religion, but I am very interested in learning about the Quran. I’ve studied the Bible as much as possible and I am currently looking into the similarities and differences between the Christian Bible and Catholicism and the Koran. I do respect Jordan Peterson immensely, but yes that particular video was very cringe he. He’s a highly intelligent person and I feel that sometimes people with high intelligence can’t stick their foot in their mouth and not realize what Dave said. But overall he is a good person and hopefully he will come back and apologize for the cringe Enis.

[@Chaos_personified.]

This is the very best channel to do that😌 I mean in learning about the Quran

[@sal6783]

He have agenda and plan for years, so when he have ppl with him from everywhere’s even Muslims then he make them listen to what he say and leave their faith after causing doubts about Islam

[@blashblasgh3683]

Islam is a religion of action not pretense. Many women wear hijab and don't follow or understand islam as well as you. Allah awards deeds and their intentions. You seem to have the best intentions. Barak Allah feky

[@user-tw7kg3gu5m]

It is so sad that Muslim were so desperate for JP to become Muslim. When he said no and now they turned against him. They used every excuse to,discredit him. It is embarrassing.

[@giammarinostamerra4910]

Salam wa aleykoum. There must be a good reason, if "subjective" arguments are constantly prioritized upon "objective" ones (or when objectives ones are being relativated, emotionalized, anecdotelized, decontextualized, manipulated,....). That is the moment you must realize that someone is trying to hide, to misrepresent, to relativate, to complicate, to emotionalize,... in other words, to manipulate the discussion. This "intellectual" is not an exception, as it is obvious that this technique is now used concerning any subject (ex. corona, climate change, actual war, gender, politic, philosophy, "science",....) All they do, is to try to hide their lies, frauds, crimes and hypocrisy behind a mask of subjectivity (good sentiments, love, peace, equality, responsability, security, protection, sanitaire, modernity, pleasure,....) As soon as you confront them with objectivity, they run away or can't avoid to show their true faces and intentions. Therefor, it would interesting to invite him in a debate, where he could be confronted on all those critics he makes... would he accept? In his last discussions with muslims, he was much more honeysh... lol Must be much more confortable and easy to make such critics, disguised in honorable propositions, sitting alone without risking to have to substantiate them... As Allah and His Word is the objective evidence and Truth of all muslims, they should be the last ones to fall in this trap of "subjectivation"... At minimum, they should learn to differenciate between subjectivity and objectivity.... terra.oregonstate.edu/2013/01/normative-science/🤔 May God guide us all.

[@m.rusann9687]

I Angry💯

[@itiswhatitis1278]

No I didn’t see that. I saw a close minded arrogant man on the other end. He’s not as smart as people think he is either.

[@abdulzahid5107]

Satan comes in alot of different form,he is one of them,Satan work is to use deception, he is do that in a very clever way

[@MissingNo769]

Dear sister Grace, after you mentioned getting hate from fellow muslims, for not wearing a hijab among other things, I was wondering why you're not wearing a hijab. Please dont get me wrong, I just tried researching it and I'm not so sure if only the wifes of the prophet, peace be upon them all. Or everyone must wear a hijab. It seems everyone has a different opinion on this and since I respect you and Dr Abu El Fadl so much I would like to hear your opinion on this. As always, this was a great video, spreading facts and setting things straight :) I respect this channel a lot! May you both and The Usuli Institue as a whole gain the blessings of Allah jalla jalāluhu

[@Chaos_personified.]

Try checking out his podcast on hijab He explained with Quran, hadiths and historical evidences why hijab is more of a socio-cultural thing.

[@rickyalfred9710]

I think it’s interesting that Graces criticism of Peterson is valid but she does a similar thing in being patronising towards Muslims and their capabilities to reply and plays a non Muslim journalist as the only strong and intelligent response. I hope she stops the Muslim bashing as I like her spirit and analysis otherwise.

[@sukanasalie2573]

My sentiments exactly!

[@homer1273]

Your welcome to find 1 intelligent response to Jp. sadly you can’t because most Muslims are naive and ignorant and easily deceived by people like hamza Yusuf or Jordan Peterson

[@mustafaangar5786]

Fight the enemy within! This was the main message of Jordan. He was just teaching us muslims our religion. What is wronge about that? Havent we lost the sight of our real enemy? Dont we have so many problems? Instead of poiting to JP, and seeking his validation, why not talk about so many problems we muslims have?

[@MuhammadAli-vp7qt]

Mustafa Angar yes, Muslims/ Believers needs to fight the enemy within, and the enemy outside. Without Justice there will be no Peace..

[@stylestar76]

Starting to sound like Dajjal this Peterson 😥😱

[@xeropunt5749]

#1 missing thing is sensible Muslim backbone against all the Muslim misbehavior. ‘The greater jihad is within’… JP spoke necessary. It’s not him that has turned the family of man against one another. He said stop fighting with & without, start working within & with. Highly disappointed by the narrative attempt. This is a mess of misunderstanding. Why can’t you hear him? I’m out. Peace

[@shahidabdoullakhanzorovr1564]

It's good that you're out, because you're unqualified to speak. You clearly do not know what you're talking about. Why is so-called "Muslim misbehavior" the only thing that needs to be addressed? Did that "misbehavior" prop up in a vacuum? And why is a k@fr the one who should speak on that, as if his side is pure? His video was tone deaf, and he was being either asinine or disingenuous. He said nothing of value.

[@epiphanyx3705]

Calling people disgusting & racist is a reflection on your own state. So upset he didn't convert to Islam just shows how insecure & undignified you are. My best friend is muslim & I am a follower of Christ yet not once have we tried to convert each other.

[@shahidabdoullakhanzorovr1564]

Your comment holds zero critical thought.

[@burhan8147]

She called him for his racist comments. If you cannot see the racism in his comments then you are either ignoramous or have normalised it within yourself. And she is not upset because he didn't convert, in fact if you cared to listen properly, she was upset our muslims who were being too much apologetic towards Jordon because they thought that he was turning towards Islam and now Ms. Grace is telling fellow muslims to stop being apologetic. If Peterson is making racist comments then we need to hold him accountable and not be apologetic towards him. Lastly, you were talking about something personal, saying that your best friend is a muslim but you don't convert each other. No one has a right to convert someone unless they themselves are not willing to convert. Your friend, if he is simply a muslim by chance and never bothered to learn and share his faith, but rather care only about satisfying his ego through education and earning, then surely he would have never told you anything about Islam but if he is opposite to what I said, then he should share and discuss his faith with you and then leave you to your own will.

[@Benson_Bear]

I don't see where she is upset Peterson is not converting to Islam. She is upset that some Muslims think this is some kind of possibility.

[@yusifhuseini]

Ha ha ha wrong. No one is upset. Him converting to Islam is for his own good not Islam. He is clinicians aid ignorant about Islam and geo-politics. If calling out his action means our reflection of our state then he is no different when he calls out the left who he label as woke, extremists etc. Muslims are the most secured, dignified, and proud people who are willing to defend what they believe unapologetic. JP is expert in his field (clinician) but ignorant in other field like religion and middle east geo-politics. If you choose not to convert anyone because you are Christian that's your problem not Muslims. We don't care about your ideology. And we don't have to follow your narrow and shallow mindset. Christianity throughout history has forced conversion just look at history in South America and Africa. You are just ignorant.

[@aniydeheyeh4785]

Ppl are are upset about his bias prejudice and hypocrisy in blaming and accusing Muslims for everything not that he didn't convert.

[@evolvedhominid8606]

Jordan Peterson's core message was correct, and where is the racism? get along is bad?

[@shahidabdoullakhanzorovr1564]

His message was arrogant and hypocritical. Go read a history book.

[@saabajoe]

His "core message" was NOT correct! Tone deaf is more like it. What was correct about it according to you?