Salman Rushdie and Irshad Manji at 92nd Street Y

Irshad Manji, the Muslim reformer whom The New York Times calls "Osama bin Ladens worst nightmare," as she launches a series of public conversations about moral courage in journalism, politics, religion and beyond, engaging with leaders who will illuminate and influence the future of free expression in a fragile world. Manji is author of the international best seller The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslims Call for Reform in Her Faith and creator of the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary, Faith Without Fear. New York University's Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service is partnering with Manji on the Moral Courage Project, which teaches us that real diversity is about different ideas, not just identities. The Moral Courage Conversations premiere with Manji's guest, Salman Rushdie, on the 20th anniversary of Iran's fatwa against him.

[@halneufmille]

A masterpiece of intelligence and honesty. Praise to Manji and Rushdie, among the few shining stars in the intellectual darkness of our days.

[@hafizmazlan54]

and yet the hadith and sunna is also man corrupted since its from mouth to mouth. Its like playing telephone game. none of the word will be exactly the same but what we heard and understand. Think about it

[@makorpoka]

@makorpoka Most important verse that people like u never shows 6. If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge

[@kittycatcarley]

i love listening to him talk.

[@rishirajkumar5050]

Aunt by Marriage - this one is great humour and Mr Rushdie"s narration is top class !

[@lachiemckenzie]

well he would be your enemy, but doesn't want to kill you. Who is the more noble? Who is the more compassionate? More human? More just?

[@buddhistflower]

the palestinians had turned down statehood twice before. British and French mandates also formed the countries of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Israel out of the old ottoman empire. they also created pakistan. the thing is muslims don't want anyone else to exist in those countries, never mind that jews and christians lived in those areas long before Islam ever existed.

[@buddhistflower]

Britain's Parliament passed in July 1947 the Indian Independence Act, ordering the demarcation of the dominions of India and Pakistan by midnight of Aug. 14-15, 1947, Asiha was 6 years old when Muhammed would "thigh" her, nine when they married and had sex with her -- it's in the Koran You are ignorant if you think Muslims are not speaking against any religion- tell that to a Hindu or a Copt, or Christians in Lebannon, or Jews, or Buddhists in Afghanistan/Maylasia

[@Cnhaddock]

no offense, friend, but i have seen that of which you speak. what i learned from it is that it is better to listen than to attack. when we turn too far inward we lose our ability to deal with people who don't see the world in the same way.

[@stevemohammed5401]

Understanding what the conversations all about masked sense. An intellectually conversation worth thinking about.

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower i totally agree with u, this way many of the contradiction will be clarified well and it will be easier. first time u said something logical and not attacking anyone. u have my respect for that

[@darkroommonster]

Rushdie = Awsome

[@phixl]

Yes she did - from the police-protected environment of the USA. Are you saying Wafah Sultan has not suffered oppression, and merely fled her country 'for a joke'? Freedom of enquiry and expression is just non-existent in fundamentalist Islamic societies unfortunately. Peace to you...

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower And she can only say Ameen every time she is cursed. If she is truely guilty of accusations her belly will swell and her thigh will rot but if not nothing will happen. The man shall be guilt free of the iniquity and women shell bear her iniquity.(trial by ordeal)

[@PurushaDesa]

I didn't know that putrid bill was only lost by one vote until now. That's utterly terrifying.

[@syedliyakhatali9959]

sister Irshad Manji and brother Salman Rashdi do not believe that holy Quran is the word from Allah/ONE-God and so it is the word generated in the mind of prophet Muhammad[pbuh.] so they are not muslims. they may be atheists or they got converted to the religion of jews or religion of Christians ! then why are they defining Islam and preaching to muslims as well as non-muslims. we, muslims should not hate them or harm them.we muslims should have patience [ ie have SABRE /restraint ]. let us pray Allah/ONE-God to guide such misguided persons/atheists to the 'True Path' so that they too go to heaven so not enter hell-fire !!

[@beachpalaceapartment]

Your prophets sex life is very dark. Therefore he was not a perfect man nor every thing he said can be perfect. 1 wikiislam.net/wiki/List_of_Muhammads_Wives_and_Concubines 2 www.islamwatch.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=259:sexual-slavery-and-concubinage-in-islam&catid=111:fakhour&Itemid=58 3 www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/025-Muhammads-sex-life.htm 4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4CYnKGLmMelaZY

[@mtube7888]

Syed Liyakhat Ali Amin!

[@neyazahmad6189]

Salman rushdy and irshad manji do not believe that Quran is the word of Allah. For a Muslim this is an essential element of Faith. Therefore these two people have prounced themselves as nonmuslims by their views about Quran. It just like a person says that he is Christian but he does not believe that bible is from God. Now the question is why she keeps on saying that she is a Muslim despite knowing that she is not. Answer is : There are quite a few nonmuslims who keep on spreading falsehood about Islam to keep nonmuslims away from it, Muslims knowthem well and don't pay attention to them, if however a person who calls herself a Muslim yet continues to defame Islam it provides excuse for nonmuslims to condemn Islam. This is exactly what she is doing, Propagating antimuslim agenda as ablacksheep. She talks of moral courage but does not have enough moral courage to say that she does not belief in fundamental principles of Islam. She knows very well what she is doing and therefore rewarded very well by antiislamic lobby. I hope you stleast have moral courage to publish my comment completely

[@buddhistflower]

that sucks, but sounds better than being beheaded or killed in an honor killing.

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower 4. (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end of their term: for Allah loveth the righteous.

[@Uroojinator]

Have you read the book, yourself?

[@R0YB0T]

Regarding speaking out against Islam @53:19 : With much respect Rushdie, try being a loudmouth against Islam while living in an Islamic Republic and without your millions of dollars.

[@buddhistflower]

Makorpoka, do you get jealous of your husband's other wives because Koran says "Try as you may, you cannot treat all your wives impartially." (Surah 4:126-) You call me intolerant hmm, the Koran says.... "Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends." (Surah 5:51 "Fight against such as those to whom the Scriptures were given [Jews and Christians]...until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued." (Surah 9:27-)

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower 3. And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,- that Allah and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If then, ye repent, it were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject Faith.

[@segfault42]

I can't help thinking that Irshad Manji's pronunciation, tone, and manner of speaking rather sounds as though she were talking to a Sesame Street character! I have utmost respect for her though, she is obviously a brave woman. Salman Rushdie is absolutely riveting to listen to. Extremely interesting conversation!

[@russianblueOrDeath]

go to the true essence of Islam?? Like back to Muhammud when he goes around waging wars and murdering infidels?? that Islam? Ishrad Manji is an intellectual who cannot give up her baby blanket and it is such a pity.

[@hueyot]

how old are you... 12?

[@Krathify]

Brilliant and poignant.

[@lachiemckenzie]

what if the prophet wasn't employed by his first wife? Would that detract from women's right to vote? No of course not (for me- perhaps not for you).

[@shaheqaahmed270]

2 shaitans sitting together

[@dapodokumentary]

@chalakokhan Quran is the word of Mohammed nothing more and nothing less. Come off the brain washing.

[@vicachcoup]

I wonder why Irshad pretends to be a muslim. She is quite happy to hear the religion belittled and discredited and join in the amusement.

[@phixl]

Would she be allowed to?

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower all these things u said, produce ur evidence if u r truthful.

[@muhkuh0816]

so whats your lifestory ? commenting on youtube 24/7 ... your my hero

[@libertygrig8343]

You are changing everything and proving that you are not a clever.......hmmmmmmmm cannot even say man...to much for you

[@taikoman]

Irshad Manji's opening statement: (I'm paraphrasing) "the whole world has become too tribal, indulging in identity politics at the expense of ideas, creating a superficial diversity. But now MY project will teach people to think outside the box and save the world." Arrogant much? Also, her voice is incredibly annoying. Salman Rushdie is great as always.

[@ibziahmed9750]

2 reptiles on stage

[@RojaJaneman]

U do realize when u get angry like that people r happy about it right?? It means they’re on the right track

[@BigReggii]

If you are a True Muslim then please stay away from free thinking, free expressive and Human right lovers. Let us thrive, let us evolve and seek intelligence and human experience. But I promise Islam will fail because NO HUMAN BEING IS MEANT TO BE A SLAVE TO RELIGION OR A SOCIETY THAT HATES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND FREEDOM.

[@rmGuera]

Salman is - as always - joy to listen, but Irshad... So irritatingly dominant on a conversation that's NOT about her...And those question rules...Pity. All of it could've been more natural.

[@Hidden.SufiRealities-smc]

You know, I don;t want to discuss it. If she has feelings for other girls she must hide it and NOT practise it.

[@normalhuman6581]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2G7n2lmj9xjaaM .

[@buddhistflower]

Sura 65 on rules for divorce. Notice below that you can divorce a woman who hasn't menstruated yet ("not had their courses"). Sahih Muslim Book 008, Number 3310: 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) married me when I was six years old, and I was admitted to his house when I was nine years old.

[@buddhistflower]

funny other muslims agree with me about many point I made... reformislam . org

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower by the way 4:126 And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allâh is Ever Encompassing all things. u must have made a typo of 129 to 126

[@MuhammadAli-cf3ph]

Yellow journalism!!!

[@buddhistflower]

Muhammad is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to theunbelievers but merciful to one another. Through them, Allah seeks toenrage the unbelievers. - 48:29 "Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it." (Surah 2:216) (so much for your peace claim -- Hmm, could it be a contradiction?) Was Hamas guy really bribed? Hardly, Koran: "Seek out your enemies relentlessly." (Surah 4:103-) Bible - Love your enemy as yourself.

[@buddhistflower]

When you meet the unbelievers in jihad [holy war], chop off their heads. And when you have brought them low, bind your prisoners rigorously. Then set them free or take ransom from them until the war is ended." (Koran, 47:4) "When we decide to destroy a population, we send a definite order to them who have the good things in life and yet sin. So that Allah's word is proven true against them, then we destroy them utterly." (Koran, 17:16-17)

[@buddhistflower]

It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision Surah 33:36 -- doesn't Muhammed marrying more than 4 contraditct that?

[@automaticSOM]

@inn0centkiller Im not sure if I got the grammer of your comment, but Salman is from India and he is an atheist. I think it is you who is sick in the head, for not wanting freedom.

[@desibhoot]

and who told you Muslim women need HER to stand for them?

[@kittycatcarley]

@Astrid270718 Absolutely not. Is she killing, raping, mudering, because of her lesbianism? A persons sexuality, like a persons skin color, does not make them a bad person.

[@Eltae42]

Irshad Manji is a very sharp lady. Great interview. Thanks.

[@makorpoka]

Read the Quran see for yourselves the truth and dont fall for hypocrites who quotes out of contexts, with or without the knowledge of background.

[@raj6408]

Discussions of intellectuals. Pseudo intellectuals or no intellectuals are those who believe in religion (any religion).

[@Hidden.SufiRealities-smc]

SHE ISNT MUSLIM!

[@unsorted1138]

Inspiring stuff, one and a half hours well spent.

[@makorpoka]

For those who havent read Quran,it forbids rape and the punishment is stoned to death,forbids to inherit women against their will or treat them harshly(4:19).It forbids murder even if the person is criminal,its for the authority to decide the verdict.Quran never contradicts himself even though it took 23 years to reveal{4:82 Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than ALLAH(THE GOD,just ONE without a second),they would surely have found therein much contradictions}

[@bulbul704]

Bullshit. Women who adulterer are to be stoned to death. Sexual slavery (rape) of non Muslim female prisoners of war is permitted (4:24).

[@ignoranceisbad]

I hope you guys know that she doesn't believe half what she says but is looking to get the money in your pocket and your time which can be better used

[@Uroojinator]

That's the problem with all religions.

[@amibidhrohi2006]

There are plenty who endure considerable risk in the name of seeking celebrity. I don't mind honest criticism. Yes, the radical Muslims throughout the world have been an embarrassment to Islam. But that is not to say that real persecution of Muslims isn't also taking place throughout the world, much of which has fueled the birth of radical strains. Irshad isn't just critical of Muslims, she hates them vehemently. So much so that Bill O'Reilly had to be the voice of reason to balance her.

[@buddhistflower]

Not sure, I'm not Christian but that sounds like a reference to the sacrificial son and Abraham -- you have to be willing to sacrifice your family and everything - but God then stepped in and didn't make him kill his son. Jesus spoke a lot in metaphors (parables) and often most things he said were not literal.

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower bible i dont want to malign any religion but just to let u know LU 14:26 If any man cometh unto me, and HATEth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

[@koyunbaba73]

Feer is problematic, in that reason does not assuage it. People remember the riots over cartoons. People remember Theo van Gogh and Daniel Pearl, and Nick Berg, and... People have an aversion to being threatened, and certainly to being murdered. People also have an aversion to being labelled racists. Such a label can ruin your social life, regardless of whether it is true or not. It is difficult to be courageous in these times. The price paid for courage is steep. Still steeper for fear.

[@makorpoka]

Country doesnt belong to the person,rather the person belongs to the country.Christians love to live their life according to Bible,Hindu according to Veda and Muslims to Quran.Everyone has the right to practice their own religion in USA,unlike many other countries.And this is what makes this country so great and different from other countries.Everyone has the LIBERTY and RIGHT

[@paulvsislamonazism9534]

ISLAMIC STONING MOBS DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT "MORAL COURAGE," AND HERE'S WHY: There's a sense of thirst for blood in an Islamic rent-a-mob. You can see it in their faces, how their jaws are set, their eyes bright with excitement. There's a dark vacancy in the faces of some, and they want this vacancy filled with cruelty and pain, and the sound of someone crying out. Only something vicious will satisfy them, now that they have been given *permission by Islam* to want it.

[@buddhistflower]

worshipers. Proclaim a woeful punishment to the unbelievers. - 9:2-3 When the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. - 9:5

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower 5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower why r u Qouting and jumping. 9:1 to 2. 1. A (declaration) of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:- 2. Go ye, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, (as ye will), throughout the land, but know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah (by your falsehood) but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.

[@buddhistflower]

hey better we get it all out in a chat room and debate, even with the name calling, it's better than us killing each other and at least we get to hear the other side and know why they are pissed off even if we don't agree.

[@robinmonk5409]

What was written is not a value but has become a valuable because of the position that the consequent by Muslims and this Old style has been released from all religions and now has its development in the Islamic thought so....don't give any value to what was said or written because its just opinion even it's bad for 1.8 billion and I know the number is in growth

[@mohammadkaudeer6674]

Rushdie appears to accept that ( or believe in) the existence of Satan, but has not given a thought as to whether It is fallible. If he really accepts the "notion" of Satan why is he fussying about the "notion" of God. Even if he does not accept/believe in the existence of neither, he surely accepts that there was a "mystical" message. He said so. Why would any believer begin to doubt the correctness/absoluteness of a message from God? i.e why would God send a message to human kind and NOT be certain that it reaches its "address" untampered? It does not make sense to think that there are Muslims out there who would accept that Allah is fallible. Rushdie's simplistic explanation about the story of Mary in the Quran appears to be an analogy of how himself accidentally came across the story of Mahound. Basically what is coming out of these "Western Muslim" intellectuals is an attempt at reconciling their cultural past with their current life of making a living by writing books and talking to an audience ( they must please) in the West ...and they have to be logical/ positivist in their presentations .... Their contribution to peace , knowledge and quality of life ? Insignificant. Can there be a logical explanation to the fact ( truth) that the Quran states that God pledges to preserve this book, and nin fact it it arguably the most memorised book in human history. Does a Muslim believer have to have a logical explanation to this phenomenon. It is what the Quran calls a sign of Allah... And I pray Allah rewards his dad for trying. I hope he was a hafiz, too. Mohammad

[@makorpoka]

@makorpoka numbers 27:8 women inherit no property if she has brother.numbers 36:6 if women have no brother she gets the properties but then she can only marry in her own tribe numbers 30:6,14 the witness or vow of women can be cancel by the witness or vow of men.

[@makorpoka]

@makorpoka If she is truely guilty of accusations her belly will swell and her thigh will rot but if not nothing will happen. The man shall be guilt free of the iniquity and women shell bear her iniquity.(trial by ordeal)

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower even after limiting the amout of marriage up to 4 ALLAH says its difficult to do jutice when u have more than 1 wifes and encouraging to marry only once 4:129 You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire,so do not incline too much to one of them so as to leave the other hanging.And if you do justice,and do all that is right and fear Allâh by keeping away from all that is wrong, then Allâh is Ever Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower what a liar, no were in the Quran these are mention. Quran the verses chapter and verses number not from the hadith

[@gulshabbo]

@WLDB Under gunpoint, I would profess any faith to save my life. In his position, I would have preferred to remain in hiding more an additional year or two. You may defend his behavior if you like; just don't call it courageous.

[@buddhistflower]

right, he abanded his family, country, religion all at the cost of death threats for money- I doubt that.

[@pratyushpandey2855]

irshad manji, this is not new things. the kashmiri shaiva took up dualist kapalika ideas and transformed into monist shaivism. She could interpret islam in a better way and I wish every muslim does so..

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower where did u find beheaded or killed in an honor killing in Quran, Qoute the chapter number and verse number

[@ERTAPENEM]

Both are companions of hell , lol

[@danrobinson1729]

I am a companion of your mother

[@Zeeshanijaz844]

@@danrobinson1729 Day of judgment will decide mate.

[@kittycatcarley]

@kawaiigardiner How awful of you to say such a thing. People can change, you know, and get better. :(

[@vancouver11]

i like irshad but she's totally out of her league here

[@muhkuh0816]

pls grow up, its 2013 ...

[@WLDB]

@gulshabbo Would you have done better under the circumstances?

[@hapanataka1721]

What about the Muslim past and present thinkers, does Irashd Manji know their existence? An immoral person wants to give lessons on morality, what a shame.

[@agnelafernandes5926]

Who are you to judge her.

[@Lifelearne]

Can someone summarize what this about. No time to watch

[@azeemkhan-bo2uq]

if someone have to criticise medical, he/she must be a medical doctor, if a person have to criticise road construction map, he must be architecture or civil engineer. Similarly if someone have to criticise religion, he must have the most of the knowledge of that religion. it is not a good act start crticising religion without having knowledge of that religion and critcising it only on the base of its followers acts and only because you have freedom of expression.

[@QuaideAzamPakistan]

She is ignorance personified, he is arrogance personified! A debate of two pseudo-intellectuals!

[@somor98]

Not a 'lair', he's a 'liar'!

[@Alexdurrant7]

You never read it, did you?

[@blindleadingtheblind5882]

he she thinks she's so whity

[@somor98]

Of course you can

[@karangmail15]

Thank you for reminding me that most of the opposition to US foreign policy during the Bush term was conservative.

[@chipichipichapachapacala]

87

[@chipichipichapachapacala]

69

[@chipichipichapachapacala]

42

[@yousifmufeez5955]

Today there are hundreds of thousands that recite Quran with a 100% accuracy from cover to cover by heart (yet they dont speak arabic). But mohamed (pbuh) 1 person repeating small segments of it over 23 years is difficult? This man has KG level logic! Needless to mention the disturbed person next to him with haunting memories of an abusive father chasing with a knife.

[@bulbul704]

Man who believes in divine “revelations” delivered by angels and carried around by winged horses shouldn’t lecture others on “KG level” logic.

[@buddhistflower]

Khadijah, Sawdah, Aishah, Hafsah, Zaynab, Umm Salamah, Zaynab, Juwariyah, Mariyah, Safyyah, Umm Habeeba, and Maymunah --- Actually, I got that quote when the Egyptian scholar Dr. Attya was issuing a fatwah that women had to breastfeed adult men inorder to avoid punishment for being in the same room with unrelated males. I guess it's what Muhammed said, and Aysha encouraged it because it allowed her to be in the same room with unrelated males, especially after the Muhammed died.

[@irfanhaji09]

Salman interview boils down to him thinking it is acceptable to offend people, but it is not acceptable to feel hurt by it and for them to also express their freedom to speech. When it comes to reforming legislation/ customs (within islam) writing a blasphemous book does not feel like the best action/ book. Its just adding fuel to the fire and provoking a response from those with limited understanding. But Salman seems smarter than that, maybe a fire was the intention from the get go. It is all too easy to use words as deception.

[@lewisham]

Freedom of speech doesn’t cover threatening to kill someone. Sorry your feelings got hurt though.

[@irfanhaji09]

@@lewisham fair enough bro, agree with you; thanks for some enlightenment. But I do feel there are crazy people on this earth an to offend such a big population you are bound to few numpties. But I Couldn't give a shit about what Salman thinks about my religion, its like a dog trying to spit at the moon, my religion is too far above him, that spit would land on him, and he is just feeling sorry for himself now.

[@lewisham]

@@irfanhaji09 I think he’s fine.

[@gulshabbo]

When Salman Rushdie was in hiding, he suddenly announced that he had embraced Islam. Shortly afterward, he renounced his sudden profession of faith. Was that moral courage?

[@milkakelava992]

I agree, that it is dangerous.

[@makorpoka]

@buddhistflower islam is the only religion that limits the ammout of marriages. in other religion the amount is unlimited.4:3. If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans,Marry women of your choice,Two or three or four;but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or that your right hands possess,that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.