I’m writing in response to Frank Hutchins’ Nov. 19 letter (“Islam: Dysfunctional society with violent history”). Reading a couple of books hardly makes one a scholar or an expert on a subject. In pursuit of my history degree, I studied Islam and the various cultures that have embraced it and dealt with it, for three years. I have taken many university courses, read dozens of books, and discussed Islam and the Muslim culture with everyone from ex-patriot Iraqis to former Israeli intelligence analysts. I even ended up reverted to Islam myself. I am no closer to being able to make, with any veracity, any sort of sweeping statements about my adopted faith now than I was when I began.
As far as Mr. Hutchins’ letter, he may as well have accused people of African heritage of not being able to maintain a stable government or resist the urge to slaughter each other wholesale.
The Muslim world is hurting today, but in the past our roles have been reversed. Islam at one time led the world in art, science, education and culture while Christendom was nothing more than an assemblage of brutal, backward fiefdoms.
My suggestion to anyone who thinks Islam is some kind of evil is to go spend some time with Muslims. In my three years as an observant Muslim, I’ve encountered nothing but kindness, patience, courtesy and understanding from them. On the other hand, I have experienced bigotry, hatred, and mindless rage from so-called “educated thinkers” here in the U.S.
Everett
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