Jimspeak

Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for this quote. This quote is from and interview with Syed Munawar Hasan. He is the leader of Pakistan's Islamist political party. The interview was conducted by the Asia Times Online. When you read it, think of our country's approach and dealings with Muslim countries. Furthermore, think of Bush's. I wonder if he realizes this? I wonder, maybe, that Bush's multitudinous mentioning of his faith actually gains him back a little respect from Muslims, just based on the fact that he does appear to be deeply religious? Interesting and educational quote for us.

ATO: "You reckon that there are so many contradictions between the West and the Muslim world, is there any chance of reconciliation and dialogue between the two civilizations?"
Munawar: "There is none. The basic concepts of both civilizations are in total contrast with each other. When I say this I do not address Western civilization as Christianity. I speak of a man-made system completely devoid of divine guidance. Our concepts of God, human beings, the universe, are totally in contrast with the concepts of the Western world. We cannot segregate human lives into private and public, our lives are ruled by divine guidance, not by man-made rules based on his own prejudices and specific mindset characterized by its own dilemmas and shortcomings. Our concept of the universe is not materialistic, and the result of an 'accident'. Instead, it was a very well thought out process envisaged by the creator of the universe with a plan. So these basic concepts have made the difference between ours and Western approaches."