Peace,
Ayann Hirsi Ali is a former Dutch parliamentarian. She has just written a book called Infidel. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential leaders of the world. She is currently living in Washington, D.C.. She collaborated with a man named Theo van Gogh on a short film called Submission, that was, according the two of them, based on the harsh treatment of women in the Qur'an. Van Gogh was shot by a Dutch-born Moroccan two months after the film first aired. She was born in Somalia where female genital mutilation is practiced. She clearly had an extreme Muslim experience.
I can't speak of her personally, as I don't know her. However, it is clear to me that she is very misguided. This can happen very easily to people who practice their religion in an extreme way. Perhaps if she ever comes to know the people of this forum she will see what Islam is truly about. For now though, her outspoken ways, and outward beauty (people wise up) are earning her book deals, magazine spreads (she appears in this months Vogue), political positions, and now an offer to become a visiting scholar at the Washington, D.C. based American Enterprise Institute. She has said of her past statements: "I was young, fiery, and impatient when I said the things I did. I now realize that the changes I want to make won't be immediate." She is quoted as referring to the Prophet Muhammed as a pervert and a tyrannt.
Writer Ian Buruma helped in making a movie about van Gogh's death (Murder in Amsterdam) states: "There's a lot of admiration for the way she has spoken up about oppressed women, but she has the zealousness of the convert on this topic. She may be speaking on behalf of Muslim women, but I have yet to meet one who feels allied with her. Mostly, they feel condescended to. Others just resent the way she has stirred things up."
I give her a big thumbs down, but pray that she will one day come to know the true message of the Qur'an on women and just how very lucky we are.
p, l, f, and j,
lf
