This is your place to publicly comment on the topics and issues addressed in Speaking of Faith programs. React in a personal way, and put into words what this program meant to you.

Submit Your Reflection about "Progressive Islam in America."

Shows on Islam (February 28, 2004)
This past October, I was helping my mom get ready for guests coming over to break fast for Ramadan. I was working all day, and went upstairs to rest until guests arrived closer to sunset. I turned on NPR (WNYC where I am) as is habit, and was completely mesmerized by your show on Islam and Ramadan. Listening to the reflections of the meaning and significance of Ramadan, as well as recitations of the Quran made me enjoy my fast more, and moved me as my break relaxed me both physically and spiritually.

Today, I experienced the same feeling. I went rollerblading, making the most out of the warm day in New York, and turned WNYC on in my car. I heard a similar program that turned me on spiritually and helped me enjoy my drive home. Especially since I am a progressive Muslim living in the US, your program touched me deeply.

Rarely do I hear programs about Islam that make me proud to be a Muslim and clearly and intelligently articulate the beauty and complexity of Islam. These days, I feel that I am on the defensive more than I should regarding my religion. I want to thank you for exploring Islam in the manner in which you do.

Geillan Aly
Baldwin Harbor, NY (WNYC 830-AM)

A Canadian Muslim (March 3, 2004)
I have just finished listening to your show titled "Progressive Islam in America" and words cannot express my thanks and appreciation to you and my local Atlanta public radio for airing such a wonderful and informative program. As a Muslim Canadian living and working in America, it is very rare to have any mainstream media hour-long radio or tv program that will discuss Islam in an accurate and scholarly fashion as you have done during my rush hour this evening.

I usually do not, as I should have, take the time to thank NPR and organizations such as Speaking of Faith for their hard work and mission to make the world a much better place for human understanding and mutual respect. So once again I say thank you and please count on my support for your future efforts.

Mohamoud Ibrahim
Atlanta, GA (WABE 90.1-FM)

Why Do Converts Turn to Islam? (February 29, 2004)
Is it a loss of another faith, or dissatisfaction with the social context of "western European Christianity"? In other words, is the initial impetus to explore Islam religious, social, or political?

Laurence Burns
Grand Rapids, MI (WVGR 104.1-FM)

Islam the Religion Versus Islam the Natural System (February 29, 2004)
What has happened to "Islam," over the past 1400 years, is an antithesis of what the Quran's real message is. Islam has been "religionized" contrary to being the natural and rational system, as the Quran describes it. What converted Islam into a "religion" are the traditions that were invented by various elites through its history as competing canons to the Quran and attributed to the prophet (hundreds of years after his death) under the title of "hadith." Islam is the Quran — the most progressive, egalitarian and open system the world has seen, a precursor to the renaissance.

Muhammed A. Asadi
Detroit, MI (WUOM 91.7-FM)

Islam (March 3, 2004)
I was so happy to hear this program. It made me realize that I am not alone and that my voice really does need to be heard. I have been a Muslim for 9 years and married an "immigrant" 4 years ago. We struggle almost daily with stereotypes and misunderstandings down here in the "bible belt." At the same time, being professionals, we also have the wonderful support of our supervisors and co-workers. Michael Wolfe said that he would like to see more books in the following years, telling the story of ordinary American Muslims, that is an inspiration to me, as I am truly living a most remarkable life and American dream. God willing, you'll all be able to read about it soon. Thank you for such a quality program, and I pray that we will hear more of the same in times to come.

Dina Andriusis
Lawrenceville, GA (WABE 90.1-FM)

Effects of Male Sexual Drive on Oppressing Women (February 29, 2004) I just viewed the movie Osama and my reaction to your guests on Progressive Islam in America was nothing but anger — I found them wishy washy and delusional — especially Kecia Ali.

While it is true that ALL religions have subjugated women, none continues to do so with more viciousness than Islam. There is no question that views adopted by those in power bring about specific policies. I believe that the Holocaust could never have been possible without Hitler being in power. So it is that as long as Islamic religious leaders have so much influence in the governing of Islamic countries, women will always be considered less than human in those countries.

For many years I've been toying with the idea that the reason for men to have subjugated women is because they felt somewhat "powerless" when dealing with their sexual drives. I was amazed when, in Osama, the film maker openly alluded to this — namely, women must be invisible as not to arouse men's sexual desires.

Until women and men honestly discuss the issue of "male sexual drive" as it relates to the female and its effect on male psyche, women will always have to struggle to retain an equal "human" status with men.

Elizabeth Niemeyer
Maple Shade, NJ (WHYY 91.0-FM)

Learning More (February 29, 2004)
I work in Paterson, NJ which is a wonderfully diverse community of varied ethnic and religious groups. It has a large Muslim and Arabic population, and I need to learn much more about both (which I have to keep reminding myself are not necessarily the same.)

Thank you for the wonderful conversation you shared and the listing of books to learn more. I particularly liked the Bob Dylan reference since being a child of the 60's, he's a favorite of mine. Keep up the good work. I'll be sending this link to many friends.

Barbara Dunn
Hillsdale, NJ (Listens Online)