The Swiss academic and Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, is one of the most respected scholars of Islam writing today.
But he has faced fierce, often vitriolic condemnation from certain circles in the West for what they label his radical or Islamist viewpoints. Similarly, he faced criticism from some Muslims for being, as they saw it, “too Western.”
Under the Bush administration he was refused entry to the US in 2004. Due to take up the position of Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, Ramadan believes the decision was politically motivated, and was made in anticipation of his outspoken views on the Bush administration.
The decision has only just been revoked by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
However, some still criticise him for his beliefs, citing tenuous terrorist connections, (his grandfather was Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood) and make allegations that he is anti-Semitic.
In light of this, Ramadan has felt the need to clearly define and articulate his philosophies, in his latest book, What I Believe.
As he writes in the introduction: “I give readers this opportunity to read me in the original and simply get direct access to my thoughts.”
It’s a short read, and Ramadan summarises his ethics - on issues such as immigration; cultural assimilation; women in Islam and identity - in a refreshingly concise way. He writes passionately and his commitment to what he believes in is inspirational. Paul Donnelly, of the Washington Post, has called him the Muslim Martin Luther and it is easy to see why.
Recognising that he cannot speak for all Muslims, Ramadan identifies himself as a reformist. He writes: “I aim to remain faithful to the principles of Islam, on the basis of scriptural sources, while taking into account the evolution of historical and geographical contexts.”
The book, therefore, serves as an analysis of how best to reconcile ‘multiple identities.’ One might define oneself as both Muslim and British, and these should not be at odds with each other.
So while on one hand, What I Believe, posits an analysis of how Islam has been usurped by some political parties and media outlets as a divisive instrument, used to instil fear and suspicion in communities, Ramadan also uses it to introduce his views on how Muslims must confront what he labels a “deep identity crisis.”
He warns that: “One must resist the temptation to reduce one’s identity to a single dimension that takes priority over every other.” They must, he writes, stop labelling themselves as victims. and become actively involved in the civic and political communities of their European or American homes, whilst remaining true to their Islamic beliefs.
Like any major social evolution, Ramadan admits that this cultural assimilation will take some time (he predicts 50 years), but it is vital that it happens.
What I Believe is a fantastic book - Ramadan’s simple plea that we all live and work together, in “humility, respect and consistency,” is genuinely inspiring, and his impassioned, intelligent writing would satisfy anyone interested in contemporary society, politics and culture.
For journalists writing about religion today it is undoubtedly an essential read - Ramadan offers a crucial voice for Islam in the West and his demands on the media, to act responsibly and be cautious to see events in the longer term, come at a crucial time for journalism.