Dedicated to promoting timely understanding and debate on a broad spectrum of ideas and trends in Islam and the Arab World through filtration, translation and analysis of original language texts
Western commentators on Islam and the Arab World too often quote liberal Arab writers and ignore Islamist writers who have far greater influence on a large and growing segment of the Arab/Muslim population. PI Online analyzes the ideology of this conservative group, through the eyes of two of the most popular Islamic writers, the Tunisian Rashid Al-Ghannouchi and the Egyptian Fahmi Huwaidi
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All eyes have been on "radical Islam" while the real "moderate" elements, which constitute the majority of the Muslim World, are ignored, except for the occasional platitude to assure them that "we are not at war with Islam".
PI Online explains why no Western policy towards Islam can be successful without engaging the real moderates and why understanding Qaradawi's views is an essential element in formulating that policy.
PI Online examines recent criticism and interpretations of Islamic dogma by some North African writers who are attempting to reform Muslim thinking and counteract the rigidity of Salafism.
When religious coexistence and religious dogma collide in the Middle East, it is difficult for good intentions to prevail. PI Online examines the arguments used by conservative Muslims who reject the idea of building Churches on Saudi soil and the unenviable position in which they placed the Saudi King.
PI Online examines the life of this Harvard educated liberal who was credited for naming Al-Arabiya news channel. The writings of this columnist, parliamentarian and former Education minister always had a clear vision of right versus wrong, regardless of what was viewed as politically correct in the Arab World.
Egyptian thinker has proclaimed that no single religion has the right to monopolize God's favoritism. He proposes a five points approach to serve as a foundation for a new perspective by participants in the cultural and religious dialogue.
Sheikh Al-Qarni lashes out against the systemic extortion and subjugation of women by tyrannical male family members in Saudi Arabia and sheikh Al-'Awdah advocates openness towards western culture, warning against what he calls a "closed door" policy. He also advised Muslim women to adopt the clothing habits of the societies in which they reside, including the West, while maintaining a conservative appearance.
What are the challenges facing those advocating the emerging ideology known as "Islamic Secularism" and should Muslims be free to chose the political regime that is most adaptable to the times while remaining faithful to Islam?
Iman Al-Qahtani addresses the issue of fanaticism in Islam and blames the clerical establishment for misinterpreting the Qur'an and the education system for inflaming the youth. She poses the provocative question whether humans have corrupted the true meaning of the Qur'an throughout the centuries.
Sheikh 'A'id Al-Qarni declares that the Arab mindset does not have identifiable characteristics and the only solution is for Arabism to become synonymous with Islamism.
Columnist Sayyed Wild-Abah brings to the public a recent important debate undertaken by Muslim Philosophers who are challenging traditional Quranic interpretations. These new Islamic thoughts could have serious theological and political implications.
Writer Ma'mun Fendi considers the veil a public, political manifestation of fanaticism which contributed to Egypt's cultural decline. He blames the late president Sadat for having given birth to that religious phenomenon.
Reviewing twenty-years of Jihadi movements since the inception of Al Qaeda in 1988, political analyst Khalil Al-'Anani predicts a new and disturbing transformation of these movements during the coming year.
Academician argues that progress and development in Arab and Muslim society cannot be achieved without resolving the role of women in the manner of the twelfth century philosopher Ibn Rushd.
A prominent scholar and political Islamic leader presents a compelling argument for the co-existence of Islam and secularism in the Muslim world and calls for reform.
A well known Saudi Journalist is under attack by the religious establishment for insinuating that it is acceptable for a woman to head a government in a Muslim country.
Most western politicians and analysts make the assumption that violence and fundamentalist governments would only be supported by a very limited portion of the Muslim population. Ma'mun Fendi writing in the daily newspaper asharq al-awsat challenges that conventional wisdom and presents facts in support of his thesis.
The stark contrast between two different perspectives on the interaction between secularism and Islam reveals a serious ideological divide within the Arab/Muslim world.
Seven analysts reflect upon Dr. Fadl's re-examination of the Jihadi Movement -
Is violent Jihad inherent in Salafi dogma or is it the intersection of dogma and socio-political conditions
''The testimony of a woman is legally equal in weight with a man's testimony'' With that statement, a prominent Muslim woman, Dr. Zeinab Radwan, takes on the Islamic establishment.
Moroccan author Ahmad Al-Raysuni chooses the twelfth century philosopher Ibn Rushd, known in the West as ''Averroes'', to prove that religion and politics can blend. Al-Raysuni either ignored or was unaware of Averroes' philosophy.
Is there a coordinated effort among respected and relatively moderate Muslim scholars to condemn and undermine the violence and fanaticism exemplified by Al-Qaida? Two open letters by Al-Qaradawi and Al-'Awdah seem to suggest so, however it remains to be seen whether this is a sustained effort or short-lived rhetoric.
The islamist writer Al-'Abdah accuses most Islamist Groups of pursuing an elitist, factional self-centered policy leading to their isolation from the masses. His proposed solution, however, seems to reveal a deeper agenda for transforming the entire Middle East to Islamic rule.
