Heretic - Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now

Continuing her journey from a deeply religious Islamic upbringing to a position at Harvard, the brilliant and controversial New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author makes a powerful plea for a Muslim Reformation as the only way to address terrorism, sectarian warfare, and the repression of women and minorities. She argues that the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims can be divided into extremists, peaceable observant Muslims, and dissidents risking their lives to question their faith. While acknowledging that some teachings, such as the duty to wage holy war, conflict with free society values, she believes a Muslim Reformation—revising Islamic doctrine to align with modernity—is possible and may have already begun. The Arab Spring, despite its political setbacks, revealed a new willingness among Muslims, especially women, to think freely. She identifies five essential amendments to Islamic doctrine necessary for progress and urges the Western world to stop appeasing Islamists. Asserting that “Islam is not a religion of peace,” she emphasizes the need to support reformers rather than opponents of free speech. Interweaving personal experiences and historical examples, this work is a passionate plea for peaceful change and global toleration in the face of rising jihadist violence.