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I’m not convinced that anarchy would be an improvement over the present state of affairs. Lennon seems to be the opposite of Lenin here. Lenin demands the government control all. Lennon demands no government at all.

I’m opting for the happy middle between Lennon’s Hobbesian state of nature and Lenin’s socialist worker’s paradise.

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For those who want to read it, click here for the Arabic version and here for Google’s translation.

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Please check Alwasatnews today- page 11

There is an interview with Sheikh Najati about this issue. I think this may remove the misunderstanding.

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I think the world will be a safer and a happier place if we all sing along with John Lennon his immortal words and perhpas try to embrace them;

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…

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You’re the second person who brought out the subject of the perceived agreement of my position to that of the Wahabi MP Jassim Al-Saidi. My position may coincide perceivably with Saidi; however, the motive and motivation behind both positions are completely divergent, as you well know.

Now, as to my criticism of Isa Qassim’s assertion that his word – being a cleric (faqih) of certain standing in knowledge of Islam and the community – is equivalent to that of God, in as much as its authority is concerned, does not make sense to me. Please correct me if you feel that I am wrong. I don’t think that I am.

To me, mortals whoever they are cannot – by definition – be infallible. They are imperfect human beings given to err, some more than others. That is why the “marji’iah” is central to Shi’a doctrine and any decision given by a marji’ is open to discussion and even contentious debate. If that marji’s followers do not agree with that position or interpretation, then they are more than welcome to change their reference.

That in itself also confirms several factors: that Islam is an evolutionary religion which is re-interpreted to the time it is in, this allows it to be a “live” religion, and the second thing is the absolute confirmation that we also believe in not just black and white, but also the area in between. Hence, the confirmation again that imperfection is the rule rather than the exception.

Therefore, Isa Qassim’s words and decision – with all due respect – and all of those of the other respected marji’s are offered as guidance to their interpretation of the religion, rather than be the absolute “truth”.

As that is the case, then to me personally, it does not make sense to assert that a faqih’s MUST be obeyed as one would Allah and the Prophet.

I hope I have made my position amply clear. It might be a mistaken position, but to me and my conscience it is logical; hence, is true enough for me.

There is no way that with these expressed thoughts that I have “attacked” or done any damage to the Shi’a and their beliefs, or even the larger Muslim community.

I am and will continue to express things as I see them. If I am found at fault, then I am ready to accept reason.

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Please consider this as an advice!

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Islam, we thought, is one religion that does not require priests for God to accept our supplications.

The Christian’s Bible also does not require priests interceding for God to accept our supplications. Yet the Pope has declared otherwise and has also declared himself infallible. Look at his following! Indeed look how many world leaders not only attended Pope John Paul’s funeral, but actually bowed down to his dead body.

How might one criticise, given that now these clerics are no longer simple mortals? How are we to outline faults in their logic or even person if they are presumed infallible? Or, on a practical level, how is one to point out even one of their simple mistakes or dare to have a differing opinion if the reward is a blackened eye or a burnt house?

That’s the point, isn’t it? In order for us to question or criticise, we must first be thinkers. By outlawing criticism they are also, indirectly, outlawing thinking.

A population that does not think is always desirable as it is the easiest to manipulate my dear boy.

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As for the Wahabis…God help them.

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