Hamza Yusuf on the important work that needs to be done after Fort Hood

So much to belatedly blog about (and mourn–almost as much that the killer survived as for those he murdered in cold blood–and rail against) and so little time to do so. Sigh…

Anyway, here's some thoughtful and pragmatic post-Fort Hood advice to Muslim and non-Muslim alike from Sh. Hamza Yusuf.

Muslims, critics have work to do, Islamic scholar says | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has strong medicine for American Muslims — and their critics.

American Muslims “should really stop complaining,” start contributing more to society, get to know your neighbors and oppose the dangerous versions of Islam that have migrated to this country.

To critics: Stop demanding Muslims apologize for every act of violence committed by someone in the name of Islam, and recognize that Muslims throughout the world have suffered tremendous violence in recent decades. [MORE]

Religious reform is certainly needed–not to appease outsiders or even frankly for the sake of the "honor of Islam" (a slogan all often invoked by rogues whose actions and worldview are ironically blots against the same), but because it is in keeping with with Islam's most fundamental principles, however obscured they can be in contemporary "Islamic" discourse–yet to stubbornly insist that Muslim problems and the conflicts involving them be viewed in some ethereal vacuum devoid of cultural and political context irremediably dumbs down the discussion and ultimately diminishes the chances of reform and dialogue occurring (which in the case of some "critics" of Islam is a happy byproduct–if not the ultimate aim–of their work).

We live in a small, interconnected world where reform's often a two-way street, and a lot of beams are jutting out of people's eyes on all sides these days. Tragedies like this don't change that sad reality or its consequences.

Assuming most of the reports I've seen in the media to be correct, I hope this verminous,  psychopathic self-proclaimed "defender of Islam" gets the chair. I'd throw the switch with a cheerful whistle for a cold blooded murderer of such magnitude and cowardice, should any volunteers be  needed.