If you read this blog regularly you know I am pro-Islam.

I have had nothing but wonderful experiences travelling in the Muslim world and am mortified at the stupid things I see in the Western media.

That said, there are aspects of Islam with which I disagree including these listed on the (locked down) Wikipedia page:

The use of fatwas to punish violations committed by Muslims (e.g. the death edict against British writer Salman Rushdie).

Apostasy in Islam, which is punishable by death under Islamic Law (in some countries).

Human rights abuses by the Taliban and other fundamentalist governments.

The use of violence by Islamist militant organizations as a means of spreading Islam.

The state of women’s rights in muslim societies. (Especially disallowing girls to attend school.)

The censorship of criticism of Islam (e.g. Muhammad Cartoons).

I don’t list the current debate about whether the religion was historically more spread by the sword than Christianity. It is an unimportant issue. Ancient history. A hot button which diverts attention from the far more important issue of women’s rights.

Certainly there are many Muslim societies that have evolved past all of these (often exaggerated) criticisms.

The good works of Islam far outweighs the bad.

Of course I also disagree with some of the traditions of other religions, especially Catholicism and Hinduism. (Lets save those for future posts.)

Now unlike some religious defenders, I welcome criticism of my point of view. If you believe I am wrong please post a comment below.