Bridging Worlds: Critique of Yasir Qadhi’s “Secret Halal Weapon” Statement

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 5 Feb 2025 (Associate Professor, Griffith University) The relationship between Islam and the West is often framed as a clash of civilizations, a narrative fuelled by extremist voices on both sides. However, this narrative obscures the reality that, for many Muslims in the West, there is no inherent conflict between their faith and the values of liberal democracies. In fact, a significant number of Muslims in the West are embracing progressive and liberal interpretations of Islam and embracing a health western Muslim identity , one that sees compatibility and even synergy between their religious beliefs and the principles of equality, justice, and freedom that underpin Western societies. This perspective is not just a matter of theological interpretation; it’s a pathway to a more harmonious future. Adherence to what can be termed a "cosmopolitan Islam" is essential for achieving this harmony. This approach embraces religious pluralism, multiculturalism, gender equality, and active citizenship. It recognizes that the most important messages of any authentic religion are respect for human dignity and the pursuit of justice, peace, compassion, and equality, regardless of religious or other differences. This is in line with Western values of equality and fairness. The Problem of Extremism The challenge, however, is that not all interpretations of Islam are equally compatible with Western values. Dogmatic traditionalism/conservatism and of course religious fundamentalism are all harmful because they are based on a narrow, dogmatic view of the world that rejects diversity, meaningful interreligious dialogue, and critical thinking. This kind of extremism, which is often associated with puritanical and traditionalist approaches to religion, serves to fuel division and hostility. It is important to recognise that these extremist views are not representative of the vast majority of Muslims. Many Muslims in the West see Western liberal values as compatible with, and even reflective of, their Islamic values. A recent survey of Australian Muslims, for example, found that two-thirds of them identify as liberal or progressive. This highlights the diversity of thought and practice within Muslim communities and demonstrates the potential for a harmonious coexistence. The Scandinavian Case The situation of Muslims in Scandinavia, a region known for its social democracies, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of integration. In recent decades, Muslim communities in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have grown rapidly due to immigration. This growth has brought both opportunities and challenges. One of the main challenges is that some Scandinavian societies are monocultural, making it difficult for those who appear different to be accepted by mainstream culture. The rapid influx of Muslim immigrants has, in some cases, created tensions. Socioeconomic disparities and cultural differences, particularly concerning dress and religious practices, have further complicated the situation. Moreover, the growth of Muslim communities has fuelled the rise of far-right political parties characterized by anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia. These groups often exploit the perception that Islam is a threat to Western culture, leading to discrimination and hate incidents. This rhetoric is further exacerbated by those who espouse harmful interpretations of Islam. The "Halal Secret Weapon" Controversy Adding to these challenges are the inflammatory statements made by figures like Yasir Qadhi, who has referred to high Muslim birthrates in some Swedish cities as a "halal secret weapon".(30:32) Qadhi's remarks, while perhaps statistically accurate, frame the growth of Muslim populations in a way that could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to "take over" Scandinavia. This kind of rhetoric is deeply problematic, as it fuels anti-Muslim sentiment and feeds into far-right conspiracy theories. It does not contribute to constructive dialogue or community building and should be avoided. The use of religious phrases like ma sha'allah (meaning "as Allah has willed it") to describe high birthrates can be seen as further evidence of a deliberate plan, which can be harmful. This approach is not a constructive way to build bridges with non-Muslims and should be avoided at all costs. Such statements undermine the efforts of many Muslims working towards integration and peaceful coexistence. This type of language is not only detrimental to Muslim-non-Muslim community relations in Scandinavia, but in the West more generally. It reinforces the false narrative of a clash of civilizations and further entrenches the perception that Islam is a threat to Western culture and society. It is critical that Muslim leaders and public figures take responsibility for the impact of their words and avoid rhetoric that could be misconstrued or fuel existing prejudices. Moving Forward The path forward requires a multifaceted approach. I want to emphasize several critical points: Embracing Progressive Islam: progressive and liberal interpretations of Islam are fully compatible with Western democratic values. This approach demonstrates to non-Muslims that there is a uniquely Western Muslim identity that can play a positive role in society. Interreligious Dialogue: Islam and Christianity, share many commonalities both cultural and theological. This shared history and heritage should be embraced and explored. Reforms: Traditionalist Islamic thought needs significant reform, including an epistemological shift away from a strict emphasis on decontextualised interpretation of religious texts. It needs to embrace modern sciences and philosophy, as well as critical historical approaches to religion; it needs to rediscover Islamic aesthetics, rationalistic philosophy, and cosmopolitan presentations of Islamic mysticism. Institutional Changes: These shifts should be supported by institutional reforms, such as new educational institutions that offer a more diverse and critical curriculum and promote gender equality as well as the development of more inclusive models of religious authority that include Muslim women. Addressing Socio-Political Issues: There needs to be a broader focus on social justice, economic development, and political stability. This requires active Muslim participation in the public sphere, the development of stronger civil society, and greater interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Civic Engagement: Muslims need to actively participate in the civic and political life of their countries, contributing to the well-being of society as a whole. In some western European contexts has already been happening for over 2-3 decades. Accountability : holding those who espouse harmful interpretations of Islam accountable ,especially if they have significant number of followers (like Qadhi). In addition to these points, it is essential to promote education and economic development for Muslim communities in the West, thus breaking down socioeconomic barriers and fostering social mobility. It is also important to hold accountable those who espouse harmful interpretations of Islam, particularly if they have a large following. The Future of Islam in the West The story of Islam in the West ,as I explored ( as a co-author) in this book, is one of complexity and change. While challenges such as discrimination, government control, and internal division do exist, there is also evidence that new generations of Muslims are building strong communities and assuming leadership roles. The future of Islam in the West depends on the choices that Muslims and non-Muslims make today. By embracing progressive and liberal interpretations of Islam, promoting dialogue, and actively working to build bridges between communities, it is possible to create a more inclusive and harmonious society. The potential for a truly cosmopolitan, Western Muslim identity is real, and it is an identity that can enrich the fabric of Western democracies. The challenge now is to realize this potential and move beyond the false narratives of conflict and incompatibility and problematic statement such as the “Secret Halal Weapon” by Qadhi. By doing so, we can build a future where the shared values of justice, equality, and compassion prevail. …. A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are (co-edited) - Shame, Modesty, and Honour in Islam and Interfaith Engagement beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://newageislam.com/ijtihad-rethinking-islam/critique-halal-bridging-worlds-secret-statement/d/134531 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism