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The logic of freedom of religion implies freedom to be an atheist, even though, from a historical perspective, this has not been accepted in the Muslim world.

Tariq Ramadan

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Tariq Ramadan
Age: 62
Born: 1962
Born: August 26
Islamicist
Philosopher
Theologian
Writer
Genève
Perspective
Though
Freedom
Implies
Religion
Muslim
Even
Atheist
World
Logic
Accepted
Historical

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Muslims must decide, lest they end up divided by the very religion that calls upon them to unite.
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Violence against embassies and civilians must be categorically condemned. At the same time, we must attempt to understand why such events occur.
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There is great potential and deep fragility [in Malaysia] that can be used by any group that stresses on religion, pushing towards Islam, rejecting people and alienating migrants - anything can be used to win the next elections. So these are the signs of fragility that is very much there.
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This simple truth is the essence of my message to Muslims throughout the world: know who you are, who you want to be, and start talking and working with whom you are not. Find common values and build with fellow citizens a society based on diversity and equality.
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There is no faith, without a critical mind
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As Muslims the way we show respect to the creator is by respecting creation and this is why we have to reconcile ourselves with the objectives of the Revelation and the objective is really to honor nature as part of Creation.
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The problem with Salafis is that they are religiously sincere and politically naïve. And they allow themselves to be supported by people who have no religious sincerity but who are politically very smart, especially when it comes to their economic interests.
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I wrote a call to the contemporary Muslim conscience, saying to the ordinary people that we might not like the video or the cartoons, but that violence certainly isn't the right answer. I don't think laws are going to solve the problem.
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When terrorism is directly aiming at Western countries, it is automatically and abnormally enlarged in order to instill emotions and fear. However, when attacks happen in the Middle East, is it conveniently downplayed and less talked about. Unless they would benefit more from a heavy coverage.
Tariq Ramadan
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The most dangerous prisons are those with invisible bars
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You cannot limit the debate to being solely in favour or against. It should be more complex. When you condemn, you need to understand what led to it. In general, if it is our responsibility to condemn terrorist actions after they had happened, we have an even greater responsibility beforehand to make sure they won't happen.
Tariq Ramadan
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We should say to the West: You have been supporting dictators for too many years. Don't expect the people to introduce democracy over night. It is going to take time. It took time with the French revolution, it took time with the Eastern European revolutions. And it is going to take time there.
Tariq Ramadan
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Pushing the limits, to be thought provoking, pushing people to think and question the limits, it's not always bad for the rules if you're confident because it can even strengthen your understanding of religion in the process.
Tariq Ramadan
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Our democratic societies are in danger. In allowing ourselves to be infiltrated by fear, to be blinded by the passion of identity, we are entertaining the most serious illusions about our freedom.
Tariq Ramadan
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I think what we are seeing is a vicious circle: by covering the controversies and the conflicting realities, it creates a much distorted perception of Islam and Muslims. When a minority is being taken as a majority, it creates a wrong image.
Tariq Ramadan
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We must master our egoism, and through this mastery, step outside ourselves and educate ourselves in giving. Fasting requires that we rediscover all that is alive around us, and reconcile ourselves with our environment.
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If people who cherish freedom, who know the importance of mutual respect and are aware of the imperative necessity to establish a constructive and critical debate, if these people are not ready to speak out, to be more committed and visible, then we can expect sad, painful tomorrows. The choice is ours.
Tariq Ramadan
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The perception in the Arab world now is that we are having secularists against Islamists, and that's it. So the secularists are progressive the Islamists are reactionary, conservative. This perception is wrong.
Tariq Ramadan
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Greek philosophy departs from the assumption that we can understand the world autonomously using our rational faculties. Islam is not saying this.
Tariq Ramadan
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The more I know, the best I believe. The more I know, the best I'm worshiping Him. Because, in the end Allah knows the best.
Tariq Ramadan