Dubai: An American Islamist intellectual has slammed Western notions that Islam needs reforms.
He also said that Islam has been politicised to such an extent that it is being reduced to just a political ideology.
Khalid Abu Baker Ahmad, President of the National Congress of American Muslim Youth, said the result of politicising Islam is grave because it is turning the primary focus of the religion away from the spirit and the soul, thereby reducing its sacred message.
"Many western thinkers and policymakers suggest that Islam is in need of reform," he said. "I do not agree that Islam is in need for any such improvement because Islam is perfect. The Islamic world is in no need of a reformation, or secularisation, but rather a reemphasis of its traditions," he said.
Ahmad said Muslims need to return to the best example that Allah has blessed humanity with.
"The Quran and Sunnah must be implemented in Muslim lives, who need to be more tolerant of those of other religions to counter bigotry," Ahmad said.
He said Muslims have a role to play in censoring hate speeches made in the name of Islam and to defend Islam against anti-Muslim bias. Abu Baker Ahmad, who was born in New York of parents who had converted to Islam, said people eagerly wish to known about the history of Islam in America.
"American Muslim history dates back to the day the first slave landed in Virginia in 1619," he said. "Contrary to what others say, America is really a fine place to practice Islam," he said.
"I have been discriminated against in America for my colour but never for my religion," he said.
"After September 11, Islam was hijacked and continues to be hijacked by those acts in the name of Islam. That is what makes Americans view Islam negatively."
