PR Islam
\r\nThere are Muslims who feel that given the especially vulnerable situation of Muslims globally, it is best to leave off topics that expose Muslims to further criticism and scrutiny. Many Muslims believe that in this charged atmosphere, only Islam's "best face" should be put forward, and people of conscience ought to strive to promote a "public relations" (PR) image of Islam. The PR approach highlights only positive and unproblematic elements of Islam, chalking up any troublesome religious doctrines or rulings to misinterpretation and cultural bias.
\r\nPromoting a "PR version" of Islam is not without its merits, especially given the contemporary political climate in countries across Europe and North America. In the face of these developments, it is understandable that some Muslims worry about the image of Islam and are anxious that if Muslims discuss less savoury aspects of their tradition, these will be manipulated by anti-Muslim forces to demonize and dehumanize Islam and Muslims globally.
\r\nWhile these concerns can be appreciated, shying away from difficult discussions and controversial topics in order to "save" Islam and Muslims from unwarranted criticism is a bad idea. People can and always have found ways to misrepresent and misread intellectual projects. Using the work of a scholar to promote causes from which said scholar would recoil is not a new phenomenon. Once intellectual property is created and disseminated, it is in the hands of a large and varied public, who are free to use it for multiple, sometimes conflicting, purposes. While scholars have a responsibility to produce intellectually rigorous and honest work, they do not bear responsibility for the numerous, unanticipated ways in which their work is received and utilized. At some point, those who misconstrue and misrepresent scholarly works must bear responsibility for their own actions.
\r\nInterestingly, the PR image of a presentable and palatable Islam also reproduces a sterile, sanitized, monotonous, and dehumanized version of Islam, one that depicts a complex religion only in shades of black and white. This vision does a disservice to the study of Islam since it lacks the complex, varied, rich, and vibrant picture of Muslim experiences of Islam. In order to maintain its monolithic image, PR Islam quells exciting, intellectually rigorous, and stimulating conversations about Islam within Muslim communities, resulting in stagnant communities that cannot honestly and openly discuss their ethical and moral concerns. The reactionary nature of PR Islam, borne out of fear, is part of the problem; it is not helpful to Muslim communities negotiating multiple identities in the contemporary world. It stifles the dialogue, internal criticism, and self-reflective thinking that is necessary for individuals and communities to grow and thrive.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n \"Domestic Violence and the Islamic Tradition\" - Ayesha S. Chaudhry