As a Muslim, I firmly believe the primary challenge facing Islam today is a crisis of religious leadership authority. There is simply a dearth of religious leaders in Islam, and I personally know many Muslims who feel they have no religious leaders to turn to. As a result, others fill this vacuum, including the more ignominious figures that represent the worst of the Muslim community.

In fact, throughout much of the world today, religious adherents are feeling increasingly disconnected from their leadership. I recall former Pope John Paul II with immense admiration and thankfulness for his efforts in promoting dialogue with Muslims. How great this leader’s gestures of peace and respect differ from the current Pope’s attempt to dig out ancient texts and highlight tensions between Islam and Christianity! Following this now infamous row, I walked into my neighborhood Italian grocery store to purchase some mozzarella cheese. The Catholic owner inquired what world peace project was now occupying my time. I told him the Pope’s comments about Islam were keeping me busy. He replied with disdain, “He ain’t NO religious leader of mine. I liked the old Pope, he was a real man of God. He brought people together. This one here [Pope Benedict] ain’t gonna to do nothin’ for nobody.” These religious leaders’ respective positions have had real concrete effects, and as Muslims, we can feel the difference.

We recognize that prophetic leaders are sent by the Divine to champion movements for change, and transform societies. While the presence of prophets may be out of the question today, our world desperately needs prophetic voices and visionary leaders, men and women who can guide our societies and faiths to justice and peace.