Let Muslim Leaders Speak First

Hamas leaders claim that their understanding of Islam makes Israel's survival a theological and moral impossibility. What's your response to that? How should Israel respond? How should other Muslims respond?

Christianity and Islam are both world religions. As world religions we are connected with those who share our faith and doctrine around the globe.

This means that Hamas does not speak unilaterally for Islam. The agreement or disagreement with an "understanding of Islam [that] makes Israel's survival a theological and moral impossibility" must first receive a response from Muslim leaders and scholars beyond Hamas. What does the rest of Islam say?

Asking for a first response from other Muslim leaders puts them in a difficult position. Disagreement with Hamas may sound like support of Israel. Agreement with Hamas may sound like opposition to any possible peace settlement in the Middle East.

Yes, it is a difficult theological and moral question for Muslim leaders to answer but that's what leaders do--offer answers to the worlds' most difficult questions.

By Leith Anderson  |  January 13, 2009; 1:01 AM ET  | Category:  Religious Conflict
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