JIHAD vs. IJTIHAD
Rediscovering Islam in the 21st Century:
An Interview With Irshad Manji 

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Irshad Manji is a journalist and best-selling author of the book, “The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in her Faith.” Her book aims to show Muslims how they can rediscover “Ijtihad,” Islam’s lost tradition of independent thinking.

This book is related to a larger effort Ms. Manji is leading called “Project Ijtihad.” Ms. Manji says Project Ijtihad is a non-profit initiative designed to promote critical thinking, debate, and dissent among Muslims who seek to adapt their religion to the realities of the 21st Century. Above all, her vision entails a rejection of the violence, extremism, and hide-bound thinking associated with jihadists, the advocates of holy war.

Ms. Manji says her plan supports “a positive vision of Islam that embraces diversity of choices, expression, and spirituality.” With Project Ijtihad, she seeks to build “the world’s most inclusive network of reform-minded Muslims and non-Muslim allies.”

Ms. Manji is also the producer and host of the documentary film, 'Faith Without Fear,' which explores the concept of Ijtihad through Islamic history. This film was recently broadcast on the PBS series “America at a Crossroads.”

Irshad Manji recently sat down with Julie Vahdati, host of "A Woman's World" to talk about her book, her film, Project Ijtihad, and the importance of women in the quest to rediscover Islam.

For more information about Irshad Manji and her numerous projects, visit her website at:
http:// www.muslim-refusenik.com