Religious Discourse
from News Yemen:
The Kuwaiti propagandist, Tariq al-Swedaan, visited Sana’a where he proposed unexpected and interesting theses.
Dr. Swedaan surprised the Yemeni republic during the course of lectures that looked at issues that remain delicate in Yemeni religious thought. These ideas were warmly received by many in the audience. The renewal of Islamic thought in Yemen came by way of al-Shukani who describes this era as one of intellectual freedom.
Despite the warmness of the reception, some opposition surfaced. Sheikh al-Zandani stated during al-Swedaan’s lecture at al-Iman University that difference of opinion does not spoil the two men’s relationship, even though he attacked al-Sweedan’s thoughts.
The Kuwaiti propagandist criticized the traditional religious discourse and accused it of blinding and deceiving minds. He called for the liberation of the mind as an essential condition for renaissance and success, both personally and for nations. He said there is no contradiction between the mind and religion, calling for the practice of rationality to its utmost level. He said that the prevailing religious discourse is filled with irrationality that has contributed to the obstruction of government administration in the name of religion.
He stated that the curricula of Islamic law and the means by which the ulama teach it, continue to obstruct the mind and create a papacy in the name of religion. Additionally the ulama contribute in blinding minds and obstructing rational thinking. He continued that the despotic regimes also contribute in obstructing the will of the umma, transforming the ulama and the leaders into obstacles on the pathway to renaissance.
