Title: Islam is a 'Backward' Religion Question: Generally it is considered that Islam is a backward religion and, therefore, it cannot fulfill the demands of the progressive modern-day world. The question is that if it is divine religion how can it be backward? Maha United Kingdom Answer: I really do not think it would be prudent to counter such general comments. "Backwardness" is a vague and subjective judgment. People should be specific about what they consider to be backward in Islam. Nevertheless, every Muslim should very proudly submit that Islam is indeed a 'backward' religion insofar as it wants its adherents to live their lives in keeping with all the basic and natural values which are entailed in their creation: Islam does not condone nudity in the society; it abhors unchaste behavior; it prescribes upon the judicial system of the collectivity to have no-mercy for the criminals in the society, while directing the system to provide a supporting shoulder to the deprived; it prescribes upon men and women to have shame and modesty in their dress as well as in their eyes; it condemns the use of intoxicants as they have the potential of depriving man of his most valued quality - his awareness and conscious; it disallows people to devour the other's wealth without justice. Yes, it seems that Islam with all its moral and value-based teachings is, indeed, a "backward" religion. I, for one, find this 'backwardness' of Islam as its most attractive facet. Regards, Moiz Amjad June 15, 2002