Ben Askin’s Reviews > If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran > Status Update

Akram’s study’s have uncovered hidden figures in Islam’s history, that he argues gives women a history of power. He puts the issue not on Islam, but on patriarchy?

The shakes piety and discipline is highlighted. He remains an ally of women’s rights, dismissing fatwas forbiding women from reading story of Joseph’s seduction. Rest of story of Joseph covered. If there is something Carla does well in the book, it is that she heads off common critiques of Abrahamic religions. The description of “the circle”, echoes sentiments of the locus of control.

Carla contrasts her western secularism as patchwork compared to the deep roots she feels Akram has taken within Islam. Akram and Carla explain away most of the tribal conservatism, genital mutilation and extremism found in Islam under culture and misreading.
Akram’s main answer to the issues faced by the Muslim world is a reformation similar to Martin Luther’s. He places his hope in the original text.

Carla gives a general overview of Mohammad’s life, and the common dialogues that have surrounded him throughout history. Various aspects of his life are used for justification of often diametric causes. She then leads from Mohammad’s life to Sheihk Akram’s day to day, for whom Mohammad is a model. The Sheik often acts as a consultant for day to day living, ranging from setting the table to divorce.

Carla recaps her history in Iran, with her fathers interest in traveling in Asia and her own journalism. Her fall from innocence begins with the assignation and overthrow of secular dictators (Gaddafi, Pahlavi, & Sadam) due to injustice felt by native residents. To counter coverage of extremists, Carla would write with thematically that, “Muslims are just like westerners”, glossing over real differences.

Carla’s second lesson reveals a significant difference in outlook. Akram’s lesson begins with Al-Fatiha, the most repeated phrase by Muslims. It begins secular, submission to god, humility of character and reverence for the righteous. It ends with “objects of anger” the Jews, and “those who have strayed” the Christians. Carla is shocked, citing, famous Muslim respect for “people of the book”.

Carla begins chapter 2 with conversation with Hans, a Swiss skeptic, who dismisses her interest in Quran. Carla defends her interest, citing rising population of Muslims, the texts poetry and middle eastern wars. Hans counters that Muslims are Medieval. Fundamentalists however, exist in modernity using tech, global network, and media cycles. Conversation degenerates to skepticism of existence of Muslim moderates.

Religion refracts. The overarching themes are more important that the small details within, Sheik Akram argues. Carla doubts, remembering Bin Ladin’s justification for terrorism.
Re-examining beliefs is central to western secularism, which results in disorientation. Disorientation is also central to the Quran, showing the power of God. Carla compares her journey through the Quran to a sojourn into a deep desert.

In the First interview Akram point out most Muslims don’t read the Quran. It is more common to read the “Laws”, a general bibliography of the interpretations of the Quran. Religion refracts like a crystal, resulting in varied readings. Akram pins most of the conservatism against women on these texts, similar to Catholic Church and Martin Luther’s revelations. Subtly slips in a jab on Aristotle too...

Secular feminist journalist Carla‘s interest in Islam stems from her father who collected Islamic artifacts. She aims to understand similarity’s and differences between world views by interviewing madrasa-trained sheikh Akram. Authenticity is also important piking Akram in an attempt to neither represent Islam as white washed or Extremist. First interview takes place in quaint coffee shop.