Extremely Offline: Sarah Haider and Shadi Hamid on Islam in the Modern World

The Backchannel

Contrary to popular belief, Islam has been present in the United States since its founding days. Thomas Jefferson even owned a copy of the Quran, Islam's holy text, which Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, used during his swearing-in ceremony.
The reality is, we live on an increasingly Muslim planet, as the pace of the growth of the religion means that it may very well be the most common religion on Earth by the end of the century.
To many Muslims, this growth in the religion is a source of pride and joy. But like any other religion, the way it is practiced is what matters.

There is fierce debate among Muslims, and those who choose to leave the faith, about the sort of religion it should be, and how it should relate to law, politics, and wider society.

Shadi Hamid of the Brookings Institution argues that we should come to terms with Islam's growing role in the world and in politics. He believes that Islam is exceptionally resistant to secularization.

Sarah Haider, the director of Ex-Muslims of North America, disagrees. Her organization actively promotes the secularization of Muslims as a path to a better life.
We know that talking about religion in general and Islam in particular can be extremely polarizing and contentious, but we hope this episode's conversation makes you feel more comfortable diving into a topic that many people consider to be taboo.