Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Turkey Rounds Up Experts to Revise Islam

Reformers hope work will wrench religion from extremists

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2008 3:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – Ankara has gathered a team of experts to parse through Muhammad's words and deeds and decode them for modern-day Muslims, McClatchy Newspapers reports. Their planned 5-volume set will point out anachronisms—no, Muslims need not brush their teeth with a twig—and will likely remove... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

There are no comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

Cops Shoot Naked Guy Eating Man's Face on Highway

Japanese Artist Serves Up Own Cooked Genitals

McClatchy Newspapers (Source Grid »)

Butchers find themselves in a battleground
BBC

Muslims must educate themselves
Yemen Observer

Morocco training female clerics
Daily Times (Pakistan)

World

Islam • Turkey • religion • reform • Muhammad • religious scholars

More Newser Stories

Turkish Game Show Tries to Convert Atheists

Imams, priests, rabbis, and monks given chance to convert unbelievers live on TV

(NEWSER) - This was probably only a matter of time: A Turkish game show starting this fall will bring on 10 atheists per show and give holy men from four faiths the chance to convert them, the Guardian reports. A Muslim imam, a Greek Orthodox priest, a rabbi, and a Buddhist monk will do their best. Contestants who are persuaded to choose a religion will win a pilgrimage to Mecca, Jerusalem, or Tibet. More»

Americans Back Push for Better Muslim Relations

Want Better Relations With Muslims

(NEWSER) - Most Americans are on board with President Obama’s plan to “seek a new way forward” with the Muslim world, with 81% saying the initiative to improve relations with Muslim nations is important. This in spite of the fact that 55% say they lack a basic understanding of Islam, and 29% see it as a violent religion, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Nearly half of all respondents had an unfavorable view of Islam, the highest level since late 2001. More»

Iran's Former Prez Mulls Run Against Ahmadinejad

Moderate Khatami, battered by conservatives, still has large following

(NEWSER) - Mohammad Khatami is considering a run to reclaim the Iranian presidency, the Economist reports. Frustrated with successor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s financial mismanagement and controversial rhetoric, moderate Iranians have swamped Khatami with entreaties to run. Although Khatami ultimately failed to deliver reform, his 1997-2005 tenure is remembered fondly for relaxed restrictions on everyday life and presenting a likable leader to the world. More»

Muhammad Probably Never Existed: Theologian

Islamic scholar's theory enrages Muslims

(NEWSER) - An Islamic professor's belief that Muhammad probably never existed has Muslim groups seething, the Wall Street Journal reports. The German convert to Islam says he cast a critical eye over historical records and found little to indicate the prophet was a real person. Muhammad’s name didn't appear on coins until 60 years after Islam emerged, he notes. More»

Foes Gear to Fight New Bid By Ex-Islamist to Lead Turkey

Critics fear extreme religious shift for nation

(NEWSER) - Turkish secularists are bracing for another clash over the presidential candidacy of Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, a devout Muslim and one-time Islamist party member who critics fear plans to enforce extreme religious principals in public life. The last time he was nominated as the ruling party's candidate, just three months ago, the army threatened a coup, and thousands took to the streets. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Turkey Rounds Up Experts to Revise Islam

Reformers hope work will wrench religion from extremists

Islam • Turkey • religion • reform • Muhammad • religious scholars

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Turkish Game Show Tries to Convert Atheists

Imams, priests, rabbis, and monks given chance to convert unbelievers live on TV

Americans Back Push for Better Muslim Relations

Want Better Relations With Muslims

Iran's Former Prez Mulls Run Against Ahmadinejad

Moderate Khatami, battered by conservatives, still has large following

Muhammad Probably Never Existed: Theologian

Islamic scholar's theory enrages Muslims

Foes Gear to Fight New Bid By Ex-Islamist to Lead Turkey

Critics fear extreme religious shift for nation

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?