The only problem is that our scholars have left science. If you read history then you would observe that Muslim scholars were also masters of science…its all history now and the world have turned upside down.

If you are a man of science, how can you talk about faith and religion as logical? In fact, I don’t think logic can be used to successfully argue on the merits or demerits of any religion.

Specific to Islam, I remember the Pope once said something that created a lot of controversy among Christians and Muslims. He implied that there is logic in the basic nature of God in Christianity, and its not there in Islam. (Very stupid of him to say that I think!) But in the ensuing debate, I have read arguments which said that in Islam, God’s logic is not something which is comprehensible to or identifiable as human logic… I was quite intrigued by that. But I think there were Muslim scholars were divided on the issue.

Umm, so who does the aunt dislike? Muslims or Bengalis?

Both, Muslim Bengalis. You are confusing between Muslims and Islam. I mentioned that my aunt developed hatred for Muslims but she was sensible enough not to hatred Islam. There is difference between the two. My only point is that every act of Muslims cannot be taken in conformity with Islam and hence the religion maligned.

So? Their choice, her choice, isn’t it?

Yes definitely their choice. I mentioned that so as to make her realise that she hasn’t seen the worst of Muslims.

Some of the people who manipulate religion are very smart at it. The rest truly believe that what they say and do is what their religion dictates them

No they are not. OBL and his associates have not manipulated the religion for personal gains. Political motive was the guiding force. If they would have been smart then they would have done so for personal gains. Its just that they are extremists who give no importance to life. Establishing Khilafah is their motive, even if that means killing millions.

She has an English translation, and he has an English translation. Which is right?

One of the most difficult part of understanding, for us-non Arabic speakers, the Quran is Arabic language. We tend to rely on authentic translations. The thing is that she deliberately articulated her quotes so as to make it venomous. She was trying to prove her point. And as far as my limited knowledge of Islam is concerned, well I have learned for the sake of following it and not criticizing it (you tend to be too prejudiced if you learn something with the intention of criticizing it, isn’t it?)

Why? Religion is a matter of faith, not logic as far as I know.

For a man of science like me, everything is logical.

However, I am sure Taslima believes that she can trash the huffaz and alims, and religious scholars from all religions generally are confident that they can all trash each others’ beliefs

She can’t even write well..forget about arguing well. She doesn’t have an understanding of the religion and this is based on my observation. Has she ever taken part in a debate? At least people like Irashad Manji so take part in debates and she indeed has softened over the years. There are so convincing arguments that they cannot reply because their replies are based on flawed logic. I am not getting into the details here.
And the last line was in jest. You are reading too much into it.