Thanks Rafi Raza Saheb for decorating my portion of your response with two sharp verses. I understand the frustration you had with my misunderstanding of your view point, although at the conclusion of my last piece I noted that "I think I may have missed something in your well researched article. I will be happy to correct myself" Nonetheless I always enjoy good poetry regardless of its connotations.

.As I have admitted in my contribution # 56 that I have only read the cover of Tarek’s book hence I do not know on what basis he would not trade his 21^st century existence with any single period of so called golden times of Islam but based on what I learned from some books, peers and elders that prophet’s own descendent starting from his dearest daughter Fatima were persecuted for their dissent (legitimate or not). Hence I would tend to agree that as far as freedom of expression (to the extent of movements to change the rulers) is concerned western secular democratic societies are more tolerant and permissive, therefore preferable.(By the way I migrated for financial benefits and children's education which I clearly mentioned to the immigration officer not fo freedom of speech)

 I can’t say for sure that had there been shariah laws in US instead of reforms" based on liberalism and socialism the prison population would not have been rising as I have no data about prison population trend of shariah compliant Iran and Saudi Arabia where public executions, hanging and stoning to death may be keeping prison population low.

 

By controversy I meant whether we implement laws based on literal meaning of Quranic verses which some of us (including 2^nd caliph) don’t prefer to do or find ways to accommodate modern thought in Islamic jurisprudence. No denouncing of Quran was intended. You may consider this tendency (the freedom to enact laws according to the needs of changing societies) as removal of the foundation of a pillar but I consider it adding say a ventilation system in some parts of an otherwise nice and strong building.

 

About your para regarding Mujtahid issue I fully agree that no unified stance is possible while there are 73 sects. Therefore I consider faith as private matter between God and his subjects. Just one query, your question”Can there be a United Shria government world wide?” And Tarek’s book's title Chasing A Mirage – The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State. Don’t both statements ring a bell?

 

In the end let me say that it was my pleasure to know your thoughts on this issue and I thank FOTH for the opportunity I got to share my opinions.