Muslim Heretics Conference

East Meets West: Encountering Islam
Tariq Ramadan talks about Muslims in Europe. Azhar Usman is a Muslim Comic. Lupe Fiasco is a Muslim Hip Hop Artist. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a critic of Islam. Ausma Khan publishes Muslim Girl Magazine.

Tariq Ramadan is a Swiss-born philosopher who travels throughout the Islamic world trying to build bridges between European Muslims and conservative clerics. He’s the author of “In the Footsteps of the Prophet” and tells Steve Paulson that Muhammed’s life offers many lessons for today’s Muslims.
Azhar Usman is a Muslim stand-up comic and part of the “Allah Made Me Funny” Comedy Troupe. He tells Jim Fleming that he sees himself as belonging to a long tradition of socially conscious comedians. And we hear excerpts from his comedy routine.
Lupe Fiasco is a rap star and a devout Muslim. His debut album “Food and Liquor” was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards. Fiasco talks about his music and his faith with Anne Strainchamps, and we hear selections of his music.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a famous critic of Islam. Born in Somalia, Hirsi Ali emigrated to the Netherlands where she served in the Dutch Parliament. She and Dutch film-maker Theo Van Gogh made a film called “Submission” which so offended some Muslims that a fanatic killed Van Gogh and called for the death of Hirsi Ali, who now lives in the United States. She talks with Steve Paulson about why she believes Islam is inherently incompatible with Western values.
Ausma Khan is an international human rights lawyer and editor of a magazine called “Muslim Girl.” She tells Anne Strainchamps about the topics covered in the magazine and how it can help young Muslim women talk with their parents.

Public Arts : East Meets West: Encountering Islam (2008-08-23)