Will there ever be a way to unite the world if the Islamic Nations hold their religious views so stringent and will not yield to global religious freedom? Not long ago, I was discussing one of the challenges with American Ideals, and the challenges and culture clashes with regards to Islam.
First, in the US we believe that women are to be free and that men and women are equal, and should be treated equally under the law, but under Sharia Law and under Islamic Law, at least the way it is practice, that's not always the case in Islamic Nations.
Still, as I study Islam and the various Muslim Religions, I see some interesting offshoots.
One is a mystical religious offshoot called; Sufism.
As a non-believe of any religion whatsoever, I consider them all mystical, dealing with the supernatural, and basically made up stories.
Still, could Sufism be a branch of Islam, which might also be used as an Olive Branch to gain common ground between the Western World and Islam? Well, maybe, but let's think this through and have a brief dialogue shall we? According to Wikipedia, and I do find this interesting; "Also, some groups emerged that considered themselves above the Sharia and discussed Sufism as a method of bypassing the rules of Islam in order to attain salvation directly.
This was disapproved of by traditional scholars.
" Okay so, perhaps, a resurgence Sufism in some areas of North Africa could prevent the over-domination of Sharia with regards to women's rights, allowing for more freedom for them? Although, it appears also that most Sufists seem to be one with Sharia, as it seems to be a very important component in the cultural aspects, almost a foundational base point from which to branch forward from.
What I am pondering is, maybe Moderate Islamic Law could be adopted in North Africa and other places to allow women the rights they deserve.
This way the US and the American Citizens can support our efforts to assist these emerging nations grow economically strong and viable, so that those citizens (including all women) there can live fulfilled lives.
Although it is possible for the Sufism branch to become that olive branch, it might be unlikely due to the fact that most Sufists do hold Sharia Law as their base, along with strict accordance to Islamic Law.
So, whereas, this might be a way to unite Islam and the West, as a way forward, it would not be without its sectarian violence along the way is my thinking.
Realize of course, this is merely from an analytical perspective from the outside looking in at the past, present, and potential future history you understand.
Please consider all this.