Is Obama a secret Muslim?

Over at redblueamerica, the question is asked. Unfortunately they miss one of the more interesting angles on this question in their analysis. Obama has admitted attending a Muslim school in his childhood (he also attended a Catholic school), and that his father and stepfather are both Muslims. Currently Obama claims an association with the United Church of Christ, which is itself somewhat problematic on non-religious grounds. And, of course, Obama says he is a Christian, not a Muslim.

In the United States we treat religion as a matter of choice and conscience; it's not appropriate to impose religious tests on candidates for public office, and while voters may of course consider a candidate's religion in their decisions, it's usually more of a proxy for political beliefs than any true desire for theocracy.

But in Islam, renunciation is impossible. Once a Muslim, always a Muslim. According to doctrine, the only thing necessary to convert to Islam is the recitation of the sentence "There is no God except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" with understanding. It's entirely possible that Obama has said exactly those words in his lessons as a youth. Yet conversion from Islam is considered impossible. In Eqypt, for example:

"The state does not recognize conversions from Islam and refuses to allow citizens to legally change their religious affiliation," the report stated. It noted that because family law is governed by religion, converts face difficulties in the areas of divorce, marriage, inheritance, and their children's mandatory religious education.

So, whatever Obama may consider himself, it seems that at least some Muslims would consider him either a Muslim still or an apostate. That could produce some fairly extreme reactions from Islamic nations either way.

Is this a meaningful criteria on which to base a vote for or against Obama? Not really. But it could have some interesting consequences if he wins the general election.

Posted on 2008-02-17 20:19:16.0 by matthew@triggerfinger.org

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