Through the years, I have always tried to observe three principles, in my writings, all of which I fear I might overstep today:

• Respect the right to differ of those who do not share the same view as myself, as long as there is some Islāmic basis for their view, however weak.
• Avoid names of contemporary personalities, as we are discussing topics and issues not the persons themselves.
• Keep topics to matters which the entire ʾUmmah can associate with. Thus I declined requests to write on UK idol-worship of leaders and stealing of shoes in South African Masā

Today I find it increasingly difficult to respect the differing opinion, which through various experiences lead me to doubt the sincerity of the opposing view on this issue. The specifics of the situation may lead me to refer to specific personalities; and I may confuse the bulk of my readership (which is…