Ayaan Harsi Ali speaks against violence against women
MARQUETTE -- She was named one of the top 100 most influential people of 2005 by Time Magazine. And the human rights activist who suffered for her rejection of the Muslim faith spoke at Northern Michigan University, Wednesday night.
Is Islam a religion of peace? It's a question Somalian-born Ayaan Hirsi Ali asked and answered.
Her take is no, it's not. She says firsthand experience of having her genitals mutilated as a young child, as well as being forced to seek asylum in the Netherlands to escape Islamic extremists, convinced her that the Muslim culture accepts abuse against women. And she says it's not isolated to the Middle East; she points to many examples here in the U.S.
"We can't look away," said Ayaan. "We can't turn away. We have to say, not on our soil!"
Ayaan spoke to 500 students and community members, hoping to give perspective on how a Muslim can question the authority of the Koran and accept other ideas and philosophies.
"We're really excited to have her because of that," said Platform Personalities student organizer, Ben Crockett. "And also, we try and bring in topical speakers. So, she fits perfectly with the conflict going on over there."
One of Ayaan's main goals is to shine a light on the abuse of many Muslim women who challenge men, which is strictly forbidden in the Koran.
Raised a Muslim, Ayaan says the religion forces you to follow every rule, even if you don't agree.
"And if you refuse," she said, "what follows are beatings and killings."
Ayaan has a new book coming out on May 18. It's called Nomad and will have more stories about her life.
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