https://pjmedia.com/tatler/2012/02/08/egyptian-presidential-candidate-says-no-freedom-in-islam/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 09:08:07 -0400<![CDATA[In a recent TV interview, Hazim Abu Ismail, a candidate for Egypt&#8217;s presidency with affiliations to both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis, made clear that the hijab, or veil for women, would be enforced under his leadership. More importantly, along the way he exposed his general views—that there is little freedom under Islam. Especially telling is the military analogy he used: being a Muslim is like being a member of the military; you must obey all its dictates, including dress codes. He fails to add, however, that, whereas much military service is voluntary, in Islam, if you are simply born to Muslim parents, then you have joined Islam—whether you like it or not. Hence, all the persecution of Muslim apostates. But, as Abu Ismail puts it, &#8220;This is Islam.&#8221; Translated excerpts of the interview follow:]]>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:48 -0500<![CDATA[Raymond Ibrahim]]>https://pjmedia.com/raymond-ibrahim/2012/02/08/egyptian-presidential-candidate-says-no-freedom-in-islam-n160699