The Real Tariq Ramadan

In November 2003, an extraordinary exchange was broadcast on French television. Nicolas Sarkozy, who would soon become president, was debating Tariq Ramadan, the controversial Swiss-born Muslim theologian. At one point Sarkozy attempted to throw Ramadan off balance by challenging him on his position on the “monstrous” view—held by Ramadan’s brother, among others—that Muslim law requires the stoning of adulterous women. Ramadan responded with the following: “to me, it [stoning] is not applicable and I have called for—because I know my position is a minority one within the Muslim world today—a moratorium so that there can be a real debate between Muslims.” When pressed by an incredulous Sarkozy, Ramadan explained that “my own position doesn’t count. What matters is to bring about an evolution in Muslim mentalities … You should have a pedagogical posture that makes people discuss things.”

Many have criticized Ramadan for what he said there, arguing that he failed to...