There has been much talk over the past few months about the weaknesses of the Islamic world. Most commentators seem to hold the view that the Muslim world is weak because of so-called Western imperialism.

To me though, the reason is perfectly clear, and even more so after reading reports on the Second International Muslim Leaders' Conference on HIV/Aids.

If such a learned person as Dr Amina Wadud could not present her paper because participants (who themselves were learned persons) accused her of blasphemy and being "a devil in hijab ", then what hope do we, as Muslims, have of making any sort of progress?

Muslims are continually shooting themselves in the foot - Salbiah Ahmad says "don't count on your fellow Muslims to defend you, your work or your views if somehow you are perceived as a non-conformist to mainstream views". I agree.

In fact, I'd go further - if you hold views that are against the mainstream views, don't be surprised if you are called a blasphemer or a kafir .

If we allow this mindset to continue, sooner or later any contemporary intellectuals in the Muslim world will silence themselves (as Dr Amina had to). The Muslim world will remain stagnant, while the rest of the world forges ahead without us.

And then we can kiss any thoughts of "resisting Western imperialism" goodbye. There would be no point in telling the world about what a great religion Islam is because we, its adherents - despite the Quran telling us to treasure and pursue knowledge - remain stubbornly rooted in our past.