I definitely have sympathy for people who are struggling. I've met with young Muslims who have told me about their struggles.

I think that's deeply rooted in Muslim consciousness, the idea of not submitting to anything other than God. "You can abuse me, but you're not going to win me over. But if you treat me with respect and dignity, I'm going to fall in love with you. I'm going to sing your praises all over the world because you're powerful and you treated me with human dignity."

I know that people can live celibate lives, I did it myself for many years.

Perhaps, a sin that humbles you is better than a good deed that makes you arrogant.

Reality of things is hidden in the realm of the unseen

I'm amazed at the courage of the journalists on the frontlines in Iraq, but we need intellectual courage in our community.

The vast majority of Muslims would never accept the lawfulness of an active homosexual lifestyle. I don't see that happening. But there is also no authority in the tradition for any individual to take things into his own hands and impose their version of the religion on someone else.