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What has been imposed on religion is not religion itself…

“What has been imposed on religion is not religion itself but the custom of those who have been converted to it. I think that the most atrocious of all of this is Islam. They were in the slave trade before Islam. The Arabs were natural slave traders. They were the people who were called on to…” quote by John Henrik Clarke
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“What has been imposed on religion is not religion itself but the custom of those who have been converted to it. I think that the most atrocious of all of this is Islam. They were in the slave trade before Islam. The Arabs were natural slave traders. They were the people who were called on to conquer us, unfortunately.”

John Henrik Clarke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that religious practices are often shaped by the customs of converts rather than the core faith, and claims Islam is especially problematic due to historical involvement in slavery.

In simple terms: Religion is altered by converts' customs; Islam is singled out for past slave trade.

Key Takeaway

Question the claim and seek evidence.

Themes

religion history colonialism bias

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

analytical controversial

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • interfaith dialogue
  • historical research

Key Concepts

cultural adaptation historical accusation stereotyping

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports the claim about Islam and slavery?
  • How do customs of converts affect a religion’s perception?
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