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Moderate doesn't mean that you're a wimp - far from it. It means that you've chosen a path because you believe that's the only way for global harmony and peace.

We look to the history of the time of framing and to the intervening history of interpretation. But the ultimate question must be, what do the words of the text mean in our time.

I try to avoid describing one interpretation of my books. Of course I have an opinion. I have things I want to say, but I don't ever want to limit anybody, to have them say, 'Oh, he said this, so that's what it's about.' I'm happy people bring their own stuff to it.

I will come out with my interpretation. If I'm wrong, fine. It will become part of the debris of history, part of the give and take.

Moderation is the center wherein all philosophies, both human and divine, meet.

I keep on saying, being moderate is fundamental to Islam.

The reserve of modern assertions is sometimes pushed to extremes, in which the fear of being contradicted leads the writer to strip himself of almost all sense and meaning.

I can't stand interpretation. I think it's one of the great scourges of the theater. I just think, 'Don't get in the way of the play.'

Honest criticism means nothing: what one wants is unrestrained passion, fire for fire.

This is a much more fitting interpretation of the book than its modern interpretation.