Islam is experiencing a crisis of credibility and authority that stems directly
from the nature of Islam itself. This makes it difficult to come up with
solutions of any sort because few Muslims will be willing to after the structure
of their religion. Today's crisis grows in part of the structure of Islam
itself-a faith without denominations, hierarchies, and centralized institutions.
The absence of such structures has been a source of strength that has permitted
the faith to adapt to local conditions and win converts around the world. But it
is also a weakness that makes it difficult for Muslims to come together and
speak with one