Los Angeles: Dr. Maher Hathout and Defining the Moderate Muslim

In the Los Angeles community, there lives a retired cardiologist from Egypt who has been praised for his efforts in promoting inter-faith dialogue in the City of Angels. However, he made the mistake of being critical about Israel in the open.

A local government agency wants to honor him with their top humanitarian award, but some local Jewish groups have cried fowl and made a huge stink about his selection. Despite his good public record, his criticism of Israel has been labeled anti-Semiticism.

Now the question we need to raise is,

1.) What criteria do we use to define "moderate" Muslim?

2.) Are "moderate" Muslims only those who are culturally Western?

3.) Is a "moderate" Muslim one who never voices a dissenting opinion against the state of Israel?

4.) Is a "moderate" Muslim only those who espouse pro-gay sentiments?

5.) Is a "moderate" Muslim one who does not veil or sport a beard?

6.) Is a "moderate" Muslim someone who belongs to the various national ABC Muslim organizations who hold annual conventions and award ceremonies?

How does one go about labeling a Muslim a "moderate"?

What are your thoughts?