I don't know Jim. The Muslims I've met and talked to (loads!) weren't at all 'open to argument' or 'less intransigent'. But that could be because I'm a woman, and not of their faith, and they are all African Sunnis.

In fact, one would hardly dare discuss any of these matters with most of them. Their whole mindset seems to me to be determined to hold fast to the long-held ideas adhered to by their forebears. Change or consideration of new, more scientific ideas just aren't on their agenda. Mind you, that applies in general to many Africans. They often resist new thoughts, or changes alien to their tradition/culture.

And Blasphemy is a very real crime for them. To say anything at all against God or the Prophet risks enormous consequences, as we all know.
But there again, the Christians I knew in Ghana for instance were very sensitive to any Blasphemy.