Opinion

The recent bomb plots that aimed to wreak devastation on the cities of London and Glasgow are an urgent reminder not only of the need to sustain collective efforts in the fight against terrorism, but that perhaps it is high time we critically rethink our methods in dealing with this challenge.


Centering on what must be done domestically, it is important to realise that Muslim communities have denounced, in force, all forms of terrorism and view this violence as an attack as much on themselves as upon broader society. It is widely understood that acts such as these are designed to disintegrate community bonds and isolate the indigenous Muslim population, fostering a climate of alienation and fear rather than one of confident multiculturalism.


A short-term method of extinguishing violent radicalism includes, most obviously, disrupting the ability of such views to develop and spread. But we need to work together - the Muslim community, various government departments, non-Muslim NGOs and the police - within a carefully thought-out long-term strategy that will also include short and mid-term measures.


In tandem, Muslim organisations must learn to shed their differences and to support and cooperate with each other rather than compete and undermine one another’s efforts. Confronting a serious multi-dimensional problem such as this can only be addressed if action goes beyond games of self-interest, dogma and the fulfillment of narrow agendas. What is more, knee-jerk reactions resulting in ill-conceived measures will solve nothing and fail to address the complexities of the issue. As the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has positively reiterated: we must not resort to panic.


What we need to do is to win minds and hearts by focusing on the intellectual and theological dimension. Shariah (Islamic jurisprudence) specialists, Muslim social scientists and scholars must pool their resources to reinforce the ongoing work to develop and disseminate a set of legal guidelines for minorities based on a methodology incorporating the extremely important, but generally neglected discipline of maqasid al-shari’a, that is the higher aims and objectives of Islamic law. Maqasid is a discipline which, if understood and intelligently taught, employed and applied, would seriously challenge and undermine the extremist discourse that portrays itself as inspired by Islam.


Developing a system of laws for minorities inspired by the higher aims of Islam, meaning the practical translation of faith in a non-Muslim context or society, is to be based on the philosophy of citizenship and the concept of positive integration. This will help develop a positive understanding and application of Islam which also creates fertile ground for respect of different cultural identities and faiths.


The public and wide dissemination of opinion of scholars in this area offers the best possibility of defeating violent radicalisation as it will provide both understanding and actual rulings within Islamic jurisprudence with the intent of supporting democratic principles, equality, freedom, peaceful coexistence, respect for difference and human rights. All these are inherent within shari’ah, but are either ignorantly or intentionally misinterpreted or misrepresented. Part of this approach’s benefit is the psychological alienation it can potentially mend when Muslim youth are given the tools to strengthen a sense of identity and moral responsibility in their respective societies.


Unfortunately, inclusion and participation, and the efforts by the Muslim community to confront extremism and violent radicalisation, are made almost immediately impotent by sensational, negative coverage by the media. We have to appreciate and realise that the relentless media assault is having alarming effects and is damaging these efforts. In addition, we strongly caution against former so-called jihadis who have happily “seen the light” and who now court media attention as “the new experts on Islam”.


In conclusion, the concepts of humanism, citizenship, democracy, co-existence, pluralism and shared values will be better taught, understood and realised once such set of guidelines for minorities is developed and trust is built. We must seek to go beyond creating a culture of tolerance only. Toleration is dangerous and fickle, a thin crust which separates reason from violence, and which can easily crack under the slightest pressure, and neither community will fully live at ease with the other unless we understand how to stop the anger being deliberately provoked and spread on both sides, and how to deal with it.


Knee-jerk reactions underscored by panic driven panaceas have not, and will not, solve anything. Comprehensive, carefully developed strategies will.


(Forum Against Islamophobia & Racism (FAIR), founded in 2001, is an independent charitable organisation which works towards establishing a safe, just and tolerant Britain in which Islamophobia and racism have no place. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org.)

Complete silence on the part of a majority of Muslims who do not speak out when there is a need to do so is extremely harmful and goes against the common interest of the entire community. It is a matter of concern that today, leadership within the community has become weak and comprises of self serving sycophants who are only interested in being ‘yes’ men to those who matter. If only the Muslims today start adhering to the tenets of their faith, things can even now completely turn around for them.


These words were said by the renowned film-maker, social-activist, Mahesh Bhat while talking to the reporters here at the Islamic Investment Conference that was held in Ambedkar Bhavan, Bangalore under the auspices of Parasoli Corporation of Ahmedabad and Islamic Voice.


Bhat said that the Sachar Committee Report serves to reflect the ugliness of the Government. A report like this must be like poison to some to whom it concerns, but one should remember that several times an antidote to poison is also poison. Hence, instead of wishing away this report and believing it does not exist, it will be wise to even now pay heed to all the injustices that have been heaped on the Muslims and deal with the issues that have been highlighted so eloquently in the report.


As for the Muslims themselves, they should proactively seek to be aware of and benefit from the rights the Indian Constitution has given them and also try to find their space in the various Government Departments such as the Police and the Judiciary. Bhat quoted the example of Mr. Zafar, MD of Parasoli Corporation and his undying spirit in the manner in which he struggled after losing everything during the Gujarat riots and overcame all odds with sheer grit to get back on his feet through his Investment Company by showing to the world that he is not only willing to stand up, but also participate in the process of Nation Building by creating a platform for People to invest in opportunities that exist in corporate India. Today Parasoli Corporation is already managing investments to the tune of Rs. 100 Crore.


Bhat went on to say that Muslims can remain within the ambit of Islamic Shariah and yet partake in opportunities that will help to build a modern India, which our elders had envisioned.


He said there is nothing more important than justice in a healthy society and every responsible citizen of the nation should not only raise his voice against injustice, but also actively do his bit to help eliminate injustice from the society.

In conclusion, he said Muslims are very much a part of this great nation and have made huge sacrifices in building it. The Muslims should not feel insecure in India and should not hesitate to raise their voice against any act of terror that is perpetrated anywhere by anybody.