An Indian Muslim

(Eklavya, I have not studied the topic very closely -- as I have admitted many times on this site.)

"Radical Islam" is a term used by many Western commentators to separate those Muslims who believe in moulding the world to their own views of what Islam preaches -- from the vast majority of Muslims who are Muslim by the accident of birth and merely live a simple, ordinary life that most people everywhere do and (hopefully) try to follow the "good" teachings of their religion while ignoring the parts which either do not make sense, are outdated, or are plainly anti-others.

Your complaint is -- why is the vast majority silent at the atrocious deeds of the radicalists. Your deduction appears to be that it is all a part of an all-inclusive conspiracy. It is not true. Why then, you ask, would the vast majority keep its mouth shut?!

The problem is, there are strong penalties associated with apostasy in Islam. I think that is the reason the vast majority keeps its mouth shut (not out of any sympathy for the bad people).

This is doubly damaging -- on one hand, it keeps a permanent chasm with "others" and on the other hand all new ideas are suppressed, making reform virtually impossible. Indeed, it makes it very difficult to make progess on any front since progress can only come from innovative thinking which is difficult to do when the freedom to be original is suppressed.

It is a difficult problem to solve and only Muslim folks can solve it -- since the solution must come from within.

bhrata beej

You seem to be very sure about the "vast majority" of Muslims. How come? :)

Shoaib, most Indian Muslims do have a strong identity as an Indian. It is merely one facet of their personality just like Indian Muslims are one facet of a multi-faceted ancient and very rich Indian culture which has improved over time through the addition of many cultures – including the Muslim one.

Terrorists have temporary political objectives but at root they only have commitment to their ideology – they merely co-opt political topics on an as-needed basis to further their own aims. In case of India, they seize upon the (legitimate) issue of the economic lagging behind of India’s Muslim population (whatever the causes) and they seize upon equally eagerly on the (bogus) issue of Kashmiri autonomy. But their overall objective is only to further their own aims. As long as people understand this simple fact, terrorists will never succeed in the long run.

Re: # 66

Bhrata Eklavya, because it is common sense. Why would you withhold the presumption of holding that simple commodity by the vast majority?! :)

Again, beej, how do you make such statements about most Indian Muslims?

What is the basis? If you spoke of most Hindus, I could understand (and agree or disagree), but nost Muslim?

lol, so these are things that everyone knows? :)

Re: # 69

Bhrata Eklavya, you are beginning to sound like the Jinnah -- that Hindus should speak for Hindus and only Muslims should speak for Muslims. That is a segregated mindset. In the USA, we have outlawed segregation. :)

And when it comes to the commodity called common-sense, every one ought to be considered innocent until proven guilty! In other words, unless they display its lack explicitly, they probably do have it. :)

The common-sense view is that bread and butter issues are far more important. That's why the Pakistanis elected moderate leaders (when they were given a choice -- thanks to US interference.)

The common-sense view, from the IM viewpoint, would be that it is better to live a peaceful life and work hard to take care of their families and of their day-to-day needs.

The "radicalized" IM would have different priorities, of course. But, like all radical elements in any community, it is probably a small fringe. What the majority of IMs need to do is to figure out how to contain it before it does grievous damage to the nation (in the way it has done to Pakistan) and even more so to their own community.

Pakistan (presumably the failed state) was at a disadvantage in meeting this challenge, primarily because a country formed solely on the basis of religion will face inherent contradiction in opposing religious fundamentalism. India, with its secular fabric still intact, is in a better position to do so.

I need to now make space for others in order to make tea for my own! :)

Re: # 65

BJ2

{The problem is, there are strong penalties associated with apostasy in Islam. I think that is the reason the vast majority keeps its mouth shut (not out of any sympathy for the bad people). }

Some element of truth in your statement but not entirely correct. Most of the muslim masses have no opinion, its mostly manufactured through state managed media.

{It is a difficult problem to solve and only Muslim folks can solve it -- since the solution must come from within.}

Not going to happen as long as we have all discourse on Islamic tenets dominated by the wahabi ruling elite in Mecca and Medina.

West had communism, India socialism and secularism which has greatly benefitted their society, unfortunately muslim world has not been that lucky. Maybe another ideology that takes away this religious phobia and inculcate new ideas will help muslim societies evolve as people.

Fantastic Shoaib, more power to voices like yours.

Shoeb, good article. Your sentiments were heartfelt. You are a welcome addition to chowk. Only piece of advice is don't get bogged down by the level of gaaligaloch that happens here.

Well written Shoaib!

shohaib yar dont know what to say, but if you survived BIT Mesra, you will survive anything ;-)

#24 Dawa-i-dil "Re: # 20 Better life is a very small thing , we Pakistanis can sacrifice our lives and whole Pakistan on one sand grain of Medina and similarly indian muslim can sacrife whole india over Medina."

That's why many people believe that muslims can never be loyal to their countries and are mentally slaves of their Arabian masters.

Thank God most of muslims in India are like Shoaib.

Dear Shoaib,

Do not leave chowk. Chowk closely reflects how Hindus and Muslims think in the real world. The hate, the distrust, the ego, the delusions, the stupidities, the deflections, the desire for acceptance, the reflections, the love, the acceptance which fight for space in chowk also do fight for space in the real world. (The only difference is perhaps the fact that proportionately chowkies are stupider and less well informed). If you dislike this madness in the real world then you, and you alone, should devise a strategy for yourself to get above and beyond such feelings. All the best and chowk will give you more strength.