The content of scriptures and the civilizations that have grown around the concepts promoted in that content, unmistakably point towards certain things. Among such cardinal principles are the accommodation of difference and tolerance of other. If human civilsations have grown and spread out, it’s only when scriptures were understood and interpreted in ways that could provide space to opinions and behaviours at variance to each other.

 Islam, as explained by the word of Quran and the practice of the prophet (SAW) is a lush enunciation on how to be tolerant and accommodative of other. It’s a great tragedy that the same is getting projected as exactly the opposite of it.

The reasons for this catastrophic misunderstanding are many but what it all finally results in are the situation like the one we witnessed yesterday. A religion of tolerance that teaches respect towards all faiths and religions being projected by some crass elements across the world as something entirely opposite to this is a concern that is shared by all civilized world. Kashmir too shares this concern and wants that world leaders and civil societies underline the real message of religion so that no warped interpretation can foment trouble in any part of the world. The teachings of other religions can also be highlighted to bring home the point as there is no religion in the world that teaches hatred against any faith or promotes disrespect towards the scriptures of any other religion.  Showing disrespect towards any faith or religious scripture is simply reprehensible.

Such a mindset is bound to stir up strong feelings in the world. But there is a need to understand that these extremist elements do not represent the overwhelming majority of American society or the Christen community. There are extremist elements in all societies but wisdom lies in not falling in the traps laid by them but defeating their nefarious designs of creating an atmosphere of hatred. This can be done by expressing our hurt in the most civilized way, without overreacting.  Muslims all over the world will have to think very cool mindedly why nine years after the incident some little known people want to commit acts that are certain to enrage more than a billion Muslims all over the world. Majority of Americans very strongly believe that Quran and Islamic faith had nothing to do with the 9/11 attack.

The US President, Barrack Obama very clearly represented the sentiments of this silent majority in stating that Islam had nothing to do with attacks on twin towers and Islam and terrorism were not synonymous. In the renewed hate campaign against Islam and Muslims in the United States some well meaning Americans not only see the economic problems that has beset this country but the new exposures about the 9/11 incidents that have cast doubts over the Bush theory for attacking Iraq. There certainly is some conspiracy behind these moves but Muslims all over the world need not fall prey to such acts.

Like in many other parts of the world what happened in Kashmir is a natural outcome; but there is need to control the anger and not to allow it to be exploited by the vested interests to their advantage. In this hour of crisis people have to control their emotions. As very rightly emphasized by Chairman APHC (G) Syed Ali Geelani, “Islam does not approve of attacks on minorities or their establishments” instead calls for providing them full protection. Kashmir has a very rich tradition of communal amity and brotherhood and is known world over as highly tolerant community.  We need to maintain these age old traditions. The people more particularly the youth need to understand that the state is at an important juncture of its history and any wrong act will go against collective interest of the people.   

Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST