For me liberal space means space for everyone to express freely. Asking somebody not to wear hijab or burqah is just like forcing somebody to follow a particular kind of dress code. The question of purdah itself can be discussed and debated in the paradigm of Islam. Those who follow the post-Islamist discourse in recent times are aware of the fact that the traditional ways of interpreting Islam are being challenged by the Muslim scholars themselves. Liberal extremism is just like fascism that does not recognize the social utility of religion. It is not ready to give any social space to followers of religions. Marxist fundamentalists are those who are responsible for making a revolutionary ideology a dogma, or opium of the dangerously motivated intellectuals. They are responsible for the shrinking space for Marxism in this country. Unfortunately the liberal or progressive discourse on AMU campus begins and ends with denouncing Islam. This approach itself has proved counterproductive to moderates of all persuasions.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 09:09:30 +0000