It has become a much too convenient escape for many to immediately declare the terrorists who struck in Paris non-Muslims (not truly representing Islam). Yet clearly they are Muslims. In Pakistan they actually form part of the ruling class and large sections of the population. And they are just as willing to kill people over supposed acts of blasphemy. An event such as the one that transpired in Paris happens very frequently in Pakistan. And if one were to call all of the extremists in Pakistan non-Muslims (i.e., they do not define Islam), then one would have a lot of non-Muslims indeed. The problem is not that these people do not define Islam. They do, in their own way. The problem is that we havent redefined Islam to suit modern society one iota and keep insisting on a faithful interpretation (whatever that may mean). Thus most of the time absolving our selves of any responsibility to seriously tackle the issue. It is the lazy way out. Countries like Pakistan need to undergo vast reformation and sweeping reorganization of the role of religion in society. This means popular forces must demolish the foundations upon which religious extremism rests. By taking compulsory religious education out of schools, by reforming or closing down madrassas, by establishing a secular society. You cannot defeat Islamic extremists in Paris or London without first defeating them in Pakistan, or the other Muslim countries.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 03:58:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015