A popular perception in Pakistan is that extremism, radicalism and militancy are primarily driven by poverty and lack of education. Give the boys jobs and you will detract them from going the jihadi route. This may be true for foot soldiers but militancy itself grows due to radicalism which has rapidly spread amongst the middle and upper-middle classes as well. Today, radicalism is part of an emerging pop culture. Under the circumstances, it would in any case become difficult to stop the poor from turning into foot soldiers not just because of financial reasons but also due to their desire to ape those socially above them.
Hizbut Tahrir’s penetration in the military and other segments of society indicates the acceptance of radical ideology amongst the upper-middle and middle classes which are targeted by entities like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Al-Huda as well. A visit to any of the elite universities will show how increasingly radicalised is Pakistan’s affluent, exposed and educated youth.
In these conditions, one wonders if authors like Humaira Iqtidar may contribute to further radicalisation by presenting the militant narrative as a rationalised discourse. Her book based on interviews with women of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) is an anthropological presentation of an intensely political matter, and this is part of the problem with her narrative.
Iqtidar uses the formula of certain scholars like Talal Asad in treating culture as a fixed variable in which religion, in turn, is a given. While searching for explanations to the presence of militant structures, the author of Secularising Islamists finds modern rationality in both the JI and the JuD. In doing so, she completely confuses modernity with secularisation and proffers the argument that the JI and JuD may oppose secularism but will end up secularising society. Furthermore, secularisation is the process of bringing religion in the public space. The contestation between the JI and JuD is seen as feeding the process of secularisation in the country.
Based on conversations with members of these two entities, the author concludes the behaviour of these people as expressions of freethinking and hence rationality. Strangely, Iqtidar’s ethnography does not include laments of JuD mothers who have unwillingly or half willingly lost their sons to jihad. Where does the story of that mother fit into her study who still hopes her son might be alive because the JuD did not return his dead body or clothes? Obviously, the author confuses the power of making a choice with the absence or presence of an environment that constraints free choice. Freedom of thought is seriously constrained when laws, even man-made, seem to have divine sanction. It is very difficult to challenge religious norms or even argue about the possibility of variation in interpreting holy text.
Conditions become even more problematic when states like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia mix religion with politics or use religion to legitimise political decisions. This is akin to standing in a race ahead of the starting line. The author believes that the JuD espouses pluralism, the evidence being greater tolerance of Shias. But other organisations have done similar things like Jaish-e-Mohammed opting to deviate from Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil’s Hizbul Mujahideen on the issue of sectarian violence because the state wanted it to.
Nor does pursuing non-religious activities like relief and welfare by militant outfits or use of modern technology increase the space for secularisation in a society. Non-militant acts are mere tools to attract people or hide the real objective, which is to expand globally. Looking at some of the recent work produced by British academia, which now claims to understand Islam, the Islamists seem successful. Their power has grown even more due to consistent help from the Pakistani state, an issue that the author does not discuss at length. With tremendous state patronage, the question of free will does not really arise.
Anthropologists risk getting entrapped emotionally by their subjects, which has happened to Iqtidar as well. Thus, she fails to discuss at length the myth of jihad and what it does to a society. One wonders what this discourse means for the youth already on the path of radicalisation.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2011.
COMMENTS (44)
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Has Islam been practiced in its true spirit anywhere in any so called Islamic world? Abdullah asked for studying Islam, not the so called Islamic countries. You people are judging Islam by the ways it is practiced in these countries. Why dont you people go and study Islam instead of being giving evidence of these islamic countries (who we all know are not practicing in its true spirit. Does Islam ask for terrorism or violence? Does Islam asked for injustices? Frankly speaking, all these problems which the Islamic world in general and Pakistan in particular is facing would have not been there if Islam is being followed in its true spirit. And I dont mean the so called interpreters.
@Rehan...You know you comparison is exaggeration at least in case of Indonesian economy. At most you could say that this situation is akin to the "Dark Ages" of Europe.
@Ali Shahid:
If you know that the concept of Ijtehad is not unIslamic, this is what Hazrat Umar (RAA) used extensively. Because vast land was invaded and people of different cultures came under direct control of the Muslims. I do not agree with you that in those days conquering of land was "easy". Was it easy to conquer the Roman and Persian Empire.. Also that there is "no record how successful that system was". If you find some time go to the Umariat section of any library and you will find all the record. Beside that was not a "System", that was Shariah. You will also find how extensively Hazrat Umar (RAA) travelled during his rule. Don't you remember his travelling to Jerusalem with only one servant, with whom he shared his camel for ride, and Jerusalem fell to Muslim without a fight I think you need more study to know about Islam..
@ Abdul Aziz,
Sharia implemented on a country for more than 1000 years. Harzat Umar ( R.A) came 1300 years ago when the social conditions were very different. In those day it was easy to conquer 2.5 million miles and given the very primitive commuincation system there is no record of how successful that system was. Hazrat Umar was based in the capital onlyf and he ensured social justice in the capital. What about the thousands of other villages and towns in the 2.5 million miles of area, who maintainted social justice there. In modern era, given a complex society, it is virtually unpractical to establish a primitive political system unless it absorbs and evolves liberalism and secularism. There has to be a middle way, a marriage of secularism and islamism.
@muhammad irfan: You should not say that you do not want Pakistan where women should not be stoned or whipped and refer to Taliban's way of implementing Islam, instead you should say that if in Islamic state women or any person, in this matter, commits crime and are proved guilty then they should be dealt with as per Allah's law. Are you more wiser , more mercy full , more gracious and more power full then Allah. If you are then you have the right to say that you do not want Allah's law in this land which was liberated on a slogan which is the basis of Islam. Since we have not seen a country for more than 1000 years on the surface of this earth where true Islamic Shariah had been implemented so we do not know or can imagine the fruits such state would give to their citizen, that is why we feel embarrassed to talk about it. Imagine yourself in the era of Hazrat Umar (RAA) who ruled the empire comprising land of area more than 2.5 million miles with Shariah as its law, you will find how people lived then. Even some centuries after that, if you read Islamic history you will find the benefits of Islamic rule which you can not even imagine in this world now. So please desist, do not go against the words of Quran, instead pray that we should have such pious and God fearing people who should fully implement its words so that Allah may be happy and pleased with us and people should get the benefits. Judge Quran as what it says and in its light judge others If you start judging the other way round then you are undermining Quran. Read Quran and think a lot and you will find what Allah has promised us, if you really believe Allah with your heart.
@Frank
A visit to any of the elite universities will show how increasingly radicalized and disconnected from Pakistan’s reality are Pakistani limousine liberals.
If you visit a premier Pakistani University you will find posters asking the students to write essays and elegies extolling the Ghazi-e-Islam OBL. This very much supports Ms Siddiqua's argument of radicalisation of Pakistani Universities.
As such your repartee makes no sense, but then, don't let that bother you.
There is a wonderful analogy about those who live in "glass houses". Many Muslims, especially Pakistani Muslims, live in this delusional world of make believe. They create this Utopian, dream-world that doesn't exist and never has existed. The only problem is that these "glass houses" get shattered to pieces and have been over and over and over again of late.
Some people's delusion runs deeper than others. And when you add pride and honor into the mix, it's nearly impossible to get through, and so they keep inventing new "glass houses" and deflect honest introspection by constantly blaming outside factors and influences. But the "glass houses" will continue to shatter and the fairly-land of extremist Islamic views of the world, towards other peoples, other cultures and other religions will continue to be exposed for what it REALLY is by everyday facts and realities.
@Abdul Aziz - the history of Islam says something else. The fact that the four caliphs did not implement laws stringently means there is a difference between religion and the state. Caliph Umer did not cut hands of thieves during famine and Abu Bakr did not wage war against tribes that did not pay zakat. Had this been a divine order they would not have used their discretion in applying the law. Islam is faith and religion.Mixing politics of the state with religion harms both the state and religion.
@IlovePakistan: The Saudi's can do what they want in their own country. My problem is with their trying to export their cruel and inhumane version of Islam to other countries and pumping in countless billions of their petro-dollars to support it.
They have caused more harm to Pakistan and continue to cause more harm each day than all the other suspects put together.
@Bangash: Islam is not a religion it is Deen, whose features are, it is from Allah and Allah alone, it encompasses absolutely every aspect of our lives, it gives a paradigm with which to weigh things, it provides us purpose, it provide us with moral values, it provide us with mechanism by which we implement those moral values, it gives Muslim means as how to run a state . In Islam Deen and Politics are not separate things..
Liberal or Jihadist unfortunately the indoctrination led by JI is seen everywhere. radicalization is not problem of the rural poor but problem of urban middle class and it is given life by the billions in aid we get every year.
Bader: what solution has religion or religious politics given to the Pakistani youth? They are more confused about life and cannot tolerate people with other or different ideas. Also, over obsession with religion has made them loose rationality. They think of becoming great without making any effort like scientific developments, education, etc.
Youth of Pakistan is opting Islamism because Islam gives them solution to their problems.
Visit any democratic developed country of the world, to learn that Islam is practiced and not preached there. As the source of all religions is the same, therefore Muslims don't have a monopoly over morality. In fact Muslims are the worst followers of Islam who have restricted the religion to prayers and punishments.
@Kakar.
You very rightly gave the analogy of the medieval Christianity (called as dark ages). Most religion have gone through this phase. Perhaps, Islam is at cross roads too.
@sameer
I think you don’t know about the demolishing of graves of Companions of Prophet PBUH and hundreds of other structures that symbolized the history of Islam. 30 years period also included 2 civil wars that resulted in thousands of deaths
I wonder how naive and indoctrinated we are to have been convinced with the unfounded mantra and rhetoric that Islam can solve all our technological, scientific, agricultural, industrial, educational, economical, sociological, administrative and diplomatic issues. Do not overstretch Islam like the Christianity of medieval ages simply for the pursuit of power. The Taliban's Afghanistan is an interesting case in point. The appalling bloodshed and the grotesque atrocities perpetrated in the name of Islam was than barbaric to say the least. God forbid in case of Pakistan this will be apocalyptic.
@Murad Alam: You mean to say there are no drugs in islamic countries like Pakistan and afghanistan. Also may I know What all the things the rich arabs are using in private parties? take example of saudi arabia. Does all the things include Alcohol, drugs, girls? If not then what else you usually find?Wait a minute do they allow non-arabs in their party? Do you find same laws for arabs and non-arabs.
@Majid: Very well said Mr. Majid!
Sometimes, I think if Pakistanis invested half the time in science, which they invest in religion, Pakistanis would have invented Time Machines by now.
Abdullah says "Instead of using the words e.g. penetration. You need to look at Islam and its ability to solve modern day problems. Clearly the West and their tools of thinking, systems and problem solving are failing be it Secularism/Capitalism/Democracy."
To be honest, Islamic world has never been in peace with itself in all its history, for all the twisted history you read.
Which problem of the world has Islam ever solved? You name one. Don't give the example of Saudi Arabia. It's not Islam that's keeping that country together, it's their oil. The day oil becomes irrelevant, Saudi will be the most chaotic country in the world. Just like how it was before the oil was discovered.
If you think the western philosophies have failed, then welcome to the 21st century...you can always adopt the godless communism in your country...look at China's success? Your friend right?! You can also look at how Uyghurs are treated.
Modern day Islamism (not as religion but as political ideology) is nothing but another form of repressive fascism!
@IlovePakistan Muslim symbols are banned in Saudi Arabia? In which world do you live in
@Majid You mention close look and ubiased look show Islam is not supreme. Can you tell which part of history show Islam is not supreme? I doubt you would find anything. People like you can not back up with your analysis with any proof Period during caliphate during 30 years is one of the best
We have a serious problem with lack of objectivity and critical analysis. Take for example the claim that Islam has given a political system; millions of Muslims believe this to be true but can’t explain what it is and how it works. Although 1400 years of Muslim rule was nothing but dynastic monarchy, people still claim that there exists an Islamic political system? Similarly there is another myth about Islamic economic system; how can you run a modern state based on the economics of a tribal or feudal society. How can you formulate trade, fiscal and monetary policy from fiqh? Quran mainly explains the concept of God, defines a few broad principles and that’s it.
@Rehan
Brilliant!! Wonder if the champions of religious superiority ever look at this contrast.
@muhammad irfan: Well said, agree with you completely. Glorification and exaggeration (maybe even making up) of islamic past and achievements might also create the environment where going back to the original islam is a fantasy to many. What is it in the islamic practices which made the islamic rulers spread so far and wide? I find them to be "loyalty" , "discipline" , "ambition" and "brotherhood". These principles are universal and can be built upon and enhanced upon with principles like "freedom of speech/ideas", "non-violence", "liberty" etc in modern societies.
I like the phrase "pop culture".
Sums it up rather well.
Be safe, Madam. You are a bold and daring writer and, as you no doubt know, journalism in Pakistan has become a dangerous profession.
@Abdullah: Which system you are talking about that failed to deliver?
I have seen both West and East and I notice that both ways of life have pros and cons.
However, Islamic way of life has successfully maintained family values intact , where as materialistic secular socieities have lost role models of responsible fathers.
Despite material wealth, secular societies have more spiritual emptiness which gives birth to more drug / alcohol dependencies, crimes and feelings of deprivation.
Saudi Arabia is a glaring example of religious apartheid. The religious institutions from government clerics to judges, to religious curricula, and all religious instructions in media are restricted to the Wahhabi understanding of Islam, adhered to by less than 40% of the population. The Saudi government communized Islam, through its monopoly of both religious thoughts and practice. Wahhabi Islam is imposed and enforced on all Saudis regardless of their religious orientations. The Wahhabi sect does not tolerate other religious or ideological beliefs, Muslim or not. Religious symbols by Muslims, Christians, Jewish and other believers are all banned. The Saudi embassy in Washington is a living example of religious apartheid. In its 50 years, there has not been a single non-Sunni Muslim diplomat in the embassy. \
@ Bangash islam is way of life do u know meaning of this word. if not then u need some body to teach you.
@Abdullah: You have such a myopic view of the world, its problems, and solutions. Think, rationalize, and then make a statement. Polemical discussion, be it about ideology, social norms, and values does not and cannot be of much help. Try to get out of your unfounded hallucination. Get a life and think rationally. Irrational hawkish claims are what can be called the source of problems.
@ Abdullah Way to go man hurray.
You don't understand Islam very well if you believe that this applies to Shar'iah. Islamic rules and ahkams are suspended when the conditions for those rules cannot allow for it i.e. Omar bin Khattab did not implement punishments of theft when there was a time of famine. Furthermore, Islamic law does give people rights but they have to be able to advocate and speak up for them especially in the cases of marriage, divorce, dowry, and inheritance.
@ Abdullah Look at Islamic countries, and then look at the secular countries. America vs Saudi Arabia (America is 1000 years ahead), China vs Yemen (China is 10,000 years ahead), Japan vs UAE (Japan is 100,000 years ahead), England vs Indonesia (England is 200,000 years ahead), Brazil vs Oman (Brazil is 300,000 years ahead), Germany vs Iran (Germany is 400,000 years ahead), and so and so forth - I could literally go on forever with the comparisons and you could still not find me any Islamic country that does better than a secular one. In fact, there really is no comparison between the success of the secular system and the failure of the Islamic world's system of governance. Stop daydreaming. The key to Pakistan's growth is pure secularism, and a multi-cultural society that openly trades with its rising neighbours, China and India. Warm Regards, Rehan
Abdullah: are you trying to suggest that the JuD jihad will do any better for the people or solve all our problems?
Islam is a religion, not a political or legal system.
Islam is the way. Yes. True. But. How many people are prepared to accept and practice it? How many? Islam was never enforced through any order. People accepted, practised and benefitted from their practice. When non Muslims saw true Islam in practice then tribes after tribes, nations after nation just surrendered to it. Today it is the practice of Islam that is missing from the masses. The coming together regularly of people as practised by the early Muslims is the most essential practice missing from the people claiming to be Muslims today. Coming together regularly is an absolute essential part of the socio-political way of Muslims' life. Coming together to make Justice and Compassion part of every day life of the masses. Why are such essential elements Islam's socio-political system missing from the people. They see Autocracy as practiced by just too many usurpers including Yazeed as an Islamic system. Yes this is the idea of Islamic system in the minds of the masses today. Such misconception of Islamic system needs to be propagated and eradicated from the minds of the masses. Who will do it? Everyone needs to do it.
no abdullah we don't want a pakistan where women are stoned to death,we don't want a pakistan where women are whipped in public,a pakistan where people are murdered by their bodyguards for expressing their opinions,a place where our daughters are not allowed to get an education. since when did religious fascist parties become peaceful? the system you are trying to sell has been tried for even longer then the systems you castigated.you are using the same argument that the taliban used to gain initial acceptance by the people of swat.
This debate is very helpful, what would make it even better is Humaira Iqtider response. To be fair, I would agree with Ayesha.
Instead of using the words e.g. penetration. You need to look at Islam and its ability to solve modern day problems. Clearly the West and their tools of thinking, systems and problem solving are failing be it Secularism/Capitalism/Democracy. Look at last 20 years - Guantanamo, torture, occupations, supporting dictators, boom & busts, credit crunch, London Riots, France Riots, EU riots, the cuts, the austerity measures, War of Terror and the list go on and on and on.
Hence if/when Islam is presented as an alternative with system from peaceful political parties like Hizb ut Tahrir then you ought to look at them with seriousness
The systems in place in Pakistan have frankly failed to protect the honour, life & property of weak/rich/middle/upper, Muslims or non Muslims alike and Islam as a way of life stand as a strong contender.