ISLAMABAD: A small but enthusiastic group of "progressive" Muslims arrives at a hotel conference room in Islamabad with the tools they hope will help blunt extremism in the unstable US ally.
The Khudi organisation does not expect the government to tackle the problem of spreading religious extremism. So it has taken on what seems to be mission impossible -- creating a social movement that can reverse the growing tide.
Seconds after using laptop computers, a slide projector, a film documentary and examples from history to highlight the dangers of militancy, Khudi leaders are confronted by hostile university students in the audience.
A veiled woman says amputations of thieves' hands should not be criticised because they reduce crime in Saudi Arabia, which is accused of funding hardline seminaries in Pakistan. Others deny there is intolerance in Pakistan -- where al Qaeda-inspired Sunni militants kill members of minorities -- arguing instead that Western conspirators fabricate the problem.
"I just don't know how to get my point across to you," said one of the lecturers, visibly frustrated.
The United States and other Western countries have long urged the government to counter extremism. Critics say Pakistani leaders have failed, allowing everyone from clerics in small rural mosques to school teachers in big cities to spread radicalism in the nuclear-armed state.
Khudi's struggle underscores the difficulties of stabilising Pakistan, seen as critical to US efforts to tackle militancy. It was founded in 2010 by Maajid Nawaz, a former member of the extremist group Hizbut Tahrir, that tries to recruit military officers in Muslim nations to topple pro-Western governments. Nawaz, a Briton whose family comes from Pakistan , spent years persuading Muslims -- from Europe to Egypt -- that Western-style democracies were doomed and only Islamic theocracies could succeed.
During four years in a notorious Cairo jail for his activities, Nawaz vowed to become a suicide bomber after watching state security agents electrocute fellow extremists.
After holding political debates with fellow inmates, he eventually decided to preach moderation in deeply conservative Pakistan, where liberals and intellectuals are seen as impotent.
Bracing for the long haul
Although Khudi has spread its message in many Pakistani universities, its leaders say it could years to make an impact. Just mentioning the world secularism can be a problem because it is portrayed as a non-religious concept -- so someone secular could easily be labelled an infidel.
"We are trying to create the al Qaeda of democratic movements," said Nawaz, 34, in a telephone interview, referring to the militant group's reach.
"Pakistan is uniquely difficult. Anyone who mentions the word democracy is immediately labelled a Western stooge."
Khudi believes holding free and fair elections in Pakistan is not enough, because religious radicalism is stifling democratic concepts like free speech and freedom of association. So it is reaching out to the young, since over 60 percent of Pakistan's population is under 25.
Made up of eight executive committee members and about 5,000 volunteers, it deploys ideas as its weapons, insisting that military crackdowns on militants produce limited results.
Khudi members hold workshops at universities, hand out pamphlets and show films that condemn violence. The group is trying to uproot religious extremism that can be traced back decades. In the 1980s, for instance, President General Zia ulHaq nurtured militants and turned society towards radicalism. National coordinator Fatima Mullick recalls how as a teenager in the 1990s she heard how 40 Shia doctors were shot dead outside their homes or on the way to work in just a few months in her home city of Karachi, Pakistan's commercial hub.
"There is no illusion," the 27-year-old said of Khudi's challenge. "This is the toughest job in the world."
Recruitment on campus
For Imran Khan, a senior Khudi trainer and spokesman unrelated to the cricketer-turned-politician, it was the September 11 attacks on the United States that raised his awareness.
"People around me, even people from my family, were very happy that a few 'infidels' were killed by jihadis," he said, sitting beside teenage Khudi volunteers with funky haircuts and Western-style sweatshirts.
Khudi pioneers work out of a type of safehouse in the capital Islamabad for fear of attacks by militants. To achieve its aims, Khudi holds workshops on university campuses.
A big part of the problem is the growing perception that the West is plotting against Muslims. Recent events like the November 26 Nato air strike that killed 24 Pakistani troops on the border with Afghanistan are fuelling anti-Americanism, and making Khudi's job harder.
"I have relatives who work for Pakistani intelligence. They told me the Americans were behind all the suicide bombings," said Sobia Baig, a Pakistani woman at the hotel workshop.
Khudi is troubled by Pakistan's long history of creeping radicalism. But a far more recent event shocked its leaders.
In January, Punjab province Governor Salman Taseer was assassinated by his own bodyguard, because the governor had called for the reform of Pakistan's anti-blasphemy law, which critics say is misused against minorities.
Lawyers who once protested in support of democracy showered bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri with rose petals. Two months after Taseer's murder, Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian, was murdered by the Taliban for demanding changes to the blasphemy law. After the Bhatti assassination, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said Pakistan was "poisoned by extremism".
It was never meant to be this way. Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah appealed for religious tolerance in his first address to parliament in 1947.
Ironically it is young Pakistanis who seem most receptive to his message, like the ones in jeans, tights and sleeveless shirts at the Jammin Java cafe in the city of Lahore -- an ideal recruiting ground for Khudi.
"Pakistan should be Jinnah's Pakistan where there is no room for extremism and intolerance," said student Nafeesa Ali, 22. But Nawaz's old group, Hizbut Tahrir, is equally determined to find followers at the cafe as well.
It has been known to leave its orange promotional stickers. Few are more aware of the long battle ahead for Khudi than Shakil Ahmad Chaudhary, a communications specialist who passionately delivers speeches at the group's workshops.
"My children (aged 9 and 12) go to a so-called elite school in Islamabad. And they come back and say 'Our teacher tells us of conspiracy theories', 9/11 for example was a conspiracy by George Bush and the Jews," said Ahmad.
"I try to educate them. But again, I have to be careful. I don't want them to pick a quarrel with the teacher or become outcasts in the class."
COMMENTS (36)
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@Sameer:
People need to learn nuances. Secularism means separation of state and religion, not devoid of religion. It doesn't impose a religious test on public office, but you can still be a practicing religious person as long as you respect the institutions and don't impose your beliefs except perhaps on occasions - which would be a sign of pluralism and diversity. The objective of secularism is to reduce religious discrimination (Ahmadis are discriminated on Pakistani passports - not only is this abuse by state, it is also not even an Islamic requirement, yet done in the name of the 'Islamic Republic', a 'Munafiq' moniker added in the 80's by Zia), emotional religious superstitious blackmail and manipulation, that religious hypocrites may and will abuse if in power.
I think you owe Imran Khan an apology for your very poor mistake. The book is to come out in the middle of next year, hence, unless the manuscript has been completed, given to, or stolen by Ahsan, he could not have possibly read that book.
@Khadim Husain: It seems anyone who doesn't agree with you is an apostate. No offense but who gave you the license to be so judgmental? What are your credentials to issue fatwas? Besides yourself are there any true Muslims in the world? Are the rulers of all Muslim countries apostates? What do you think of Anjem Choudary and Omar Bakri who have publicly called the 9/11 hijackers 'magnificent martyrs'. Do you agree with them? Why did Bakri seek asylum in the UK? How much funding did he receive from the infidels? According to Wikipedia, he claimed about £250,000. How much has Anjem claimed in social benefits? You have also claimed that Khudi receives funding from MI5. Who told you this? Why haven’t you mentioned the CIA, Mossad and RAW?
@Sameer I think the only one looking foolish is you. The book isn't available until July of 2012. So Imran is quite correct.
Imran Khan, secular tradition of Islam? How on earth that is possible? Religion can never have a secular tradition because secular mean devoid of religion. You are right Islam is a religion, but not a state. But Islam beside being spiritual edifice is also a way of life. It just does not contain some ritual; it is much more than that
Bravo to Khudi!! Pakistan and the rest of the Muslim world need many more groups such as yours! Stay safe and continue spreading the good word!
@Imran Khan: Thank you and your group for your brave efforts to counter extremism in Pakistan. I share your frustration with the intransigent attitudes of those who insist on blaming foreign conspirators rather than employing open minded, logical and critical analysis of the growing problem of domestic islamist extremism in Pakistan. As I'm sure you know well, defeating extremist thinking is a task that can only be accomplished by Pakistanis absent foreigner pressure or influence. We in the West will cheer you on from the sidelines and provide inconspicuous support if and when asked. It's good to know and remember that we can't judge an entire society by the actions of a misguided many. Best of luck and stay safe!
@ Ahsan - what is your point? Khudi is doing something so desperately needed in Pakistan. In a nation overrun by extremism and living in a dark age due to the pathetic education system and overhang of intolerance, we need a million Khudis to save Pakistan from complete collapse and irrelevance to the rest of the world.
Mr Ahsan -- You must be a great researcher and we will not dispute anything that you say from henceforth. For your information, Maajid Nawaz has never ever written a book (though currently he is working on his autobiography). I wonder how you could have read a book that he never wrote. It speaks volumes about your knowledge about Maajid Nawaz, who is an international public figure. You don't seem to know basic things about him, leave alone who funds him.
i actually agree with Asad. And all the indian trolls trying to rebut this should spend their time where it suits well Majid is an MI5 agent and most of the stuff in his book are allegations.I say this as i have read it myself. HT has never toppled and pro-west govt. uptil now and if having influence in corridors is a crime then same holds for many other cults who lobby for their interests. You might not agree with their ideology does not mean you start attacking them of creating anarchy.
A highly commendable effort from Khudi for a start. They deserve all the support. I hope they will 'treat the disease and not the symptoms'
It really is difficult. Even if Jinnah himself was alive today would have had a hard time to get through to many Pakistanis today.
Some outright can't take the truth when you tell them Jinnah's praise for secular Attaturk as the 'greatest Musalman' or that his religious sect background ended up as being a Twelver Shia Muslim.
Just very ideologically brainwashed in their prejudiced nationalist narrative.
These folks talk about Islam being a silver bullet, seem to not understand that there are disputed interpretations, and no body, especially minority Muslims, wants their extreme Wahhabi/Salafi/Deoband alien interpretations which sadly the weak minded mistake as true 'Sharia' which it absolutely is NOT. Plus it is so easy for hypocrites to manipulate the superstitious masses with it.
There are many layers that you have to peel through to finally get some to think critically instead of the collective schizophrenic stupidity that's been shown thus far.
Many's weak thinking is shrouded in levels of ignorance, denialism, intolerance, hypocrisy and extremism.
Many really do lie to themselves and others with xenophobic conspiracies being disingenuous about heinous crimes, just to ease their collective self value.
@Asad: wonder who funded him when he was a part of Hizb ut Tahrir?
Asad
European Islam, Indian Islam, Chinese Islam - these are the best things for Islam. Islam is Islam. It is protected by Allah. But by making European Islam etc, Islam can prosper and spread more in Europe and Islamize it. Then it will return to original Islam because nothing in its core is being changed. Remember, the light of Islam was brought to the current area of Pakistan by sufis who didn't teach natives any Islam at all for the most part.
So long as these people talk to non-Muslims and present Islam the way non-Muslims would accept Islam and let it grow in numbers, you should support it fully. Imagine the benefits that accrue to you and how pleased God will be if Muslims owned the entire Europe!
@Asad: Your votes seem to be fishy, going from 2-3 to 20 in just a few minutes. I wonder if vote rigging is going on...
@Asad: So typical! Is the peaceful image of Islam a "European Islam"? To tell the world that Islam does not support terrorism, fanaticism or fascism is wrong; makes you an M15 agent. I wish they hire me too so I can tell the world that my holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was a “rahmatul aalameen” and his teachings have nothing to do with present day extremism and terrorism. Oh people of the World, the beautiful and peaceful religion of Islam have been hijacked by the religious mafia. These so called Muslims are exploiting religion just like any Hindu, Christian or Jew extremist do for their vested interests. May Allah enable us to clean the black spot of extremism from Islam and we become real followers of Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW). It is a tragic fact that whenever these so called custodians of religion could not answer logically, they just call others secular, liberal, anti-Muslim, foreign agent and so on.
@Asad. That's your problem. You think religion is the answer to all our problems. The rest of the world doesn't agree. Look at the difference between the countries that have a strict separation between religion and state and the theocracies of the world. Western Europe/North America versus Pakistan, Somalia and etc.. Where do you think the dignity of humanity is more valued? How's the standard of living in your mullah state versus say a secular country like Finland? And if you think your life is going to be fantastic after you shuffle of this mortal coil then do send me a post card and let me know how its going. I'd sooner hedge my bets in this world.
I am extremely impressed with the ideology of Khudi organisation. Though it appears to be a gigantic task to reform those who have chosen the path of religious extremism but the impossible can be achieved through a movement with blessings of the Almighty. May God bless Khudi with astounding success.
@Asad: Better to get grants from Mi5 than living off tax payers money aka Anjem Chaudhry. And yes lest I forget to say this: you and your ilk are a blot to humanity.
Dear Asad -- It would be great if you engage with us in a debate about ideas instead of leveling unsubstantiated allegations against Khudi. By the way, you seem to be unaware of progressive, secular, democratic and pluralistic traditions within Islam. Have you ever heard of religious scholars such as Sheikh Ali Abd al-Raziq, a graduate of Al-Azhar University, who wrote a book al-Islam wa usul al-hukm (Islam and the Bases of Government). He said, "Islam is a religion and not a state, a message not a government, a spiritual edifice not a political institution". Have you ever heard of scholars like Mahmoud Muhammad Taha of Sudan, Faraj Foda of Egypt, Abdul Karim Saroush of Iran, Fazlur Rahman (Not Maulana of JUI-F) and Javed Ghamdi of Pakistan? Please do a bit of research as to what their views on religion, politics and state are. And yes, there is a lot of cultural and even doctrinal diversity within Islam, which is a strength of our religion not its weakness. If Islam had been monolithic and rigid, it would not have spread all over the world. I would also encourage you to read about the rule of Ottomans in Turkey and Mughals in India. Weren't they secular rulers, save a few exceptions? Cheers
@Ali Q: Spot on. Pakistan is one of the most resilient nations in the world but just recently, the fruits of Zia's labour are starting to bear fruit. It is so radicalized that even if the current engagements with the US ended, terrorism would have a life of its own in Pakistan.
Dear all -- Thanks for your comments about Khudi. I am Imran Khan, the head of counter-extremism training at Khudi Pakistan. My colleagues and I would love to further engage with you at our workshops, seminars, talks and conferences. Our website: www.khudipakistan.com & Facebook group: www.facebook.com/khudipakistan
If you want to volunteer for Khudi, please directly e-mail to me at: imran@khudipakistan.com
Thanks
Please do not try to enlighten me, I am already enlightened, it is other who need to follow me and then reap the fruits like I am doing! On a serious note, I do not know much about Khudi but I strongly agree with them to enlighten Muslims with new realities of the life, clearly and honestly. Unfortunately, our religious and right-wing intellectuals who have been in the lime light from last 30 years, have brain washed our masses to the level that either we have become mentally ignorant or hate mongers. Our present and future is bleak but we love to live in the ‘glorified’ past. Our priorities are messed up – emotional and empty slogans, hateful rhetoric, extremist attitude, conspiracy theories and blaming others for our problems are the main virtues we posses. Do you really think that Khudi can change me?
Nice to know that some Pakistanis are starting to challenge the extremist mentality
Excellent work! How can we join you? More will join you, since we all are fed up with religious intolerance.
I do not agree with Khudi people entirely. Where there is smoke, there is or has been some fire. When we blame US for its dual policies, we have examples from Ayubs era and later era Zia's era where they have actually funded militancy. It is definitely a brilliant step taken and we must all support them. However, trying to stand by nations who do not believe in Islamic way of punishing and preventing crime will not work here. Why would you do good to someone who breaks the law and does bad to others?? Why do we need to protect the rights of person who violates same of others??
@Adeel Ahmad: Let me try and explain it from a western perspective, but you'll find that these principles are universal. The desire to continuously champion change and improvement in society, especially political change. A strong belief in social justice, i.e., fairness in dealing with people; that all humans are created equal; no discrimination based on race, religion or national origin; poor people matter as much as the rich. A secular outlook to life: keeping religion out of our government and schools. Pakistan needs a 16th century style European Reformation.
I am glad to know that there are some who are fighting to cleanse the society from extremism. I have always believed that Talibans are not just out there in the North or South Waziristan: talbanism is a name of an attitude which you can find in every home. All the best for your efforts, Khudi organisation!
@Adeel Ahmed: I can. It is somebody who wishes to move forward with the times rather than revert to 711 A.D.
Honestly, enough of this growing religious extremism and blaming others for every wrong thing in our country. Who else is joining Khudi organization with me?
I wish you all the best. Thank you for undertaking something this important and for not bowing to intimidation and danger. With people like you there's is still some hope. I hope one day people of this country will embrace moderation and learn to live and let live.
I have much respect for Majid Nawaz, especially after watching his debate with Ayaan Hirsi and Douglas Murray. I hope his ideas of peace and tolerance find fertile ground in this land of conformity, conspiracies, and orthodoxy. A highly recommended watch for ET readers:
Islam Debate: Maajid Nawaz & Douglas Murray
Sadly: Pakistan is getting more and more closed minded...absolute intolerance of new/"foreign" ideas would be our unraveling...the final qualitative change that would undo our society or any progress that may have been made in the last 60 years.
Commendable work, Khudi.