The post-film scenario
Holy Prophet (pbuh) always spoke in terms of whole humanity; let us also try to make things better for the whole world
The governor of Punjab, Latif Khosa, remarked on September 22, that while Pope Benedict XVI has spoken out against the case of Rimsha Masih, the Vatican has remained silent on the anti-Islam film. Excusing the fact that the honourable governor has not had a chance to catch up on the news to realise that the Vatican did, indeed, condemn the film on September 12, 2012 — later calling it “unjustified offence and provocations against the sensibilities of Muslim believers,” which was carried by news agencies of several Muslim countries — the comment raises a couple of further issues.
First is the issue of reciprocity. Since the sentiments of Muslims around the world were hurt by the vile film, the governor — quite naturally — wanted the sentiment reciprocated from members of other religions. This expectation is not undue since an attack on one religion can easily translate into an attack on another religion. However, such sentiments can only exist in reciprocity. When the Vatican spoke out against the arrest of 12-year-old Rimsha Masih, it was representing the hurt sentiments of the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world. Similarly, it felt the hurt and indignation of the Muslim community in the current scenario. However, very rarely are these sentiments reciprocated by the Muslim community when Christian sentiments are hurt. Very few Muslim clerics or leaders condemn attacks on Christian churches and other places, or speak out against ingrained discrimination against Christians in Muslim societies, and fewer still favour giving equal rights to minorities in their countries. So, while it was a matter of right that the Muslim minority in Italy has a proper mosque in Rome, Saudi Arabia stops non-Muslims from practising their faith. Therefore, reciprocity is essential for Muslims to make allies in the West.
Secondly, especially in this context, it must be understood that Western society is very different from the societies present in the East. It is a clear fact that the religion most ridiculed in the West is not, in fact, Islam, but Christianity. Many such scandals never get condemned by anyone except Christian leaders. The West has developed in such a way in the post-World War II period, that disdain of religion has become a favourite pastime of a number of people.
Where do we go from here? The recent events should make three things clear to people. First, these films and cartoons will keep coming, and secondly, Muslims cannot keep reacting in violent ways to things which are not simply worth it. Thirdly, and most importantly, Muslim leaders around the world need to make allies in the West so that clear laws are instituted around the world, in Western as well as Muslims countries, so that the religious sentiments of any community are never hurt. This initiative will also require some homework. Muslim countries would need to treat their minorities fairly and justly, allow them complete religious freedom, stop direct and indirect persecution, and dispel negative views of other religions spread through education systems and other avenues. The condemnation and ordering of an inquiry into the burning down of a 100-year-old church and compound in Mardan on September 24 by President Asif Ali Zardari is a step in the right direction, but more concerted efforts clearly need to be made.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2012.
First is the issue of reciprocity. Since the sentiments of Muslims around the world were hurt by the vile film, the governor — quite naturally — wanted the sentiment reciprocated from members of other religions. This expectation is not undue since an attack on one religion can easily translate into an attack on another religion. However, such sentiments can only exist in reciprocity. When the Vatican spoke out against the arrest of 12-year-old Rimsha Masih, it was representing the hurt sentiments of the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world. Similarly, it felt the hurt and indignation of the Muslim community in the current scenario. However, very rarely are these sentiments reciprocated by the Muslim community when Christian sentiments are hurt. Very few Muslim clerics or leaders condemn attacks on Christian churches and other places, or speak out against ingrained discrimination against Christians in Muslim societies, and fewer still favour giving equal rights to minorities in their countries. So, while it was a matter of right that the Muslim minority in Italy has a proper mosque in Rome, Saudi Arabia stops non-Muslims from practising their faith. Therefore, reciprocity is essential for Muslims to make allies in the West.
Secondly, especially in this context, it must be understood that Western society is very different from the societies present in the East. It is a clear fact that the religion most ridiculed in the West is not, in fact, Islam, but Christianity. Many such scandals never get condemned by anyone except Christian leaders. The West has developed in such a way in the post-World War II period, that disdain of religion has become a favourite pastime of a number of people.
Where do we go from here? The recent events should make three things clear to people. First, these films and cartoons will keep coming, and secondly, Muslims cannot keep reacting in violent ways to things which are not simply worth it. Thirdly, and most importantly, Muslim leaders around the world need to make allies in the West so that clear laws are instituted around the world, in Western as well as Muslims countries, so that the religious sentiments of any community are never hurt. This initiative will also require some homework. Muslim countries would need to treat their minorities fairly and justly, allow them complete religious freedom, stop direct and indirect persecution, and dispel negative views of other religions spread through education systems and other avenues. The condemnation and ordering of an inquiry into the burning down of a 100-year-old church and compound in Mardan on September 24 by President Asif Ali Zardari is a step in the right direction, but more concerted efforts clearly need to be made.
The Pope and several religious leaders in the West have repeatedly lamented attacks on religion in the West; perhaps, the time has come for Muslims to coordinate their efforts with members of other religions to prevent the repeat of such despicable attacks on religion. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) always spoke in terms of the whole humanity. Let us also try to make things better, not only for Muslims, but for the whole world.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2012.