A strange silence

We see more and more outrages committed in the name of religion. Sectarian killings have claimed scores of lives. Men like Hakimullah Mehsud continue their killings and mayhem — even in the holy month of Ramazan. In flood-hit areas victims have been denied relief on the basis of their belief. Through all this we hear only silence from our religious leaders. These men who host shows, who sit in parliament or lead parties that claim to stand for Islam have spoken only in the most hushed voices against the evil in our midst. Many incidents have indeed not been commented on by any religious figure of note. Mosque prayer leaders and clerics have also remained essentially mute. It is inaccurate to blame the spread of extremism only on seminaries and their teachings. The connivance of forces based in the mainstream of society has played a role in its rise.  This includes sections of the press. Perhaps in some ways we are all guilty. We have not done enough to speak out, to agitate against the insane violence that is destroying us and the bigotry that drives it on.

The use of a religion that stands most of all for peace and the basic equality of all human beings in this manner needs to end. Prominent figures must use their influence. They can also seek assistance from the excellent work of centres of Islamic learning such as Egypt’s Al Azhar University who have placed a refreshingly progressive light on many matters which are of significance to modern societies. It is crucial that the silence be broken. Indeed the mainstream religious parties who during each election seek the votes of people must explain why they have maintained it for so long and why they do not raise their collective voice against the murder and mayhem we see on a regular basis in our cities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2010.