Syed Shahabuddin in 'Under attack, Muslims must innovate' (April 13), has painted a dismal picture of the Muslim Indians that is uncalled for and unfair. The Constitution of India does not distinguish between citizens on the basis of religion. To describe an 'Indian' as Muslim Indian, Christian Indian, Sikh Indian, Parsi Indian, Hindu Indian only smells of a divisive mindset. In this ongoing tug of war between the religious fundamentalists , the innocent and the poor are made to stand on trial.
Muslims in Independent India, have from time to time risen to occupy high posts and opportunities are ever open to them. The community has been and will remain in the mainstream of the Indian psyche, despite skirmishes and setbacks due to unfounded bias and religious fundamentalism. Perhaps, this is the only country in the world, where all religions command equal respect, where sarva dharma sambhava prevails, and where people look to Holi, Diwali, Guruprab and Eid with the same reverence. It is only in India, where separate laws have been framed for the Muslims, keeping in view their religious sentiments. The Indian constitution had to be amended after the historic judgement, delivered by the Supreme Court, in the Shah Bano case. This is the only country, where Tibetans, Parsis, Christians and Nepalese continue to live, stay and feel secure, only because of a tolerant Hindu Samaj. Even Afghans and Bangladeshis sought refuge in this land when they feared for their lives in their own country.
The aggressive face of Islamic fundamentalism has led them to nowhere. Iraq had to pay a heavy price for its aggression on Kuwait, while the Taliban's extreme policies, only resulted in devastating Afghanistan, turning it into a large human graveyard. The Kashmir valley continue to face hostilities on a large scale, consuming thousands of innocent lives in the process. With no support coming in from Muslim friends, neighbours and the administration, Kashmiri Pandits were compelled to leave the Valley, living now as refugees in their own country. The aggressive posture, of a few religious fanatics at Godhra put the state of Gujarat on a bull's horn. Muslims in India did not protest, when Shahi Imam openly gave a call for supporting the Taliban and Osama Bin laden. The Shahi Imam has the habit of harping on political issues despite the fact that he ought to confine and work on his religious calling. Muslims in India have also remained silent on militants' repeatedly seeking asylum in Mosques and using these holy places for subversive activities.
Muslims in India are very much a
part of Indian ethos and should never doubt this fact. The need of the
hour, is to rejuvenate the community, while working towards a climate of
trust and tolerance, thereby crushing the forces that prop up and feed
on divisive forces. Muslims have been misled by their so called leaders
using them as mere 'vote banks'. These political and religious forces,
are apt in instigating people; using them only to serve their selfish vested
interests. Muslims, in the present context need good and selfless leaders
to direct them towards progress and modernity. Muslims must also be proud
and be inspired by their daughters, like Nazma Heptullah, Mohsina Kidwai
and Shabana Azmi, who can prove to be a fighting force for Muslim women.
The community must break this vicious cycle, of being used as vote banks
by the vested interests. Instead of looking for short term solutions, Muslims
need to make a sustained efforts towards social and economic development.
Educating the girl child, equal participation of women and making them
economically self-reliant, are some of the priority areas. Seeking representation
in administration and other institutions will be a futile exercise unless
the community puts greater emphasis on imparting education to its younger
generation.