Daily Times: Qaisar Rashid.
Islam is very particular about the differentiation between the real intent and the declared objectives of its followers. Can militancy serve the cause of Islam?
Why do followers of a (divine) religion resort to militancy? Is it to get the voice of the religion heard or is it to get their own voice heard? These two questions bear more relevance when the religion is Islam and the followers are Muslims. What is the voice of the religion of Islam? Is it not peace? Can the voice of peace be expressed in militant terms? The answer is in the negative. To project its image of peace, Islam does not need militancy. The next question is, to make its voice heard could a (divine) religion be handicapped at the hands of its followers? It cannot be so. Islam is not a religion that can be hamstrung by its followers. Muslims cannot hold a monopoly on the religion of Islam. Islam is open to all to study and listen to its voice.
….In a way, militancy in the name of Islam is justifying the incompetence of Muslims in the fields of science and technology. Secondly, it has discredited the role of state governments to raise their voice for Muslims. Thirdly, it has made the largest chunk of Muslims who, though they do not side with militant Muslims, apologetic before the world. Fourthly, it has made all Muslims vulnerable to all types of prejudices.
Categories: Asia, Islam: A Religion of Peace, Mindset, Muslim World, Pakistan