Source. ET
You do not speak for us,” said Nihad Awad of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) at a press conference in Washington, DC on June 14. “You do not represent us.” This statement came in the wake of the massacre of 49 people at an Orlando gay nightclub.
How much can change in a week and yet stay the same. It started Friday, June 3 with sadness upon learning of the death of Muhammad Ali. Thanks to the foresight of the Champ, who planned out his funeral as a wonderful teaching moment on Islam, Muslims, co-existence and justice, the week was one of the proudest moments around the world. Islam and its markers such as “Allah-o-Akbar” and “Assalamu Alaykum” had been taken back from fanatics.
Then just over a week later, tragedy strikes — again. Many Muslims are mourning the dead, injured and countless others traumatised one way or the other by this horrific attack. Muslims are also lamenting how the newly galvanised positive image came crashing down with the bullets sprayed by a crazed fanatic. Guilt by association and nuance are not the best of buddies.
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Having grown up in the community, helped found and led Muslim groups since university days, and worked publicly as a Muslim activist for more than three decades, I must confess that there is a culture of righteous violence and otherisation that is rampant. Indeed, I was once of this mindset. The victimhood mentality combined with the moral certitude that comes with theological backing for violence in furthering ‘Islamic’ sanctities is a fuse ready to be lit at any moment.
Thanks for accepting. However how could one develop righteous violence concept. Must be exposure to some incorrect interpretation. Here lies the biggest problem. Simple question how Creator can order in His book to kill its creation, be any ground. No where it is mentioned except Qasas in case of murder and that too forgiveness in lieu of financial compensation is preferred. But how then religious clerics draw such conclusions and resort to interpret religious violence. Key to answer this question mentioned in Quran. Correct interpretation of Quranic verses revealed only to those who are very pais and close to Almighty. So one has to search for the interpretation of Holy Quran by those who also consider themselves close to Almighty but then their claim must also support them in their over all societal behaviour and daily life.