Congratulations on bringing out the special issue on Minorities in a Plural Society. Most of the articles provide details how the rights and privileges described in the Constitution of the country and various schemes of both Union and State Governments are not being implemented properly and so on.
But an action plan on how these privileges can be obtained by lobbying and interaction with the agencies like RTI, Civil Society, etc, is not dealt with. Any example in India that was successful in this regard, if any, has to be highlighted as well.
In plural societies how minorities and particularly Muslims can take active participation has to be exemplified from the Qur’ān, Seerah of the Prophet like Hilful Fuzul, Seerah of Rightly Guided Khulafas particularly of Umar Farooq, and several experiments carried out by Muslims as minorities in Europe of today for which scholars have evolved Fiqhul Aqliaat need a careful study and implementation in the changing scenario in the country.
Late Dr Faridi wrote a book, Living as a Muslim in a Plural Society, published by Islamic Foundation Trust-IFT- Chennai. An extract from it would have been included in the issue.
I look forward to the more practical and pragmatic articles on this subject in modern times like those of Dr Qardawi, Dr Rashid Ghannoushi, etc. which have not been discussed thoroughly in our country and success stories are only few.
H Abdur Raqeeb
Chennai
It Goes against Our Values
The force feeding of a fasting Muslim, Arshad Zubair occurred on 17 July following a confrontation regarding the quality of food supplied by the company. Arshad Zubair was a supervisor at Maharashtra Sadan. The confrontation with members of Shiv Sena resulted in Mr Zubair being verbally abused and force-fed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his oath-taking ceremony, reaffirmed that he would treat all citizens equally. Furthermore, he said he would not discriminate on the basis of religion. The incident has also been condemned by Sonia Ghandi who believes that anti-Muslim feeling has been growing since Modi formed the government.
I condemn the attack and hope that the government will bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack. Our society thrives on freedom which includes the freedom to practise your religion and the freedom of speech. The increase in anti-Muslim sentiment since the BJP came to power and the attack on Mr. Zubair have no place in India and go against our values proudly upheld by the fathers of our nation.
MMA Baig
Via E-mail
Islam must Be Open for Each and Everyone
It refers to the exclusive Interview of Professor Faizan Mustafa in Radiance (31 Aug to 6 Sep). Prof. Mustafa pointed out two very important matters regarding the Islamic law. The first one is that Ulema should open doors for lawyers, Muslim judges and Muslim academicians and trust them. In this regard, I would like to question why did Ulema close the door of Islam for them? The Qur’ān invites mankind to ponder on its teachings and give their views and ideas. It must be open for each and every person. There should not be monopoly of any group, community and lobby. It is unfortunate that for long Islamic teachings remained under Ulema. The second important point is that “we need to construct an argument in modern terminology”. It is very crucial to represent Islam in the modern age.
Parwez Alam
Katihar, Bihar
Other States should also Follow Kerala
Kerala has taken a very good initiative with its decision to shut down 730 bars and has ordered total prohibition in a phased manner. The point here is to be noted that Gujarat is considered the first state to have implemented total prohibition in 1958 but on the contrary alcohol consumption has been rampant over there. Will Kerala follow the same path or it will implement total prohibition in letter and spirit and compel other states to emulate it for the sake a healthy society.
Izhar Alam
Delhi