Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was here in India last week to sign agreements between his inter-faith foundation and Benaras Hindu and Aligarh Muslim universities. In his speeches he underlined that the “place of religion in society” is a fundamental challenge for the 21st century (The Hindustan Times, 13 December). Talking on the recent developments in Egypt, he said the struggle in Egypt is the one that is going on all across the Middle East – the one between “open and closed minds” – and that Egyptians are divided between those who understand that democracy “is not just about voting, but about accepting pluralism.”
Yes, the struggle in Egypt shall go on across the Middle East, across the globe; for Allah has promised to uphold His Deen (the religion He has liked for all human beings) walau karihal mushrikoon (even though the polytheists may detest it) and walau karihal kafiroon (even though the unbelievers may detest it). And the ‘closed minds’ should open their minds and accept without any bias what is appealing to reason.
As for pluralism in Egypt, the new constitution has recognised due rights of Christians and Jews, women and children. Now Christians and Jews in Egypt can get their disputes resolved in accordance with Christian and Judaist legal provisions. This is for the first time that the minorities in Egypt are going to enjoy these rights. And, this is the pinnacle of pluralism in a Muslim majority state.
The ‘unusual statesman’ of the UK needs to be told that religion has always played a fundamental role in the functioning of society, in making it human and humane, cultured and civilized, and in its march towards advancement, progress and prosperity. However, in the jungle of isms and ideologies, faiths and religions that we are faced with today, one ought to think, study and ascertain which of these leads to ultimate success; for leading a life without thinking which path one is treading and whether or not the chosen path promises success here in this world and in the hereafter both is of course a folly that one can afford at the risk of being let down ultimately.
Meanwhile, Oliver Thomas, a Baptist minister and attorney, in his article “States cracking down on the Islamic law misunderstand the right to freedom of religion” on his blog on cairoklahoma.com, expressed his dismay on the exclusivist policy of the United States. He writes: “Just look at what’s happening. There has been widespread resistance to the construction of mosques and Islamic centres. The Pew Research Centre cited 53 cases in recent years. Even last summer’s attack on Sikhs appears to have been motivated by misdirected anti-Muslim bias. And it’s not just the rank and file. More than a dozen states have passed or are considering anti-sharia laws. Oklahoma has amended its constitution.” Very few writers in the States and Europe are as candid as Thomas. However, what we cannot agree with Thomas is when he writes: “One cannot be a Muslim without practising some form of sharia…. sharia is always subject to interpretation, so sharia does have a dark side.” We just wish the likes of Blair and Thomas study with open mind the divine wisdom in Islamic Shari’ah.