When Pope Benedict XVI is preparing to hold talks with Islamic scholars in Rome, an Anglican Bishop has raised the hackles of Islamic extremists by pointing out how Britain is shunting out Christianity. Rt. Reverend Dr. Nazir Ali, who grew up in Pakistan, and now lives in Britain, has provoked Islamic anger by saying that there are pockets in Britain where non-Muslims are unwelcome and the call for prayer from mosques disturbs non Muslims. UK Telegraph reports that Islamic radicals want his ouster.
Islam has contributed to the European Renaissance and to some of the core ideas of modern science. Algebra owes more to the Islamic spirit of enquiry than to any other religion. Early universities have gained from the cultural thrusts of Islam. Even other faiths like later desert monasticism has benefited from Sufi traditions. So why are we hearing dissenting voices from other faiths? Why is Islamic radicalism on the rise? Why is there growing anger against Muslims in different countries? Narendra Modi won in Gujarat in spite of being anti-Muslim.
The root of the problem does not lie in religion; it lies in social inequalities and poverty. The Islamic world has been systematically exploited by the whites. The disdain with which Arab cultures were seen by the West and the tackling of the Middle-East problem by the US has destabilised the world. Muslim youth feel rage and a sense of homelessness in the contemporary world. They are tired of listening to the vacuous promises of politicians of all faiths who routinely promise them the moon and deliver nothing. This has given an opportunity to unscrupulous religious leaders who exploit this identity crisis and provide employment to the Muslim young. The latter are only to subject themselves to indoctrination. When the world has failed us, our maulvis are protecting us, the young reason. Thus, many Muslims join terrorist networks. And when they wreak havoc, naturally other faiths start to become suspicious of all Muslims. The close knit local-mosque-community and the brotherhood of resurgent Islamic youth naturally makes entry of people who do not share this bond, very difficult.
Islam’s scholars need to dialogue and pacify fears in people of other faiths. They need to reason and disarm Islamic radicals. Most importantly, in Islamic countries there has to be first and foremost, tolerance for other faiths and the freedom to practice other religions. Dr. Ali’s bitter experiences in Pakistan as a Christian have shaped his reaction to Islam. The white nations must be more empathetic towards Islamic problems. It helps none that the US keeps on helping Israel against Palestine. Neither will Dr. Ali’s resignation assuage fears in the common mind against Islamization of the UK.
Via: UK Telegraph
Image: Daily Mail
