Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Why is it necessary for ordinary Muslims to speak up?



Why is it necessary for ordinary Muslims to speak up?

There is no need for anybody including ordinary Muslims to speak up against terrorism. There is only one obilgation of citizenship and that is if anybody comes to know any illigal activity he has to report it to the nearest police station. However, this is not possible as ordinary citizen does not have a great opinion about the police. This responsibility completely rests with the social/political workers of the area. The police also should develop cordial relations with people in all areas and should meet people often. Of course, police strength has to go up and so also their salary.
 
The recent demonstration of solidarity with the victims of terrorism by Muslims is a very good sign as also the fatwa against killing inocents in the name of Islam. I wish it had come earlier.
 
Muslims, like so many others, may have some complaints against the system. However, the system itself allows you to change it. This is what Obama did. Nobody thought that he would get past Clinton. He had a great vision and he called it -The Audacity of Hope. With that he captured the imagination of the people, especially the young. He transcended the colour code as well as code of creed. In an interview he said he cannot accept that those who do not believe in Christ would be consigned to hell. He is a good Christian but his humanistic vision embraces all. We are human beings, first and last. This is what Mahatma Gandhi told us long ago.
 
( This is a response to a question in karmayog).

December 24,2008.

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