A Time for Renewal

Syed Ahmed
Is it Islam to drag India into a discussion of Islam?

ram-rahim,

its not just the lack of family planning, its also, by effectively suppressing other religion.

people are left with no choice but to follow what was forced on.

for any change in society women`s role is very important, they play directly or indirectly a vital role, by denying them the even basic rights and identity, effectively contained any change.

Re: Ram_Rahim

Judging form your infected name, I gather you are from India

``When you are Ignorant and poor, all you do is breed. Islam is the fasted growing religion because of lack of family planning, NOT conversions.``

Much obliged to have your much thought-out insights on life. This much explains why there are 1.14 billion Indians in the world.

Aisha

Scout 24.

Bravo!

Aisha

Reply Drumz # 4

“Maybe then there`d be less coolie SLAVES begging the west for forgiveness and more Malcolm X`s telling the white man the truth to his face.”

Hurrah! He’s back and tactful as ever. Good to “see” you on chowk again Drumz. Howzit?

Reply RSaxena #: 18

[``Those who lament the fact that Islam today wears the face of militancy in the eyes of the world should keep this in mind: When those who are moderate do not speak as loudly as the militants, the militants speak for them too. The only way to reclaim the enlightened aspect of Islam is to pursue it aggressively. Call it extremism in the pursuit of moderation. And that is no vice.``

“We`ve seen the angry responses Pakistanis have given their fellow Muslims SameerJB and hamidm each time the latter have attempted to do this. Do you really think this is possible?”]

Cyberspace is a good place to start.

Reply Fuzair # 23

“Frankly, this article is tripe. Not because I disagree with the author`s words condemning the extremists or the moderates lack of a spine (mea culpa), but because I disagree with the author`s basic premise that Islam has any relevance to the modern world.”

Politics is the art of the possible. What’s a realistic position to take which will contribute to enough people taking concrete steps towards a better world?

Reply Eklavya # 30

“Look, look! I knew there had to be some thoughts that you two could share! :)”

Funny, I had always imagined the subcontinental cupid to be from the South (one Mr Cupidanathan).

Ram-Rahim

``When you are Ignorant and poor, all you do is breed. Islam is the fasted growing religion because of lack of family planning, NOT conversions``.

Whereas you the product of an enlightened education? Someone say Hindutva?

A thoughtful, even-handed article. Much appreciated!

I think the problem with Muslims is as a Pakistani intellectual says is that Muslims try to be `PUBLIC MUSLIMS` and not `PRIVATE MUSLIMS`. The Muslims try very publicly to outdo others when trying to show their Islamic credentials. They try to shout `Jehad` most loudly, try to inform the whole world that they have performed `haj` by mentioning the fact in front of their names and name plates at home, try to get the mark on the forehead which shows that they have been performing the prayers very regularly etc.

It is time to remember what Bulle Shah or was it Paltu said `mathe ghis gaye par bane nahi namazi`.

( by rubbing foreheads and getting a mark on the forehead does not make a true believer)

Scout # 24

“Interesting article, but then, why make religion such an issue anyway?”

don’t you see a MASSIVE inconsistency in what you’re saying?! The creation of pakistan, the jihad in kashmir – causes I believe you support – hardly areas where religion has not been made an issue!

I don’t think you’re even aware of the glaring hypocrisy.

nice sermon ali. when do you come in from ohio to lead the silent majority on the streets against the extremist minority. reading your article reminded me of the terrorism ``experts`` on cnn pontificating about terrorists. what does it take to become a terrorism expert? reading a few books and then regurgitating what you read?

Anyhow let me know when you land, so I can pick you up!

shakir

re: minai, scout

It is a good article. The `moderates` should have the courage to speak out. But speaking out does not mean to compete with the fundamentalists on the interpertation of Quran, the meaning of this or that. This war cannot be won. The need to speak out means to tell these religious leaders to keep off the political scene ( as scout 24) says. There should be no mixing of religion with the State whether in governance, education, justice etc. Religion should be individuals private affair and a facilitator for one to relate with ones God, whatever form that may take. That is the only way forward.

Re: Jay, #27

You make an excellent point, especially about Naipaul. That award is a very not-so-subtle commentary on Islam by the West.

Scout,

I hope you now know why I asked you about terrorism in Kashmir.