13.06.2012

THE MUSLIM NOOSE BOARD

The vast majority of Indian muslims are secular and agree with the secular and multiculture ethos which has the legal sanction of our constitution. They mingle easily with their fellow Indians who belong to various religious groups. It is no wonder that the Indian muslims have hardly been influenced by the wave of extremism and intolerance being practiced in our neighbouring country Pakistan as well as in many other parts of the world. Whatever little terrorism we have witnessed in our country by the muslims are organised and perpetuated from outside. They practice their religion peacefully and conduct their daily activities with dignity. Their attitude towards the majority Hindu community has never been unfriendly. Being in minority it is natural that sometimes unknown fears strike their hearts. Particularly when the Hindu extremist and their political bosses like the RSS and BJP make anti muslim noises and come out with strange facts and figures to convince that Hinduism is in danger. This is a tool which these right wing parties have used since many decades to snatch political power. But fortunately the DNA of the Hindus contain liberalism and multireligous philosophy and can never be moulded into instrument of hate. There is no such thing like a Jihadi Hindu and never will be. They have been trying to make Jihadi Hindus but failed barring a sprinkling which attract a lot of publicity. The point I am trying to make is that there is such a thing like Indian culture which is unique and encompasses all the varied communities of our nation. This culture endeavors to cultivate love and respect between the different communities. After all this is what all religious leaders and founders have aimed for.

Many leaders and thinkers from all religious groups in India have time to time tried to strengthened this culture to further enhance the cohesion between communities. One of the ways was to have certain laws which would be common to all religious groups. Laws which would protect the weaker sections of the society and to ensure that  medieval practices and medieval religious tenets do not become instruments of injustice. I don't think there is anything wrong in it. Unfortunately certain muslim organisations have always blocked any such common laws which would protect the weak in their society or would ban any medieval practices which have the potential to harm the individual. The main organisation is the the All India Muslim Personal Law Board or AIMPLB. They have always quoted Shariat as if it is  something written in stone. Many interpretations are made of the Shariat laws and there is nothing to prove that it is the last word. It is a guide for the conduct of day to day life of a muslim. The beauty of it is that can be used and interpret in a way which can root out any injustice or bad practice which may have crept in during the passing of centuries. However unfortunately the AIMPLB has all these years have taken a negative attitude and have been adamant not to use it as tool of social reform. Unfortunately some of the Muslim elite have merrily supported this attitude.

Recently the two important issues have been blocked by the AIMPLB. One is the compulsory registration of marriages. The other is marriages of minor girls.Islam is the only religion which allows four marriages. On top of it the nikah can be dissolved any time by the man by reciting Talaq 3 times. Can this be called justifiable and  allowed to continue, for unscrupulous elements to exploit women. Are the muslims living in some stone age? The muslims are citizens of this country and it is the duty of the state to stop such evil practice which degrade women and snatch their dignity. Registration of marriages will go a long way to protect women and empower them to protect their rights and save them from exploitation. Under no circumstanceous it can be termed as interference in religious rights. Such a law in no way makes a muslim a non-muslim. It will be applicable to all citizens and therefore cannot be termed as discriminatory. So what is the objection? AIMPLB does not agree because it says that it would erode the unique culture of muslim! What amazes me is how dumb can people get to be. But the larger question is of multiculturalism and blocking of synthesis of our population into a homogenous  unit.

The other issue is the court verdict of allowing marriages of 15 yrs old girls. This has been widely applauded by AIMPLB and certain educated class of the muslim community. The prominent among them is Sadia Dehlvi who has written a book on Sufism. Sufism is supposed to be the refined form of Islam which the Hindus also revere since it reflects the Hindu philosophy of Sarva Dharma. Sadia Dehlvi is a advocate of Sufism but does not want any reform for Muslim women. This is the hollowness of a Muslim intellectual. Nobody today would justify the marriage of minors. Instead of educating them and making them financial independent AIMPLB wants to marry them off. They are not event mentally mature to take responsibilies. In this case the minority act which prohibits marriage of girl below 18 years is not applicable to muslims. The reason given by AIMPLB is the same that it would violate their religion and diminish their distinct cultural identity. Can there be anything more rubbish than this?

It is time that the majority of the muslims raise their voices against these organisations which are working overtime to keep their community inside a dark veil. Far away from sunshine. AIMPLB and intellectuals like Sadia Dehlvi are doing their best to prevent the integration of the muslim society in the mainstream of the Indian society. They are a great disservice to this nation by keeping it fragmented. Certain common laws for all citizens are necessary to further enhance the unity of our people and show to the world that we are one. By blocking implementation of such laws which benefit all citizens they are sending wrong signals. Signals which give rise to enmity instead of brotherhood.

A.K.BUNDI