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Islam is claimed by Muslims around the world as Religion of Peace. The religious scriptures also clearly command for peace and education and serving the humanity. But the general impression worldwide about the conduct of the adherents of Islam is reverse to the claim. The behaviour at public place, social and political actions, care for the society and common manners leaves much to be desired.
The impression about any community, society or the nation is formed based on the collective character, conduct and contribution. In every community or the nation there are good people and not so good people, but the opinions are formed based on the majority behaviour and actions. The opinions can be distorted for a short period of time, but if the large section of people are holding an opinion for a long time, it’s time to honestly introspect and genuinely correct, rather than refusing to accept and cursing them as islamophobic.
Talking about the Indian Muslims, we are facing unique challenge of paying triple tax, firstly the legacy of the 700 years of Muslim rule, which we fondly claim as our own, secondly the happenings in Muslim world, from Syria to Afghanistan and thirdly, the domestic socio-religious issues and existence of an errand neighbor. Put together, the majority has formed low opinions about Muslims and a section is harbouring anti Muslim sentiments.
The poor perceptions are also due to the Muslim world’s very low contribution to the advancement of the civilisation, be it modern science or technology, medicine, health, education, businesses, industry or even social services.
Excessive food orientation and consumerism, overdose of religion and politics and lacking strategic planning and transformational approach, is resulting into transactional methods of working and regressive thinking, and continuing downwards spiral. Poor focus on modern education and scientific research and technology development and failing to create and leverage the power of institutions and keeping pace with the rapidly evolving world economic order is keeping the community lagging behind in majority of parameters of progress. However, to introspect and course correct, it’s never too late. Indian Muslims are fortunate to incessantly enjoying the dividends of huge social diversity and very mature democracy. There is new found resilience among the women and youth today and there is significantly improved participation of the community in the primary education, social programs and government welfare schemes.
Indian Muslims are fortunate to be born in a hugely diverse multicultural society, which teaches the values of respecting the belief of others and compassion and accommodation.
There must not be any scope for intolerance or extremism. Unfortunately, there is alarming rise in the communal atmosphere in the country, which does not augur well for either the democracy or the economy, and certainly not for India as rapidly rising global power. The ruling regime must urgently attend to this serious challenge.
With the emerging global philosophy of equity, inclusion and diversity, Indian Muslim community, with the values and understanding of multiculturalism, can show way to the world muslims and reap for itself rich dividends. The community has to focus on modern education to access exploding economic opportunities and develop better understanding of the national ethos and common cultural values for change in perceptions, and resulting appreciation for peace and general progress.
