international day to combat islamophobia
By Justice Katju
Tomorrow, 15th March, has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day to combat Islamophobia
I stand firmly against Islamophobia and the hatred of any religion, and I advocate severe punishment for those who incite and spread religious hatred. Despite being an atheist, I am a staunch advocate for religious freedom.
A common yet fallacious propaganda brands all Muslims as fanatics, terrorists, jihadists, and anti-nationals, typically fueled by the agendas of certain politicians. Contrary to this, every Muslim I have met has been peace-loving, with the vast majority being decent and upright individuals. While it is true that a small minority may engage in wrongful acts and resort to violence, this is not exclusive to Muslims but is seen across all communities.
However, I believe that mere declarations are insufficient in effectively combating Islamophobia. The real change must come from Muslims themselves, through introspection and the demand for reformations, specifically:
- Abolition of Sharia
- Abolition of the Burqa
- Abolition of Madrasas
- Suppression of Religious ClericIslamophobia
Some may argue that these demands equate to the abolition of Islam itself, but this is not true. I do not advocate for banning core Islamic practices, such as attending mosques, offering Namaz, going on Haj, observing Roza during Ramadan, celebrating Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, or taking out Muharram processions.
Instead, my focus is on eliminating feudal aspects that hold Muslims back, much like the reforms introduced by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Turkey during the 1920s.
Under the rule of Sultans and Caliphs, Turkey was impoverished, feudal, and backward, often referred to as “The Sick Man of Europe”. Ataturk’s reforms were aimed at modernizing the country by eradicating these backward practices
I am not against Islam, but against feudal, outdated ideas and practices in all religions
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/justicekatju/posts/i-am-an-admirer-of-kemal-mustafa-atataurk-1881-1938-who-modernized-turkeyhttpsen/1225458000828077/&ved=2ahUKEwiRmLqXhoqMAxUdBDQIHYmBEjQQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3W5bCtXTarU_bw1_APaiYC https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/not-against-muslims-but-opposed-to-any-injustice-katju/articleshow/44011836.cms&ved=2ahUKEwjI65fDg4qMAxVVJTQIHQwdMYE4ChAWegQIFxAB&usg=AOvVaw1RciVOsPcOK6gHo6itWhtUhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DvYK6DaKc8Oo%26pp%3DygUWI2p1c3RpY2VtYXJrYW5kYXlrYXRqdQ%253D%253D&ved=2ahUKEwitzv3liIqMAxUjMDQIHWrjEm4QwqsBegQIDRAF&usg=AOvVaw397AIys3RFqt76o5YTeoE6
Regarding the debate on whether Muslim women should have the option to wear a burqa or not, I am of the opinion that they should have no such option. I align with the stance that the burqa represents a feudal, backward practice and should be suppressed, including through fines, as seen in France and other countries. Too much freedom is also bad.
The suppression of Maulanas, who perpetuate backwardness among Muslims, is another aspect that I support, following the example set by Mustafa Kemal in Turkey. There were no maulanas at the time of the Prophet.
I also advocate for a Uniform Civil Code, as laws must change with changes in society. The application of Sharia, a law made 1400 years ago, is totally incompatible with the 21st-century societal norms. The same logic applies to ancient laws like Manusmriti, Practices such as stoning to death for adultery or cutting off a thief’s limbs, prescribed in the sharia, are totally unacceptable today.
To truly end Islamophobia, Muslims must recognize and confront the feudal and backward practices within their communities and work towards abolishing them. Mere declarations against Islamophobia are insufficient and often amount to nothing more than empty rhetoric. It is crucial for substantive action to be taken to address these deeply ingrained issues.
In summary, the fight against Islamophobia requires more than just words; it necessitates a willingness among Muslims to critically evaluate and reform practices that are outdated and contribute to their own backwardness, poverty, and marginalization. By doing so, they can make significant strides towards not only combating Islamophobia but also improving their socio-economic condition and modernization of their community.
It is important to emphasize that advocating for such reforms is not an attack on Islam, but rather a call to discard practices that no longer serve a positive purpose in today’s world, but instead keep Muslims poor, feudal, and backward. The essence of Islam, like that of any religion, should evolve to reflect the values of justice, equality, and progress that are essential for the well-being of any society.
Islam spread from Spain to Indonesia not at the point of the sword but due to two cardinal reasons (1) Its great message of equality, which gave social emancipation to the suppressed sections of society, and (2) The mandate of the Prophet that for knowledge go even to China ( i.e. seek knowledge everywhere ), which helped the growth of science in Arab countries.
As we observe International Day for Combating Islamophobia, let us remember that the fight against hatred and intolerance requires both introspection and action. It is through understanding, dialogue, and meaningful reform that we can hope to progress, and build a more inclusive and tolerant world for all.
