Where is Humanity
(Maria Majid Siddiqi , Karachi)
Islam is a religion of patience
and harmony as it tells us that "killing one person is like killing the whole of
humanity". How many parts of our humanity have been slaughtered and are being
assassinated in Pakistan? Our children are living in an environment of
trepidation, uncertainty and terrorism. They move with panic due to fear of
being targeted. Pakistan, the first planned Islamic state, appeared on the world
map with unlimited expectations. It was envisioned as an inspiration not only
for the Muslim ummah but also for the entire humanity.
Currently, Pakistan's repute before the world is that of an unsafe place where
the survival of minorities has been threatened. Terrorists are the opponents of
Pakistan as well as humanity and it is in our mutual interests to confront these
immoral powers.
Three provinces in Pakistan are facing absolute confusion with an increase in
riots and Shea killings. Why has our country become a sufferer of such serious
troubles? For a remedy to these problems, we have to evaluate the history of our
society and by that we may judge that our collapse was initiated in the 1970s
and got an immense boost during the 1980s. It was the era when mullah ism was
forced onto Pakistani society. Islamic teachings are based on care, love and
friendliness but the mullah's description of Islam created hatred and divisions
within society. Intolerance is the strongest foundation of sectarianism.
Diversity of opinion always proves to be a healthy and positive element of
society but here, in Pakistan, it is subjugated so as to multiply hate by
utilizing it as a weapon. Humanity is fading at the individual as well as
collective level. Other outcomes of this disintegration are in the shape of
apathy and egotism. Corruption has become a mechanism that is putrefying the
general ethical spirit of our people.
We are not prepared to confess our own faults and flaws but involve ourselves in
a blame game. We should encourage interfaith discussions to highlight the common
foundations of beliefs instead of pointing out differences. Political parties,
media personnel, the government and civil society have significant
responsibilities when it comes to encouraging religious freedom — they need to
live up to those roles.