Another church ransacked, more houses destroyed and minorities continually made to feel insecure: Has Pakistan become a banana republic? More importantly, has everyone lost their minds?
My third-grade Islamiyat teacher, Miss Shabnum, told her students at Karachi’s Durrani Primary School: “Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance.” That day I sought my mother’s assistance with homework and she gave me an extensive lecture on how Islamic epistemology tolerated and even celebrated divergent opinions and schools of thought. My mother told me that fuqaha (jurists) were considered the guardians of Islamic tradition and their legitimacy rested largely on their semi-independence from a decentralized political system. She also said that before the advent of Islam, tolerance had never been preached as an essential part of religion.
Of course, as a primary school student I was not able to grasp why my wise mother had united the concept of “tolerance” with that of the justice system. I am now starting to see her point.
News from Pakistan of attacks on minorities, oppression of women, and suicide bombing puts us in a very untenable situation. There are two ways to look at this issue. First, it might be said that Pakistanis have become un-Islamic and are therefore becoming intolerant. Second, one might observe that Muslims must break away from their religious law at the risk of remaining intolerant.
That Pakistan is passing through a period of bedlam is a major understatement. There are at least three points where chaos—a tumult of events which lack not just interpretation but interpretability— threatens to break in upon us: at the limits of our analytical capacities, at the limits of our powers of endurance, and at the limits of our moral insight.
When we see hoards of Muslims, followers of a monotheistic religion, rush to touch and kiss a piece of stone as if they were pagan, we tend to question the constancy of their faith. We can, however, question our understanding of the fluidity of their faith. Analysis of the latter, I believe, brings us closer to understanding the religion a devout Muslim, like my mother, used to practice. We reach the limits of endurance when we witness how another Muslim, a Saudi Wahabi, practices a different kind of religion as her tired and old skeleton leans to touch the Stone of Faith in Kaaba.
We should stretch the limits of our analytical capacities to examine language, mannerisms, rituals, and other forms of cultural expression to determine how a fanatical interpretation of Islam has penetrated popular culture, which culture had until then had been moderate and tolerant. If we were honest about the facts, we will realize that the Petrodollar-funded Wahabism has stripped Muslims around the world of their local cultural and ethnic idioms and identities.
It is a shame how a large group of mostly poor Muslims succumbed to a consistent minimalist message from Saudi Arabia. Why is it that Tableegh or preaching of Wahabi ideology targeted rural and poor areas? Not only has this ideology been aggressively marketed and overstated similar to patriotism in America under Bush, it leaves little room for dissent and actively seeks to attack oppositional viewpoints.
Western and Islamic scholars alike often facilitate the Wahabi project by reinforcing the notion that there is a high form of the religion (i.e. a Religion of the Book, as interpreted by Imams and other scholars), and a popular or low form of the religion (as practiced or interpreted by the masses). This distinction is often watered down into a right vs. wrong way of practicing and interpreting the religion. Once this dichotomy is firmly entrenched in the consciousness of all members of the religion, it sets the stage for Wahabis to argue that it is in fact their interpretation that is correct. It is also this dichotomy that allows many Muslims around the world to acquiesce to the mandates of a powerful and well-funded ideological campaign. A closer look at the history of Islam and Wahabism will reveal that this disunion of precepts is a false construct established by those seeking to usurp political power at various historical points of conflict.
In Pakistan, Wahabis have appropriated power, contaminated popular opinion, infiltrated media and now control a large section of Pakistan’s armed forces. There is a state of virtual anarchy in Pakistan; it is not clear who speaks with authority on religious issues. This state of religious disorder is not problematic in secular societies where religion is considered a private matter. But in Pakistan, where religion remains central to the dynamics of public authority and cultural meaning, the question of who represents the voice of God is of central significance.
It is rather interesting that Pakistanis usually do not consider themselves Wahabi. However, you will find their rhetoric and practice contradictory. Just like in the United States no one admits being racist – but you talk to Southern Caucasians or rural white Americans and you will find abundance of bigotry.
We have yielded ground to Wahabis and the fanatics; it is no surprise then that the minority in Pakistan is constantly attacked. Dissent is crushed, women are oppressed, and justice is never dispensed.
It is time for us to speak truth to the power (in Pakistan that means Wahabism and ruling oligarchy). It is time for us to demand justice.
As the popular slogan goes: No Justice, No Peace!
Ibrahim Sajid Malick is a Pakistani-American writer, technologist, and social entrepreneur. He has been writing on Pakistani society and politics since 1986. He has held several media, communications, and technology positions for organizations large and small. Mr. Malick graduated from New School for Social Research with a master’s degree in anthropology. He holds several technology and management certifications. He works for a leading technology firm and blogs at www.ibrahimsajidmalick.com
Wahabis/Taliban/Jamaat-e-Islami do constitute large numbers in Pakistan but their following among poor masses is not so religious. They provide an option of selling a child to Jihad to alleviate some misery. However Pakistan military has used jihadism to train their own therefore the danger of such ideology taking over the country is quite real. Such a political change in Pakistan will mean defeat with a capital D for US and the world in their effort to curb religious extremism and Jihad. However political alternative in the present democratic scenario would be PMLN. They have distanced themselves from jihadism but some of their leaders come across as sympathisers of Jihad.
how don’t you shut up sajid malik. you have nothing else doing? how the hell you talk about islam. you no nothing about islam. you are a kafir and you should be hanged. there is no wahabi – this your jewish propoganda to breaking up muslims. we are united against hindu, jews and christions. so take it in your bund.
I agree with the author that Pakistan is going through chaotic times. Majority does not believe in extremism but we all behave in such a way that we appear to be extremist. What we practice is not Islam. We are not respectful of others, we are not clean, we are arrogant and ignorant nation. It is easy for Saudis and Americans to exploit us. We have been fooled by both. We must stand up and take our country back.
naPak land is about to destroy itself. I wish and pray to Vishnu that Pakis end up killing themselves.
Rashid, jihadis have taken control because Army and ISI promoted them and nurtured them. But politicians have done their bid as well. All political elected leaders have hijacked this to each become the worst tyrant in their own boots…in other words there has been no democracy so far…its been either civilian/feudal or military dictators…all political parties are run as personal fiefs even today loyal only to personality cults…how can you expect democracy out of political parties that are themselves operated undemocratically as feudal or “cult” personality fiefdoms? In which democracy do you have people who have been booted out of work for theft, have come back to work again, been booted out again, and been brought in to work again…democracy is of course something very great, but it has to start at the basic level, where the parties have to themselves weed out their corrupt and incapable…
And after that good mullahs need to be separated from the bad mullahs. We have always had Islam in Pakistan but Jihadis came following CIA and Saudi dollars.
you pakis are doomed to die in the hands of monsters you created. your ISI and Taliban and fundas will kill you and Indians will stand bye and watch.
Hassan Saheb
After being murdered a few times, this newborn democracy in Pakistan could be the one that lives to grow big and strong because the usual usurpers of power, the military has the US looking over them. In this unusual twist of history, the people of Pakistan have been offered a chance at democracy because sponsorship of dictators and military did not work for the imperialist. The army must obey their paymasters hence democracy could stay. The other option of a North Korean style isolation could be dangerous and deadly. Looking into the future of democracy in Pakistan we could expect that democratic culture could grow stronger and political leaderships that dominate the scene now could disappear if they do not conform to the democratic principles and spirit. Respect. Peace.
You know Sajid, or is it all right if I can call you dick? You know dick, you should have though long and hard before posting this article because there might be, as you suggested, dick heads who will take it seriously and blame Pakistan as a whole.
Did you know, dick, that there were 35 international intelligence agencies working day and night to remove Pakistan from the map of the world in 1947? That was 67 years ago, dick.
There are many many more now. Pakistan is facing enemies from the inside (like you) and of course numerous of them from the outside.
Idiots like you are the one who find it fun to watch televisions like “Geo TV” and says “Oh its showing us the truth.” And remain inspired from idiots like them for the reset of their lives.
Hi Chris- or should I call you pussy for hiding your name. Well pussy- Pakistan army and ISI have been scaring everyone that pakistan is facing external danger. You know shithead- only enemies Pakistan has are Pak Army, ISI and stooges like. Pakistan was created by british intelligence agencies.
Pakistan is a heaven and if not country of strong leader it is country of people of strong resolve. These are normal social scuffle which even most advance countries are not immune to.
Christians are probably taking more rough initiatives under an environment where they feel certain of their actions taken for granted. How can one tolerate desecrecation of their faith in any manner done by minorities or even Muslim. The Christians of Pakistan are of same stock and are not a different biological product. They have same ideocycracies and in reality are not much different to feel isolated.
The over projection by people like Malik, who are sold out and get paid for blowing up such issues , in essence are nothing more than the normal social reactions, not done in particular sense of discriminating any religious group.
There are too many Hindus and Sikh living in tribal area and parts of NWFP in Pakistan. The culture is different and the other faith fellows observe the same traditions, it is therefore that none of the non Muslims have ever been expelled or killed.
Punjabie have different culture they fight even on petty things. Take these as two punjabi groups fighting like any two english of spanish groups reacting to each other irrespective of relegious consciousness.
Pakistanis are most accommodating nation in the world.
Junaid – you are shame for pakistan. You r scum of the earth.
I am Indonesian. Friend of mine told me a story that one day he was in Lahore airport. At that time was Ramadhan. While he was standing, one man came down to him, asking are you muslim. With surprised and fright, he answered that he is Christian. Man who asked him went away and came back some minutes back bringing food for him.
Now, I have found no more this wisdom. All the good thing has gone away. Peace.
How could I contact the blogger (Imbahim Malik) here? Please email me.
sorry at the moment he is in hell & having very informative discussions with devil:) lolz , baba ibrahim change your name to a jew with ruling over chiristians philosphy by dividing & ruling mechanism
This story below in The News confirms Ibrahim’s assertion.
‘Saudi charity funding pro al-Qaeda terror outfits in Pak’
Islamabad, Sep. 14: A Saudi Arabian charity has funded 15 million dollars to a pro al-Qaeda militant organization to carry out terror attacks in Pakistan, Pakistani police has claimed.
“The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan is likely to strike major cities of the Punjab. The joint plans of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan are to target Shias,” The News quoted a report prepared by the Crime Investigation Department, as saying.
According to the report, a major chunk of funds gathered by Al-Haramain Foundation goes to fund terror activities of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.he Al-Haramain Foundation has been banned by the UN Security Council for its links to al-Qaeda.
Hakimullah Mehsud, the successor to slain Pak-Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, has vowed to avenge his killing in a US drone attack in August, the CID report says.
“The new Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his cousin Qari Hussain Ahmed have strong anti-Shia views and ties with the (banned) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jaish-e-ohammed,” the report pointed out.
Mr. Malick, don’t worry about these ISI and jidahi idiots. Keep writing and as you say “speak truth to the power.”
Malick,
Your deep love and pure concern for peace and Pakistan is much appreciated. But these emotions of yours blanketed by the negativity of your viewpoint against the wahabbis, infact the mere understanding you possess about Wahabbis is a perfect example of the misconceptions others have had and still possess today. I find your “hate preach” approach to peace as disturbing as any ill-advising mullah.
Safwan G, Thank you very much for reading and commenting. My intent is not to preach hate but to demonstrate how Saudis and Americans have exploited Pakistan’s social fabric. Please tell me where I have deviated from factcs?
@shi: please send me an email: i(at) ibrahimsajidmalick.com
@Chris: Thank you, Chris. Thank you very much for your kind words. I now know how Dick Cheney must have felt all his life:-)
Sir, you state: “Did you know, dick, that there were 35 international intelligence agencies working day and night to remove Pakistan from the map of the world in 1947? That was 67 years ago, dick.”
1- Please name those 35 agencies and provide motives/evidence.
2- 67 years?
Regards,
you will burn in hell INSHALLAH ! ameen suma ameen!
would love To repT! just what ma muslime brother sad very well!
badmaashibandkaroo Says:
September 12th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
how don’t you shut up sajid malik. you have nothing else doing? how the hell you talk about islam. you no nothing about islam. you are a kafir and you should be hanged. there is no wahabi – this your jewish propoganda to breaking up muslims. we are united against hindu, jews and christions. so take it in your bund.
GOT IT???? cuz gt it clear enuf !
the truth is ,pakistan is very very beautiful country and have a great muslim nation.al nations in worl have criminalist in them,why al highlighting only pakistan.w have lost 2000 solders in the war against terorisom .we did our best .and v have a change in very short time .some countries are making the fake image of pakistan to cutoff pakistan from other nations.but in the real pakistan is not like that .how could you say this .with out visiting this great country.dont coment on news only.pakistani nation ‘ve very loving caring and peacefull peopel.even muslims christins and others and they are hoping al this from other nations and countries.
“Another church ransacked, more houses destroyed and minorities continually made to feel insecure”
What do you mean by the word “ANOTHER”?
Does it happen daily?
Why you are trying to make a few isolated incidents as a routine matter & if this has happened then how many of Pakistani has liked it. People from every course of life has condemned it and accepted it as a matter of great shame and by the way how many blogs you have made about these non senses going on in India & west against Muslims?
ASP- what kind of a muslim are you? You are wishing another muslim to hell? Do you know that this author does not miss a single salat… that he has done a hajj and two Umrahs. Do you know that he financialy supports several helpless families in Pakistan.
Do you know that if it wasn’t for him many people will not have a piece of bread this Ramadhan.
Shame of you…
@Zameer,
Allah is there to feed everyone. You don’t need to worry. Allah don’t need Zameer/Ibrahim etc to feed its people. But you are right that we should not pray of hell for anybody. Not even for non-Muslim.
About Pakistan. You don’t need to worry about it. Our Army is alive. Agencies are alive and as a nation we are alive. People in government are Maroons but as a nation, we are one. We are proud of our Army.
We will overcome terrorism problem and we will kill these so called Islamic Jihadies which are actually Indian/Jews/American Agents.
We are going through a very bad phase and you people are still abusing each others. Do you think there is only Islam and no other religion exist and if someone talks about justice and peace you people don’t like it? Why it’s happening with peaceful Christians in Pakistan. We never ever hurt anyone’s feelings and never burnt sacred places but why it’s happening to us? Now we are feeling insecure in Pakistan why? We are a part of this country and have many contributions towards education sector and other as well. You are not trying to see an evil in our society or you don’t want see it. Did you ever realize who is behind the scene and why it’s happening in our country? Now this is time to think about it very seriously, condemn these terrorists and criminal to kill innocent people and stop burning Churches. We are Pakistani and love to be Pakistani so stop this discrimination.
you JAI BHARAT (indians)are doomed to die in the hand of muslins.no body has courage to kill us but we have a presious thing UNITY which make us strong and our religious based on to belive on just one ALLAH and his rasool HAZRAT MUHAMMED S.A.W and which make us more stronger.
The News, Pakistan
Sialkot – The young Christian man who was arrested on 12 September in a village in Punjab accused of blasphemy was killed last night in prison. Police had Fanish, 20, remanded into their custody in order to continue their investigation. This morning prison guards in Sialkot district prison found the lifeless body of the young man with visible signs of injuries.
For Nadeem Anthony, member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), his death was judicial murder. Condemning in the strongest terms the latest anti-Christian outrage, the activist told AsiaNews that for police the young committed suicide by hanging himself in jail, something that for him does not make sense. Instead, “it is a torture killing” because “we can see signs of torture on his body in the picture.”
AsiaNews also received photos of the lifeless body. In it the type of injuries that can be seen appear unrelated to strangulation by hanging.
The body is at the disposal of the legal authority, which has ordered an autopsy at Sialkot’s Civil Hospital.
Fanish (pictured in prison) was arrested last Saturday after accusations of blasphemy were made against him. A day earlier a Muslim mob had gathered in front of the church in the village of Jaithikey, not far from the town of Samberial, in the district of Sialkot (Punjab), to teach the local Christian community a “lesson”.
Extremists damaged the building before setting it on fire. They also pillaged two homes near the church.
A relationship between the 20-year-old Christian man and a young Muslim woman appears to be the cause of the turn of events.
Fanish was accused of provoking the young woman and of throwing away a copy of the Qur‘an she had in her hands.
Fr Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Catholic Church, said that “Muslims cannot stand the idea that a Muslim woman might fall in love with a Christian.”
Yesterday the NCJP expressed “grave concern’ over the rising tide of violence against religious minorities, all in the name of the blasphemy law.
For Catholic activists, urgent government measures are need. It is increasingly clear that profanations of the Qur‘an are just excuses used to attack non-Muslims, who are increasingly victimised and persecuted by Islamic fundamentalists.
In another incident, also last Saturday but reported only today, a Christian settlement in Ghaziabad, a neighbourhood in Orangi Town, near Karachi (Sindh), was attacked by a mob of Muslims, enraged by blasphemy charges against a 40-year-old Christian man called Lawrence.
After repeatedly attacking the man’s house with stones and rocks, the mob attacked local Christians and tried to storm the local Catholic Church. Only a quick intervention by police prevented a blood bath. Still police arrested Lawrence’s nephew, Shahkeel. The accused man went into hiding.
Violence action by Pakistani Islamists is funded by foreign jihadist organisations. In fact, the Arab Herald recently reported that a Saudi charity gave 15 million dollars to a pro al-Qaeda militant organisation.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is said to be preparing to strike Punjab’s main cities.
In conjunction with the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), the TTP is also planning to attack Pakistani Shiites.
Sources told AsiaNews that the al-Qaeda-linked SSP was involved in the anti-Christian attacks in Gojra where several people were killed.
The Al-Haramain Foundation, an organisation banned by the UN Security Council for its links to al-Qaeda, reportedly funded the attacks.
Dear Mr/Mrs. Malick,
Do you even in your true senses believe that any of the people who ransacked the church will be reading this crap?
@Nisar:
It is very convenient to link any incident to Al-Qaeda and label as an act of terrorism.