First Published in The Islamabad Dateline under the title “Standing up for justice”
Reactionary activism and sudden burst of resentment fading away with time, defines our ideological advancement into the 21st century. There is a glaring difference between uproar in Muslim countries, when we compare Gaza to Darfur. If we study the dynamics of both tragedies; we might be able to understand why we as a nation are still not able to differentiate between geo-strategic politics and ‘war of religions’.
The activist circles are full of talks about human rights violation in Kashmir and Gaza but it seems, no one is interested about Darfur. The level of ignorance over such a big tragedy that unfolded in front of our very eyes is appalling to say the least.
Maybe, if Darfur genocide was carried out by “infidels” we might have seen much stern response from Muslim countries as figures point out that Darfur is a tragedy of much greater proportions with the UN claiming 300,000-350,000 and Coalition for International Justice, claiming that over 400,000 people have been killed in this conflict between Arab and non-Arab Muslims.
Compare that to Gaza, which killed nearly 2,000 so far and we have seen a staunch response from Muslim ‘brethren’ all over the world. The igniting factor here ofcourse, the Jews are to be blamed.
Millions of Muslims worldwide voiced their outrage against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Massive protests were organized in most major cities across the world and in Pakistan. I remember series of demonstrations in Islamabad, too. Not that these demonstrations were not needed, its just the hypocrisy with which certain elements rally for injustice. I remember as-live casualty counts posted on Facebook and twitter.
I was requested to sign more petitions in support of Gaza in three months than I have for Darfur in five years. Leaving Darfur aside, I remember how difficult it was for me to convince people to start rallying against extremists taking over Swat at the same time Gaza was being burnt. Even after mass consensus was developed in the society by the state and media, some elements who rose for Gaza were not to be seen when Taliban were burning down schools in our land and slitting throats.
Where are the large-scale demonstrations from the Muslim community over the inhumane genocide and rape of hundreds of thousands of poverty-struck African Muslims? Why is there such a glaring discrepancy between the Muslim world’s response to the atrocities in Gaza and the atrocities in Darfur?
So, it’s easy to draw conclusions here – If people go missing and the US is to be blamed, we shall teem the streets calling her the daughter of Pakistan and if hundreds of other ordinary Pakistanis are still missing, and were taken by our own, we shall remain quiet. If non-Muslims are doing injustice, we shall bring havoc and burn Mcdonalds down but we won’t speak up, if Muslims are doing injustice – even in greater proportions.
We need consistence and need to shrug off this hypocritical ‘activism’, which most of the times is influenced by a particular segment in our society which sees everything through religious lens. True voice for justice is for all – true protest against injustice starts from our homes. Injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere
Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi is an aeronautical engineer and founder of Pakistan Youth Alliance.
//
I have been preaching my kids to be fair with everyone regardless of religion. I have encountered plentiful occasions in my community life when I was condemned by “wise” people while standing for justice. People seem to be more in favor of …bullying then doing justice. I find justice to be the hardest thing to do although it should be the easiest as it is black and white. Justice is the back bone of peace and prosperity of humankind. It was (still is) true that very little or no voice rose when injustice was committed against Muslims by the fellow Muslims. Islam is the true and only religion which teaches justice to the infinite degree. Sadly when injustice is committed, it throws out the equation and hence causes chaos which is in this age evident all over the world.
once again a master piece bro
@Raza: You said, “Islam is the true and only religion which teaches justice to the infinite degree.”
I don’t agree with this. The Holy Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity reveal God (YAHWEH) to be infinately and perfectly just. He alone is just. In fact, since the creator and author of ALL things (even the ideas of good and evil, justice and injustice), He himself IS the ultimate standard of justice.
As far as God’s created beings are concerned, we are imperfect and unjust. We walk by God’s laws set forth in His revealed Word. We acknowledge that, as sinful creatures, we will never be able to keep the laws perfectly, which is God’s standard. Yet, God’s justice will be done. Scripture reveals that God will judge each man based on his own righteousness. Jews believe that they will be found righteous before God, and that they can please God by living good lives. But the rest of the Bible makes it plain that God does not see man as good, nor his deeds righteous. God will judge fairly, and man will be destined for death and hell eternally.
But the Holy Scriptures also teach that God will judge Christians (those who believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son, who was sent by the Father to take upon Himself the very wrath of God) based on the righteousness of Christ, who was the only One to keep the law perfectly. A Christian, though wicked and sinful from birth, believes that the righteousness of Christ is the only true righteousness to be aquired here on earth. In admitting sin and seeking God through repentance, a believer is credited with that righteousness of Christ, and the debt owed by the sinner is paid by Christ. He himself serves as the atoning sacrifice in stead of the sinner. (Because Christ alone has lived a perfect and blameless life, His is the only death that CAN substitute for the sinner.)
If you can’t tell, I am a Christian. But this is not intended to be argumentative or religious rhetoric, just what’s on my heart. Consider it a gift of truth and grace and peace from the God who made YOU.
@Ali Abbas: You seem to be very level-headed and democratic in your thinking, especially considering peoples’ right to life and humanitarian ideals. Do you identify with or aspire to most Western ideals and philosophies?
I think you would be surprised to find just what the Holy Bible has to say about the dignity and worth of each and every created being. People are made in the very image of God! If you’ve ever wondered how God views His creation, I encourage you to find out. It’s revealed in every book of the Bible. Start in Genesis and read it for yourself!