The horrific tragedy of the Ahmadi mosque bombings has shaken something inside me and caused me to question what the very soul of my country even is. Bombings are a commonplace occurrence, a dime a dozen, in today’s Pakistan. People live their lives with the once-shocking explosions now a mere hum in the background of their day to day activities.
Yet the targeted killing of a harassed sect of Muslims has hurt me beyond words I can express. As many have pointed out, the white stripe of our flag is there for a reason: it symbolizes the minorities within Pakistan. With that stripe, we say “You are all Pakistani. You are all welcome here.” That was the message and plan of the Quaid. Rooted in Islam, the principle of equality was to be the very foundation of this country.
All that seems laughable now! The Ahmadis were targets because they are a persecuted sect. Extremists have no sense of respect for a house of worship, the sacredness of Friday prayers, or the innocent lives that will be destroyed as a result of their actions. Pakistanis are united against them, we are all working to rid of our country of these monsters.
However, the Ahmadi mosque bombings have revealed our other fight: against ourselves. As I watch the media reporting on the bombings, as I read the newspaper articles, I am struck with the sense that we as a nation are equally to blame as the terrorists.
Our society has made it socially acceptable to discriminate against an Ahmadi. We have laws branding Ahmadis second-class citizens, depriving them of their right to call themselves Muslims. Who are we to call another person a good Muslim or not? Who are we to have the right to judge? We are a nation of hypocritical Muslims – casting judgment, playing the role of God in deciding who is a good Muslim or not. These words are harsh but my anger and hurt at Pakistani social attitudes is deep as well.
We have to stop the judgmental attitudes. We have to respect each individual’s right to live, dress, worship as chosen. We cannot create the perfect environment for bombings like this to go on.
We are just as much to blame as the terrorists themselves.
Thanks for this article Sana. You are a good soul.
(Samia from the Obama group)
Comment by Samia — June 3, 2010 @ 3:22 AM |
If I recall correctly, there is a hadith that says, if your friend does something wrong, make 70 excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.
Comment by Taha — June 4, 2010 @ 3:39 AM |
(this message will self destruct after you read it)
i was talking to kamran shafi and he mentioned that sana deletes comments that attack her. and it hit me, that perhaps my comment had come across offensive as well. my intention was not to attack you rather i was agreeing with you. it may have come out wrong but yes, instead of blaming people we should understand them(give excuses for them); as the hadith mentioned.
Comment by Taha — June 8, 2010 @ 7:35 AM |
haha..wow. i feel like an idiot now. i thought you deleted my comment..but its still awaiting moderation…just like this one. excuse my retard-ness
Comment by Taha — June 8, 2010 @ 7:37 AM |
And why just Muslims? What’s wrong being a Hindu or a Christian or a Jew or a Parsi or a Buddhist or an Atheist or an Agnostic? Can’t it be that human beings are respected and their lives and liberty protected and respected for just being what they are!
Comment by Nilendra Bardiar — June 17, 2010 @ 1:59 AM |