What steps can the government and people do at their own levels to ensure the current explosive situation diffuses and peace can be ensured in the country?
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
promote and talk more of similarities between different sects and faiths.
avoid indulging in discussion of contentious issues and historical differences
respect what others respect
stop considering yourself and your ideology as the only right person / ideology in the world
participation in different sects/ faiths celebrations/ processions, etc to show solidarity
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
promote and talk more of similarities between different sects and faiths.
avoid indulging in discussion of contentious issues and historical differences
respect what others respect
stop considering yourself and your ideology as the only right person / ideology in the world
participation in different sects/ faiths celebrations/ processions, etc to show solidarity
Pretty much.
However 4 and 5 don't happen or can't. People will simply start saying ''you participate in xyz that's haram''. We need a collective change in mindset. People define themselves in Pakistan as Sunnis or Shias or whatever, that needs to change to we are Pakistanis!
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
I agree with all the four points , but disagree with the fifth one .
The reason being, a lot of people don't feel very comfortable taking part in occasions outside their faith, however tolerance and respect are two key elements that shouldn't be taken lightly .. Both these elements should stand out amongst people of all faith/sects.
Given the situation in Pakistan, I believe the majority, which i think is Sunni's , should take the responsibility of showing utmost Respect and Tolerance towards things happening around them, so that the Minorities or other sects reciprocate the same.
Now , the problem is that some people like to take law in their own hands. And, we all know in a large gathering there will be some who may not be able to handle criticism or any attacks on themselves or their faith, hence resorting to deal with the situation themselves rather then involving the law. This is where problems begin and a tiny two person fight can turn as violent as a whole mob getting violent.
The Government should ensure this is made part of the education system to teach generations how to express differences with dignity and giving due respect and tolerance to all things in life , not just religion.
promote and talk more of similarities between different sects and faiths.
avoid indulging in discussion of contentious issues and historical differences
respect what others respect
stop considering yourself and your ideology as the only right person / ideology in the world
participation in different sects/ faiths celebrations/ processions, etc to show solidarity
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
MY professor who taught me in the past saying similar things, maybe some pointers for our country as a whole:
**Professor Dr Shoab Ahmed Khan
**
**Tolerance and Respect Please
I would always wonder why in western countries they make their kids to love cats and dogs and to give value to every human life (at least of their own people). Unfortunately, we have never taught our kids the virtue of love and respect of other people’s opinion. I was in USA as a student once for the very first time I heard the term “freedom of speech and religion” and I witnessed people practicing it. Then travelling around the world seeing different countries and cultures, I found even many of the Muslim countries have inculcated this tolerance in their masses. In Malaysia I saw a sharp contrast in Muslims and Christians. Entering in a restaurant, we were even told by the guard at the gate that the place was not for Muslims to eat as they served pork and alcohol. In Turkey, you will be amazed to see this sharp contrast even among Muslims. There is a sizable population that is completely westernized and then there are others who are more religious than so to say religious people in Pakistan. Even in Middle East you see this respect of other people religion. But in Pakistan, our education and ‘madarssa’ systems, media and elders have failed to inculcate in our youth the value of human life and respect for other people’s faith. Why it is so difficult for us to understand that it is just a matter of faith and belief, and only Allah knows who is right and wrong. We just need to keep searching within our soul the truth and keep praying to Allah to keep us at righteous path. May Allah bring patience and tolerance in our people, they may learn to respect others and human lives.**
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
promote and talk more of similarities between different sects and faiths.
avoid indulging in discussion of contentious issues and historical differences
respect what others respect
stop considering yourself and your ideology as the only right person / ideology in the world
participation in different sects/ faiths celebrations/ processions, etc to show solidarity
what muqawwee123 said
and believe me, this street violence of shia/sunni can easily end if
1) shias stop talking bad about sahaba, tabarrah, wall chalking
2) sunnis stop calling shia kafir and wall chalking etc, don't stop them from matam
remember one important point here
for Sunnis, all ahl-e-bait (RA) are as respectful as sahab (RA), they never call names or talk ill of them. but the other side, i hope you know that before replying.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Physically by doing what they did this muharam.
For ideology, They need to tell people religion is for people, people are not for
religion. Religion don't need people to protect it.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
I am sorry, but any problem will not be resolved like this in this country.
Unless and until the rich and powerful know that they can get away with anything in this country, crime would continue happening. They get away with murder, terrorism, violence, corruption, anything. When is the last time a rich and powerful person was sentenced to jail term?
Common people have much more to worry about than sectarian issues. Unless there is a propaganda machine, a funding channel and a definite agenda, there cannot be violence that we see. Why is it that there is not much of such violence in India where sunni/shia ratio is similar to Pakistan?
SEND PEOPLE WHO BREAK LAW TO JAILS. This is the only way.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Also,the clerics and scholars of all sects should be regulated. I believe majority of the issues are hyped up by them. But if they are regulated, then they will also be able to powerfully deliver a message of tolerance and respect across the spectrum
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
The future of this country belongs to taleban/deobandies/jamat islami/ahle hadees - except them eveything will be banned.
I feel free here in UK (some time frightened by few heres) and wont be alive to see that day.
Rest is hopeless!
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Pretty much.
However 4 and 5 don't happen or can't. People will simply start saying ''you participate in xyz that's haram''. We need a collective change in mindset. People define themselves in Pakistan as Sunnis or Shias or whatever, that needs to change to we are Pakistanis!
I think 4 and 5 are possible and they were even practiced by our forefathers (who are otherwise considered as illiterate as per modern definition of literacy).
No 4 point got historical evidence, when during partition Punjab and other areas were burning, there were no riots in Sindh to that extent. Local Muslims supported Hindus as they shared common language, folklore, literature and even saints. When they could exercise all this why can't we who claim to be more educated, more liberal. If you connect point 4 with point 1, it become somewhat easy. identification of similarities do lead to harmony among sects and faiths. each religion teaches humanity and I don't think that any religion advocate killing without reason.
No 5 should be exercised to the possible extent. Follow 'apna aqeeda choRo nahin, doosre ka aqeeda cheRo nahin' rule. I've seen / heard people who can't take any food from you if you tell them that its for niyaz. They say anything offered in the name of Ghair ullah is haram. These people should be educated that animals sacrificed in the name of other than Allah are haram and you can consume other stuff after taking Allah's name. This simple philosophy was even known to my dadi in rural Sindh, who just studied two classes of Sindhi and could read Quran in Arabic. We were told to consume sweets coming from Hindu neighbors on Diwali after reciting Bismillah or kalima.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
I agree with all the four points , but disagree with the fifth one .
The reason being, a lot of people don't feel very comfortable taking part in occasions outside their faith, however tolerance and respect are two key elements that shouldn't be taken lightly .. Both these elements should stand out amongst people of all faith/sects.
Given the situation in Pakistan, I believe the majority, which i think is Sunni's , should take the responsibility of showing utmost Respect and Tolerance towards things happening around them, so that the Minorities or other sects reciprocate the same.
Now , the problem is that some people like to take law in their own hands. And, we all know in a large gathering there will be some who may not be able to handle criticism or any attacks on themselves or their faith, hence resorting to deal with the situation themselves rather then involving the law. This is where problems begin and a tiny two person fight can turn as violent as a whole mob getting violent.
The Government should ensure this is made part of the education system to teach generations how to express differences with dignity and giving due respect and tolerance to all things in life , not just religion.
I think this is one side of the picture. participation may lead to ending of misconceptions different sects have about others. Moreover, if people learn to respect what others respect (point 3), then such participation would make others not to indulge in acts which creates hatred.
I would quote here example of Sham e Ghareeban Majalis as telecasted from TV. Aren't these watched by Sunni majority? Do they say stuff in these programs which offend Sunni viewers? No.
So everything is possible, if there is a will in a society to move towards solution.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
I think this is one side of the picture. participation may lead to ending of misconceptions different sects have about others. Moreover, if people learn to respect what others respect (point 3), then such participation would make others not to indulge in acts which creates hatred.
I would quote here example of Sham e Ghareeban Majalis as telecasted from TV. Aren't these watched by Sunni majority? Do they say stuff in these programs which offend Sunni viewers? No.
So everything is possible, if there is a will in a society to move towards solution.
You are right about them not saying anything offensive, but reason of not saying anything offensive is that, these are for TV viewers, where organizers have no control on who watches them. In private settings, what goes on, don't ask.
I know this from my personal experience, first hand knowledge. One of my good friends and a flatmate for 2 years, is Shia. why he avoids these majalis, and why his family condemns him is exactly because what they say in these gatherings, and he doesn't like to participate in hate mongering and name calling.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
You are right about them not saying anything offensive, but reason of not saying anything offensive is that, these are for TV viewers, where organizers have no control on who watches them. In private settings, what goes on, don't ask.
I know this from my personal experience, first hand knowledge. One of my good friends and a flatmate for 2 years, is Shia. why he avoids these majalis, and why his family condemns him is exactly because what they say in these gatherings, and he doesn't like to participate in hate mongering and name calling.
My point was if TV program can be controlled due to Sunni viewers, then if Sunni started participating in Shia Majalis (that they have been doing since centuries BTW), there would be gradual or no tabarra in such mixed gatherings or at least in public processions, considering the respect what others respect.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
You see what you need is a change in the tarbeyat of our kids. This forum is a perfect example. You have all these educated people who argue over the most retarded of things when it comes to religion. They are unwilling to accept they are wrong or even see the other point of view.
You want to stop sectarian thoughts, teach your kids that everybody is equal and everybody has the same basic rights. An essential element of a democracy.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Tolerance is the key here, majaalis and Matams are going on for centuries. A few decades back Sunnis used to participate in them by setting up sabeels, what really has happened during the past 40 years. We all need to reflect on that.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Easiest way is to stop hate speech, once the tabarra is stopped no one will be calling others kafir as they base this on tabarra.
Confine all types of juloos to the premises.
All other things will then be settled, that is what i think the root cause.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Stop saudi and iranian funding......which provide means to the hate mongers........
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Stop saudi and iranian funding......which provide means to the hate mongers........
Talk about solution from within. Our blaming of outsiders have never proved beneficial todate. This approach should also be tackled to reach solutions. If outsiders are involved, we ourselves provide opportunities to them.
Re: How to curb sectarianism in the country?
Talk about solution from within. Our blaming of outsiders have never proved beneficial todate. This approach should also be tackled to reach solutions. If outsiders are involved, we ourselves provide opportunities to them.
We have people who look up to either Saudia or Iran as their role models and torch bearers of that certain ideology. It natural for our people to look up to them for moral, political, spiritual and financial support.