Are Muslim women allowed to wear burqa and vote? Says No, the Supreme Court of India in a significant landmark judgement on Jan 23, 2010. With the issues firmly settled, now what?
I am glad that Supreme Court of India did answer they way it did. I think it is a silent victory for progressive Muslims, who for long have been dominated by the clerics of Islam. The Courts ruled from the point of view of operational effectiveness, I look at it from the fact that we need to call out those narrow religion based arguments. Do respect your religion and traditions, but don't have a blind eye towards progress.
My view is that Muslims in India have long suffered because of sticking too much to their traditions and religion. Clearly, it does not apply to ALL Muslims because we have seen the likes of Dr. Kalam, Azhar, Sania Mirza etc emerge, but there isn't enough momentum to lift many from the depths of tradition and insularity. One thing is for sure that Indian Muslims do tend to avoid listening to the Mullahs of Mideast, where narrow mindedness rules the roost.
I am glad that Supreme Court of India did answer they way it did. I think it is a silent victory for progressive Muslims, who for long have been dominated by the clerics of Islam. The Courts ruled from the point of view of operational effectiveness, I look at it from the fact that we need to call out those narrow religion based arguments. Do respect your religion and traditions, but don't have a blind eye towards progress.
My view is that Muslims in India have long suffered because of sticking too much to their traditions and religion. Clearly, it does not apply to ALL Muslims because we have seen the likes of Dr. Kalam, Azhar, Sania Mirza etc emerge, but there isn't enough momentum to lift many from the depths of tradition and insularity. One thing is for sure that Indian Muslims do tend to avoid listening to the Mullahs of Mideast, where narrow mindedness rules the roost.
France is a good example of taking on the Islamic clerics. Clearly, France is prepared for the fall out of banning the full-length burqa. In the short-term this decision by France would look troublesome, but I think it would help France by helping Muslims come to the mainstream. Also, by slowly building momentum, France can certainly tackle other ultra-orthodox issues that has potential to lend itself to local terrorism.
I'd be interested to know what would be the reaction if India did the same! Of course, Pakistan would declare war and try rallying Muslims. Saudi Arabia & Iran would cut off oil. Muslims all over will condemn before too long our politicians reverse it for good. On the other hand, I doubt we could ever accomplish it through our Parliament because our politicians would have to find another job. Our only hope is the PILs (Public Interest Litigations) through which we can address these issues if selectively used so as to not show an anti-muslim bias.
Finally, with Terrorism in the minds of everyone in India and World, is the wise thing to appease or agitate those clerics? The problem with appeasement is that it pacifies them now, but only makes those cleric expand the envelop and ask for more. Clearly, confronting now is probably the best currency for future peace, as France is blazing the trail.
So, what does it all mean? Well, Supreme Court's decision to lift the Burqa to the machinery of Election Commission is a first step towards building that momentum I talked about. It's for progressive Muslims and other Indians to keep the pressure on those Clerics.
Signing off.
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