The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Laudable initiative

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 03, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Laudable initiative

The initiative taken by the Darul Uloom Deoband to denounce terrorism is highly commendable (“Journey from Deoband — exacting but rewarding,” March 1). As the article rightly says, “the Muslim community will need to move away from the victimhood refrain” and assert its rights in a democratic way. The engagement of clerics in this process was much needed because, if carried forward in an organised manner, it will develop into a major setback for those who spread terrorism in the name of religion.

Vipul Grover,

Chandigarh

* * *

The Deoband declaration, though a little late, is a significant first step by the Muslim community to come to terms with reality. Had the Deoband come out openly against terror much earlier, it would have had a salutary influence. Darul Uloom Deoband is the religious fountainhead for most Sunnis of Pakistan and Bangladesh too. It has a responsibility to influence the course of events in a positive way.

Subramanyam Sridharan,

Chennai

* * *

The article refers to two gentlemen of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind taking steps to present a correct picture of Islam to the media. The effort should continue. The initiative by Muslims to emerge from their ghettos is highly laudable. The Deoband conference was a landmark in removing the misconceptions about Islam and its alleged linkage with terrorism.

Khan Yasir,

New Delhi

* * *

It is unfortunate that a falsely-invented link between Islam and terrorism has seeped into the collective mind. Most acts of terrorism originate in the political and cultural landscapes of particular countries. But the truth has been distorted. Muslims are increasingly looking at a world where beautiful words like jihad and Islam are readily accepted as being embodiments of violence and hatred. Indeed, Muslims have been late in mounting an adequate response.

Thehseen Zakir,

Kochi

* * *

The crux of the historic Deoband declaration is that it appeals to all intellectuals, writers and mediapersons to independently analyse national and international affairs and avoid biased and partial attitudes. The convention expressed its deep concern over the attitude of most nations towards Muslims to appease the West. That is the root cause of the malaise. A rapist in Gujarat is never punished and condemned. Not one culprit has been hanged for the 2002 genocide. Justice should be impartial.

T. Azeez Luthfullah,

Chennai

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

Finding funds for infrastructure

Saving the Olive Ridley

Ending the debt trap & attaining food security

Troubled partnerships in healthcare sector

Afghanistan mission close to failing

The pluses and minuses, stresses and reliefs

Budget 2008-09

Laudable initiative