08-04-2008, 05:42 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--> Ahmedabad blasts
This has reference to the article âAhmedabad blasts: the usual suspectsâ (Aug. 1) and the responses it elicited from readers (Aug. 2). There was no need for the author to reproduce the so-called manifesto of a terrorist group which contained some provocative assertions against Hindus. The publication of such material can incite communal hatred.
At the same time, I do not agree with the letter which defended Zakir Naik. I have listened to his speeches and they certainly border on the extreme. His tone and tenor are highly provocative and are capable of hurting the feelings of non-Muslims, no matter how much his naive followers may applaud him.
His statement reproduced in the article âIf he [Osama] is terrorising America the terrorist ... I am with himâ is a case in point. Does Dr. Naik support the killing of innocent Americans in the name of Islam? Running television channels in the name of peace does not make one a pacifist.
A. Faizur Rahman,
Chennai
* * *
A letter writer describes Dr. Naik as âa renowned scholar of Islam and contemporary religions with a captivating style of oratoryâ (Aug. 2). This is probably true. He has a vast knowledge of not only Islam but also Hindu scriptures. But the sad part is that he uses his knowledge to divide people on the basis of religion.
I attended one of his talks where he persisted in glorifying Islam by putting Hinduism down. This should not be the attitude of a true scholar. It is evident from the article that his talks inspire terrorists. At a time when we need people to unite us, it is unfortunate that a learned man is promoting hatred and intolerance. Let us not get influenced by such people.
R. Lakshmi,
Coorg
* * *
The vivid account of the stealthy growth of terrorist outfits is indeed chilling. To avert further tragedies and foster peace and amity between Hindus and Muslims, intellectuals, academics and other luminaries from both sides should come forward to help nurture mutual trust and dispel hatred among the people.
S. Sridhar,
Chennai
* * *
There is hardly any Muslim who has not been appalled by the heart-rending scenes that followed the recent blasts. The greatness of India lies in its unity in diversity. All sections of society should strive to preserve this noble concept. The Muslim community should intensify propaganda to dissuade its angry youngsters from falling prey to their emotions and senseless violence. The Darul Ulum Deobandâs condemnation of terrorism is a step in the right direction.
K. Mahammad Kunhi,
Bangalore
* * *
The bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore were alarming. Indian democracy is resilient and has absorbed greater shocks in the past. As a former national of the great republic, I offer my sincere sympathies to the victims. Irrespective of religious differences, let us try to live in peace.
Syed Waris Shere,
Manitoba
* * *
The article should have not reproduced the manifesto of a highly misled and discontented small group which does not reflect the views of even the most conservative Muslims of India. Islam exhorts its followers to be tolerant of other religions. When a Muslim kills an innocent person, he commits a grave sin. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islam increases, people will stop using the words terrorism and Islam in the same phrase.
As for Dr. Zakir, he is a strong proponent of a comparative study of religions and exhorts people belonging to different religions to arrive at a common platform.
Sayeed Ahmed,
Bangalore
* * *
Terrorism is against the principles of Islam. As a result of some incidents, some elements may want to take revenge. But our duty is to console them and prevent them from playing into the hands of terrorist organisations.
Regarding Dr. Naikâs statement, the author has quoted it out of context. Enemies of Islam he referred to in the speech refer to the enemies of peace. If he watches the video entitled âIs terrorism a Muslim monopoly?â, he will realise that Dr. Naik works for promoting harmony between religious groups.
Nagireddi Srinivasa Rao,
Visakhapatnam
* * *
Islam preaches peace and brotherhood. Terrorism has no religion and a Muslim who is a terrorist is not a Muslim at all. It is worthwhile to recall that a number of Muslim leaders have fought for the independence of our country.
P.S. Subbaraman,
Tuticorin
* * *
Terror can be eradicated only when the causes of its proliferation are addressed. For this, a concerted effort by the civil, political, administrative, judicial and military societies is needed.
Faizan Qadir,
Srinagar
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This has reference to the article âAhmedabad blasts: the usual suspectsâ (Aug. 1) and the responses it elicited from readers (Aug. 2). There was no need for the author to reproduce the so-called manifesto of a terrorist group which contained some provocative assertions against Hindus. The publication of such material can incite communal hatred.
At the same time, I do not agree with the letter which defended Zakir Naik. I have listened to his speeches and they certainly border on the extreme. His tone and tenor are highly provocative and are capable of hurting the feelings of non-Muslims, no matter how much his naive followers may applaud him.
His statement reproduced in the article âIf he [Osama] is terrorising America the terrorist ... I am with himâ is a case in point. Does Dr. Naik support the killing of innocent Americans in the name of Islam? Running television channels in the name of peace does not make one a pacifist.
A. Faizur Rahman,
Chennai
* * *
A letter writer describes Dr. Naik as âa renowned scholar of Islam and contemporary religions with a captivating style of oratoryâ (Aug. 2). This is probably true. He has a vast knowledge of not only Islam but also Hindu scriptures. But the sad part is that he uses his knowledge to divide people on the basis of religion.
I attended one of his talks where he persisted in glorifying Islam by putting Hinduism down. This should not be the attitude of a true scholar. It is evident from the article that his talks inspire terrorists. At a time when we need people to unite us, it is unfortunate that a learned man is promoting hatred and intolerance. Let us not get influenced by such people.
R. Lakshmi,
Coorg
* * *
The vivid account of the stealthy growth of terrorist outfits is indeed chilling. To avert further tragedies and foster peace and amity between Hindus and Muslims, intellectuals, academics and other luminaries from both sides should come forward to help nurture mutual trust and dispel hatred among the people.
S. Sridhar,
Chennai
* * *
There is hardly any Muslim who has not been appalled by the heart-rending scenes that followed the recent blasts. The greatness of India lies in its unity in diversity. All sections of society should strive to preserve this noble concept. The Muslim community should intensify propaganda to dissuade its angry youngsters from falling prey to their emotions and senseless violence. The Darul Ulum Deobandâs condemnation of terrorism is a step in the right direction.
K. Mahammad Kunhi,
Bangalore
* * *
The bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore were alarming. Indian democracy is resilient and has absorbed greater shocks in the past. As a former national of the great republic, I offer my sincere sympathies to the victims. Irrespective of religious differences, let us try to live in peace.
Syed Waris Shere,
Manitoba
* * *
The article should have not reproduced the manifesto of a highly misled and discontented small group which does not reflect the views of even the most conservative Muslims of India. Islam exhorts its followers to be tolerant of other religions. When a Muslim kills an innocent person, he commits a grave sin. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islam increases, people will stop using the words terrorism and Islam in the same phrase.
As for Dr. Zakir, he is a strong proponent of a comparative study of religions and exhorts people belonging to different religions to arrive at a common platform.
Sayeed Ahmed,
Bangalore
* * *
Terrorism is against the principles of Islam. As a result of some incidents, some elements may want to take revenge. But our duty is to console them and prevent them from playing into the hands of terrorist organisations.
Regarding Dr. Naikâs statement, the author has quoted it out of context. Enemies of Islam he referred to in the speech refer to the enemies of peace. If he watches the video entitled âIs terrorism a Muslim monopoly?â, he will realise that Dr. Naik works for promoting harmony between religious groups.
Nagireddi Srinivasa Rao,
Visakhapatnam
* * *
Islam preaches peace and brotherhood. Terrorism has no religion and a Muslim who is a terrorist is not a Muslim at all. It is worthwhile to recall that a number of Muslim leaders have fought for the independence of our country.
P.S. Subbaraman,
Tuticorin
* * *
Terror can be eradicated only when the causes of its proliferation are addressed. For this, a concerted effort by the civil, political, administrative, judicial and military societies is needed.
Faizan Qadir,
Srinagar
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