Ismail Sayyed

Article: http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/07nanded-bl...

We Need Harmony
on Nov 08, 2008 08:55 AM

There is a planned and concerted effort to convert India into a theocratic state through the back door. More than forty thousand communal riots have occurred since independence. The state stands as a mute spectator to all this, unable to control vote bank politics built on hate and insecurity, which generates its own whirlwind momentum. We went wrong sixty years ago even after witnessing the bitter and painful partition of the country on communal lines, by not arming the state with an effective, severe and fast track law to prevent this menace from raising its head again. We can enact this law even today as it is still not too late. For a start we can study the MAINTENANCE OF RELIGIOUS HARMONY ACT of Singapore. (Singapore is a country recognized the world over for good governance and is proud of this fact) This ACT * Clearly defines the roles of religion and state * Separates religion and politics cogently * Shows zero tolerance towards communalism an vote bank politics * Is extremely strict * Has provisions for dispensing justice swiftly This act has been so successful th Singapore which is deeply divided on ethno communal lines has not experienced a single communal riot for the last forty years. Compare and contrast this with similar situations in Sri Lanka, Crotia and Serbia where the state did not respond with similar laws. Things are changing at a very fast pace. Can we imagine what will happen if Raj Thackrey visits Patna today? It would appear like an enemy has visited   |   Report abuse

Article: 'You cannot put colour in Black & White'

RE:I appreciate it Mr.Ghai!!!
on Mar 05, 2008 06:33 PM

What you are promoting is the idea that religion is the main reason for our problems.

May I say something shocking? Religion is not the major cause. Almost without fail, Problem are caused by people intoxicated by power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. While it is very popular to blame
religion for virtually everything these days, a simple honest look at the realities reveals that religion is not the source of the problem. Often time "Religion" is made the scapegoat.

If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the "Mercedes" car and a person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver? But naturally, the
driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person should not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are the safety measures, etc.
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Article: 'You cannot put colour in Black & White'

RE:6 MILLION MUSLIMS LEAVE ISLAM IN AFRICA ALONE EVERY YEAR
on Mar 05, 2008 06:13 PM

If it helps in anyway, I, as a muslim would like to say that - Islam is the the only religion that made sense and worked for me. Other religions were difficult for my limited intellect to grasp. And I do not doubt the sincerity of those who follow other religions. I do not doubt that they derive spiritual benefit from it. I have seen it in sincere Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. Heck, I have also seen sincere athiests whose spirituality I do not doubt. Spirituality, for me, is about the integrity of the human being as a whole - his conscience, intentions, words and actions. I do not measure spirituality from words alone. I will also add that the greatest trails of being a muslim for me have been the attitude of muslims themselves.

I hope the above helps a little bit in creating some room in your mind to accomodate a feeble good opinion of a muslim when you encounter one in your life. At the end of all this discussion, what I pray for is that we do not harbour ill feelings by default against adherents of another faith. To me, that is of utmost importance than what one thinks of islam.

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Article: 'You cannot put colour in Black & White'

RE:How islam grew
on Mar 05, 2008 06:12 PM

What you are promoting is the idea that religion is the main reason for our problems.

May I say something shocking? Religion is not the major cause. Almost without fail, Problem are caused by people intoxicated by power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. While it is very popular to blame
religion for virtually everything these days, a simple honest look at the realities reveals that religion is not the source of the problem. Often time "Religion" is made the scapegoat.

If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the "Mercedes" car and a person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver? But naturally, the
driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person should not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are the safety measures, etc.
  |   Report abuse