When frivolous opinions buzzed

So what’s the fuss all about? Bloggers are castigating Islam as a belligerent religion which has no respect for human rights. They base their claim on human rights violation in many Gulf countries. They argue that Hindus in Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, don’t have the right to build temples. And that

Middle East, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, certain regions of Africa and Indonesia and see how the “weaker party� that is, non-Muslims have been treated in those regions? Is there freedom of religion? Is there freedom of speech? Can you openly practice your faith? What about civil laws?

All these days I have been trying to dig in the ground realities regarding violation of human rights in Saudi Arabia. Well the thing is there are rules

It states in 6.e Religious freedom to every one and prohibition of any exercise of force in this respect, in response to God’s Sayings in the Glorious Koran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion,” (II, 256) and “Wilt thou then compel mankind against their will to believe!” (X, 99). These sayings show how the use of pressure on man’s religious freedom is denounced.

but what should be of concern to us are the practices. But then I wonder how do I justify my point when the Saudis and most of the Arab states don’t follow the Islamic guidelines. Fine I will try to argue rationally without being prejudiced or biased. I have based this post on the comments here

As far as religious rights are concerned, the Saudi adhere to the ardent Wahabbi school of thought. They are opposed to the sufi sect in Islam and their practices, the Shias and every other sect which don’t fall under Ahle-sunnah-wal-jamaat. People take out processions during Muharram in India but its strictly banned there and similar celebrations. They have been strict with other religions as well, they have allowed churches and synagogues but not temples or gurudwaras. The reason being idol worship. Then they have strict rules regarding women, both muslim and non-muslim, covering themselves. But I think these strict rules are only in SA or perhaps Yemen, other Arab states are more liberal in this regard especially Dubai and Oman.

One more question amazes me. There have no reports of riots in Gulf, even when the Babri Masjid was demolished or during the Gujrat massacre. Hindus would have been ideal prey in the Gulf but nothing of that sort happened. I have never heard about mass atrocities or discriminations against non-muslims. In fact they do differentiate between a white and a non-white. So they have no soft corner for Indian Muslims even. Arabs don’t have the crowd mentality that few organizations in India are known for. A commenter Bob has this to say

And regarding the discussion going on here i have few things to add. Western culture has been far superior to any of the islamic countires or india. I say this because look at the organizations representing hindus in india, vhp and rss. they spilt venom agaisnt the minority, people like our previous home minister led a rath yatra that led to riots, chief minister of a state is fanatically against minorities and just see the kind of acts committed during riots my hindu zealots. (they have raped women, burned houses with people in it even an ex-mp was not spared, burned cars with family members in it, tear open the womb of a pregnant woman and what not). so if india were to be a hindu nation then i am damn sure these fanatics would have ruined this country in no time. minorities would have been subjected to atrocities beyond imagination.

I say all these based on the fact that vhp and rss are representors of hindus and majority of hindus patronize these organizations, which is certainly not the case with christens or even muslims.

The very basic structure of India and Muslim countries differ. India was formed on the basis of being secular so any comparison is unjustified. Noemaun has something interesting to add-

SA is a muslim country. It is islamic. Thus the religious rights of those who come there for work will be curtailed. Jews living in southern parts of saudi for centuries are given special rights because they are citizens. India is not a hindu country. It belongs to muslims as much as it belongs to hindus. Thus no sane hindu would claim that India should also have rules like them. But then fanatic hindus dont even recognise the fact that we muslims are a part of India. So I as a Indian muslim, see no need why hindus should be given any more freedom in SA to have temples.

I dont care to prove my allegiance to India. We as muslims in India do not need the mercy of a group of fanatic hindus to exist. We can not be forced by threatening us of gujarat like incidents. Death comes from Allah. And we know how to protect ourself. So if all indian muslims decide not to sing vande mataram, then indians will have to accept it. period. The fact that we muslims are ourselves debating whether to sing it, actually gives room for discussion.

First of all I do not even accept that non-muslims are being treated badly in the muslim countries. They do not deserve any special rights as they do not belong to the country. Who is asking hindus to go all the way to SA if it does not have temples. Not as bad as muslims are themselves being treated in their land in various parts of the world. Just as you would not accept that there is discrimination in India, I do not take your statement for granted. Some form of discrimination will always be there. But you exaggerate things to an extent beyond which your statement has no value.

When they talk about Gandhiji’s statement

Mahatma Gandhi made about human nature - that if you want to find out the true nature of a person, find out how he treats a weaker person

to that I ask which religion treats poor and downtrodden better that Islam? Does any other religion in the world has the concept of Zakaat? The way Arabs have supported the Palestinians is praiseworthy. Tons of food goes to Africa after Haj evey year.

I wouldn’t written a word if the post heading would have read like “are muslims peaceful?”. It’s because I acknowledge the fact the Muslims around the world have much to amend. Until and unless they try to change themselves and thus affect opinions, Islam will continue to come under fire.

I thank commenters Schacht,Noemaun,Bob,Polite Indian,Atlantean and The Illusionist for taking part in the discussions. Well just to end this quote

Opinions are like assholes — everybody has one

BTW when i say frivolous opinions i mean those in the posts that sparked this controversy not those valuable comments on my blog!! Sorry for the confusion