Islamophobia?Are We Playing In The Hands Of The Morons?

It seems like as rapidly as human beings are progressing upwards on the ladder of evolution,they also tend to more and more categorize things.It started with religion perhaps but then came at a point sexualities (if I am missing any intermediate stages,excuse me,but religion and sex are the two most important categories before me) and now the people who tend to be critical of religions and religious institutions.
This case seems to be especially true for Islam.To make it officially wrong to be critical of Islam a new term 'Islamophobia' has been introduced to the list of already overwhelming amount of labels.Wait!apart from the old term anti-semitic and the new one Islamphobe,a much wierder and newer one is also available.Christianophobe.I just happened to have come across it on wikipedia which reads:
'Christophobia or Christianophobia are also according to Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) names for "every form of discrimination and intolerance against Christians"'.
I simply donot understand and/or approve of the term Islamophobia.What does Islamophobia mean? Going by the term,does it mean being hateful/phobia of Islam? Or does it mean being hateful/phobia of Muslims?If it means the hatred/phobia of Muslims,then it makes sense and I support it since not supporting it would lead to discrimination of Muslim peoples at the hands of xenophobic idiots such Geert Wilders and the Right-Wing asses of the West.But then it should be termed Muslimophobia.Islamophobia sounds like the first definition I so approve of,simply because criticism of religion is necessary,in whatever form.
The ever incredulous,lousy and showmaker UN has given in to the demands of Islamists.Since 1999 Muslim nations and their allies have tried to get UN to adopt suppression of the 'defamation of religion'.Well,now the UN has given in.
But the concerns are that this suppression of defamation of religion,which makes it simply wrong for being critical of religion,would further stagnate the already lagging behind Muslim world as this could be used to curb free expression.I know this too well because in my country,Pakistan,we are constantly told that we are living in an Islamic Democracy(again! I refuse to believe it.The only true democracy is Secular Democracy as a genuine modern democracy paves the way for secularization of society by process.There is no Hindu democracy,no Christian democracy and even the Israel is Secular state!Therefore there just cannot be an 'Islamic Democracy').This Islamic democracy is in actuality a pseudo-democracy.A democracy based on Shari'ah as well as the old British laws we were left with during partition,with little amendments.This Islamic democracy has contsantly given in to the Ulema and the Conservatives.The Left Wing has been too weak.The results are for all to see.
This dear Islamic democracy of my country grants me the luxury of free expression and free speech.But to what extent? The same constitution also unclearly states that defaming the Prophet of Islam and Islam is an offence which can be punished by death.
'Pakistan's Penal Code allows for the death penalty for directly or indirectly defiling "the sacred name of the holy Prophet Mohammed." It also stipulates a 10-year sentence for insulting the religion of any class of citizens, and provides for a sentence of life imprisonment for "whoever willfully defiles, damages, or desecrates a copy of the holy Koran."'.
So my question is:What's the point of free speech then? Islam for Muslims is a complete code of life.But this code of life has to be criticized because the Shari'ah contains misogyny,homophobia,allowance of treating the non-Muslims as Dhimmis (second class citizens) along with other inhumanities.Thankfully,Pakistan is NOT Afghanistan.Sometimes Shari'ah has been criticized on air on television channels and Nadeem F. Paracha can still make jokes about being 'too' religious or fanatic.But that is that.You openly criticize Islam as a political ideology or state what Fauzia Wahab stated,then Mother Mary,you are deep deep trouble! In short you have the free expression.But its quite meaningless except for political criticism.Then what is the use of free speech and expression if you are going to talk the talk of the town?
The prestigious newpapers such as Dawn have still got some secularism alive because of their staunch leftist inclinations.The exact opposite is seen in the Urdu newpapers.But even in the 'Liberal Secular' press you have to submit the article and the editor must be cautious that you must not be too direct or offensive.
Critical analysis of Islam as a religion as well as political ideology is necessary.This does NOT mean ridiculing Islam,making jokes about it and thinking of Muslims as not being equal partners in discussion out of fear that the only way they know how to respond to criticism is through voilence.Somehow amazingly I have met a Muslim who believes that striking the terror in the heart of Non-Muslims is something to be proud of.Its guarantees that you are subjugating Non-Muslims evils and serving Islam.But for heaven's sake! It is only leading more and more hatred towards Muslims.They are seen as voilent people and the whole countiries' natioanlity is labelled terrorist in the eyes of common man.
Since Islam occupies each and every dimension of a common Muslim person's life (it doesnot matter if in the end they are hypocritical enought to believe some ideology which is obssessed with virginity and practice sex) the critical analysis of Islam is inevitable.
By introducing the ambigous terms such as Islamophobe and introducing suppression of Defamation of Religion, the West,which has a long history of intellectual renaissance,bloody war with Church and free intellectuals such as Bertrand Russel to look upto and even backto for lessons in history,has itself defeated the ideals it stood for.The ideals on which the modern Secular West was founded and the contitutions constructed.This might seem exaggeration to some as for them it might be a small step.But it by no means is an insignificant one.This is a time of worry for any self-respecting intellectual human,whether religious or non-religious.
Rather than these pathetic steps to overcome the short-sighted conflicts,the West and the UN especially should further the cause of Islamic reformists and the Western freedom be made available to the Voltaires,Sartres,Simone de Beauvoirs and Russels be fully supported as well as the Secular Muslims who are on their way for the Islamic Reformation.The Muslim world must be reiterated repeatedly,until they learn to listem,that closing ones eye at the time of trouble doesnot delay or vanguish the time of trouble.They must learn from the hard times and use these lessons effectively,just as Jews did.In all honesty,instead of hating Jews for what not including being dominant from politics to hollywood (Its their fault that they are on top poisitions in major world playing corporations today? What? They should wait for till Muslims take up all the positions first?) Muslims have alot to learn from the Jewish history.But nobody is saying to praise or even overlook the atorcities of Irsael on Palestinians.These acts must be condemned at all levels by all people.
Returning to my point,a revolution (somehow I have grown tired of reform.Reform is short-term solution I believe.Revolution a long term.I prefer the radical sound of Revolution,albeit a peaceful one.) in Muslim world from thoughts and conscience to media and the industries et al, on all levels is complusory for the well being of this 'world', apart from the Muslims themselves.There is a need for a Life of Brian' version in the Muslim world.There is a need for more Salman Rushdies.There is a need for more Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Irshad Manji and Tariq Alis as well (even if I dont agree with Tariq on his critique of Ayaan Hirsi Ali).Because only through blasphemy can there be innovation.Remeber! Once it was blasphemous to assume the earth is not flat but round or spherical.Today its taught even in the religious schools.Evolution was a blasphemy too but then today we have reaped much on following the lead of Darwin (who to this day is ridiculed by the conservatives).But when UN and the Non-Muslim world makes sch idiotc moves just to please the Mullahs and the fundamentalists,it takes away that opportunity,that chance for that revolution to come about.In my view,and I belive in any sane man's view, the supporters of Islamophobia and UN suppression of Defamation of Religion are accomplice in such a heinous crime against free thought and human liberties,perpetrated by the Islamic world.While the sanctity of Muslim human lives should be protected and that it be made clear that they are given their inalienable fundamental human rights,it should also be set out clearly that debating and even ridiculing the ideas (even religious ones) are not to be termed'-phobic'. If Communists cant say that ridiculing and criticizing their ideology is under the banner of 'Communophobia',why should the special previlege be given to Muslim community when we know it would further lead to playing in the hands of fundamentalists and intellectual backwardness,which would result in further economic downfalls and depressions in the Muslim world thus making it even harder to live in world for all of us.Just because Multi-Culturalist have started to play in the hands of fundamentalists.Discrimination against Muslim populace (or any other for that matter) must be condemned at all costs.But that doesnot mean using the term 'Islamophobia' to silence valid and constructive criticism of traditions followed widely or in parts of the Muslim world such as obssession with virginity,sex and sexuality,or resistance to Islamic Reformation,female genital mutilation,male circumcision, et al.
Some people believe that Islamophobia would be effectively used against Muslims as a population by the Right Wing Western Idiots.Thats true.And so was the AIDS used against LGBT community.Thats the part and parcel of being a minority.Using Christianophobia in Muslim world happens too.In fact to eradicate the Islamophobia I believe that the first responsibility lies with the Muslim Ummah itself to prove the hatred against Muslims wrong.That you can be an Arab and be a good human being.

From ''Islamic'' To ''People's'' Republic of Pakistan?

Recently I came across this news in many newpapers that Pakistan's three important political parties,PPP(Pakistan People's Party,which heads the present state government),MQM(Mutahida Qaumi Movement,which has control over the province of Sindh) and ANP(Awami National Party wich governs the province NWFP),gave a though to he fact that Pakistan's full name be changed from Islamic Republic Of Pakistan to Peoples Republic of Pakistan.It has been stated that ANP made the first move and brough the suggestion to table which both PPP and MQM supported,although later ANP's Haji Adeel denied having proposed the name Peoples Republic of Pakistan. But it was confirmed by some anonymous sources tha it was ANP which proposed it all.
Now,first of all I doubt if country's name will be changed,because one thing President Zaradari has taught us is that his words are not Quran and Hadith,so i depends on his political agenda and mood.Secondly even if the government will ever decide to change the name,it would have to put against an immense amount of anti-Government attitude and movements,especially by Mullahs and their new convert Mr.Imran Khan.This government,much to my dismay,has not proven itself that strong.
Thirdly it will make the government infamous(as if it i already is not!).Is Zardari government ready for that???
I believe rather than just changing he name the government must secularize the constitution as well.
But then all this is only going to affect the upper middle class and elite class...not the working class,which wants roti,kapra aur makan(bread,cloth,shelter) and more recently also Cheeni,Atta,CNG aur Bijli (Sugar,Flour,CNG and Electricity).
Any government which has the provided these and brought about economic and political stability can rule over the hearts and then go on to secularize the nation....but Zardari government is toally off the track and so there will be backlash and mess if they just change name and not the circumstances,of the nation.And of course will harm the ideology of secularism further by the religious morally self-righteous Mullahs who would then label every other Liberal and Secularist a staunch supporter of Zardarism. Most of the ANP(A secular party) in a conservative NWFP voed for ANP in hope that now if religious parties have failed to bring them basic human needs of life,a Secular party just migh do it,only to their ire and dismay.

boom Book,

The True Face Of 'Pluralistic Pakistan'

Last Christmas I was jubilant,but still amazed,to see how Pakistani 'free' media was celebrating Christmas and urging the Pakistani Muslims to be active in the celebrations of Non-Muslim brothers and sisters.Before that Geo Television once wished the Pakistani community a Happy Holi,a Hindu tradition,which it didnt do again,for some reason I am not aware of.All the things Mullahs stand against.They would time and again warn you that it isnt right to celebrate the festivities of non-Muslim(more commonly known to Mullahs as 'Kafir').
But what is much more to bring on the wrath of Allah? Celebrating the festivals of you non-Muslim people who contribute to this society as much as Muslims do,if not more,but still remain mariginzalized,or to burn seven non-Muslims(Christians)alive?
Yes!That is exactly what recently happened in Gojra,Pakistan.At least Seven Christians were burned alive,including three women,and dozen more injured.If seven Muslims would have been burned alive in Israel or U.S,Muslim world's furore would have been interesting to watch.Of Course,I am in no way urging the the burning alive of Muslim in the Non-Muslim world.Every human life counts,regardless of its religion,race,culture,sexuality,language etc,since at the very basic level we are all the same.We all have the same protein and non-protein making genes.And that is exactly what I wish the extremists to understand.
Pakistanis donot propogate the killing of innocent.The fact that over 10 million Pakistanis signed the proposition 'Yeh Hum Nahin'('This Is Not Us'),denying any sympathy for terrorism or terrorists,is in itself a proof to the fact that its not about Islam,but brainwashing.
Its been sixty-two years since we got independent,and still our human rights record is appaling.Other countries too have human rights violation,including India and even U.S and almost everywhere in the world.But I am concerned,in this piece,with Pakistan alone.After all just as the brutal killing of Marwa Al-Sharbini,just because she fought for right,in the court,to wear hijab,isnt right so is the case with minorities of Muslim.Publishing of the Muhammaden cartoons in no way justifies the himiliation of Pakistani Christian community.We need to get out of this inhumane tit-for-tat and eye-for-eye behaviour.
Why were the Christians in Gojra killed?
Answer: Because it was 'alleged' against them,without any proof that they disrespected the Holy Quran.One story goes that there was a Christian wedding taking place and the children from the rooftops were throwing papers from above in playful moods.And somehow they got hold of a Quranic page.Not knowing what it meant in Arabic,they threw that too,on the passing people.First of all,what in Pete's name would a page of Quran be doing in a Christian community?Secondly,even if Quranic page was disrespected in this way,where is the proof?But the extremists from a banned Islamist group didnt bother to question that,since they are brainwashed to not think,and burned down the houses of a minor group:Christian.
That is all the story.Yes.A story.Not a fact,since none of them emerged to support the actions.But even if they did,is it right to kill a single human being,leave alone the question of seven.And that too by burning alive.
All thanks to Zia-Ul-Haq,the Islamist ruler of Pakistan,that blasphemy laws are not only vague but also inhumane.So that they can be twisted to fit your political agenda.Having land ownership problems with a Christian?Allegate a blasphemy offence against him.Poor Qadianis cant even preach their religion openly since it offends Muslims to know they believe in Mirza Sahab as the Last Prophet and not Muhammad.It makes it a blasphemy to preach Qadiani belief.
The blasphemy Laws of Pakistani are so inhumane and carelessly styled that it would take me another piece to write,specially scrutinizing them.
For the persecution and kidnapping of Hindu minorities see:

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.pakistan/2009-04/msg00045.html

Union Of Brights.

I am a bright,a person who has denounced supernaturalism and see the world as natural.I am actually Agnostic and a Secular Humanist.A Bright can be a Secular Humanist,Atheist,Agnostic,Free thinker or a person who belongs to a certain religion but is secular in his/her point of view.Being an Bright,I encounter a lot of problems in my homeland,Pakistan which is an Islamic republic.Whenever I tell someone I am a humanist and that I have denounced the religions altogether,there’s this certain look.I dont think that I can have good and ‘real’ friends who are religious.I dont have any problem with their religions or religious views(until and unless its not impeding their progress.If it is then I try to guide them,but the rest is upto them.)but its they who have a problem with me being non-religious.Obviously not all the people react like that.There are those who failingly try to hide their discomfort.Then at the last their are also those who dont give a damn about what your religious point of view is.They love YOU as a friend,and not your belief system.But they exist only as a minority who have lacked the advanced form of religious brainwashing.My country,Pakistan, is one of thos which has an immense amount of talent.And to even think about what Pakistani can do to make this world better makes me sanguine.However,its an Islamic republic,which means that we have a really narrow chance of even trying to introduce secular humanism in this land.With the Zardari government in its place alot of people hope that their will be a safe future of democracy in Pakistan.I disagree.In fact that sounds chimerical to me that Pakistan can ever be a true Democracy under the hands of traditional Muslims.But we must never lose hope,for it is there when we have nothing else to hold on to(NO!You dont have God to hold on to,even if you are a theist.Its the HOPE that God will be there to help you that you hold on to.).What we brights must do is to unite together.Whether Pakistanis or not,after all we want a safer world,rather than a sfer U.S.A or Pakistan.We have interact together through forums,blogs,communities,etc,and demand that Pakistan government must grant the freedom of expression and the freedom to start a movement, as guaranteed under the constitution of 1973.We must unite and pressurize the government of Pakistan to do so.I have a few ideas,but we must come up with others too.Mine are:1:You should write an anonymous or non-anonymous letter to the President of Pakistan demanding the full Freedom of Expression and the Freedom to start Movements.The larger the amount of letter the better as it will show that we are larger in number then the government thought.2:If you live in a Secular country,then thats great.You can try to educate others about the need of freedom of expression ,thought and press in Pakistan.3:You can educate yourself with the concet of reconciliating the religion of Islam and freedom of expresion.And this will make give a better place among the Muslims and they’ll be ready to listen to you,since you are not discarding or refuting Islam but doing what many Muslims want:rconciliation of Islam and modernity.In the end I would just like to say that it is extremely important that we all Brights unite together to work for a better future,whether in Pakistan or anyother country in the world.Its on our part to interact together,comeup with new ideas,and form group to implement them or pressurize the governments to do so.Thanks