7 trials of being a Muslim

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"How do you guys celebrate new year in Pakistan in line with Islamic principles?” a very learned German friend of mine asked me last New Year’s Eve in Sweden.

Coming from a person well-versed in history and contemporary politics, the question took me by surprise.

I immediately wanted to explain to him that not everything that happens in Pakistan is linked to Islam, but I held back.

The question reminded me of Islamic banking, television commercials of Shariah-compliant products, Ramazan transmissions aired by several Pakistani TV channels and many other modern-day ostentatious spectacles which invariably drag religion into everything.

And I realised he was probably justified in asking that.

As a Muslim, owing to many political, social, and historical reasons, one may land up in the most absurd situations even if one applies common sense.

Also read: My ‘pick and mix’ Muslim female identity

First, one is always a Muslim. Period. The absence of religious freedom in most Muslim societies makes it next to impossible for one to deviate from the written and unwritten rules of behaving in a 'Muslim way'.

Quite ironically, one is always a Muslim in Western liberal societies as well, even if he/she proclaims to be not-very-religious, non-religious, or an outright atheist. They have a word for it: “ex-Muslims”.
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http://www.dawn.com/news/1259787/7-trials-of-being-a-muslim-in-our-times

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Topic: 7 trials of being a Muslim

olweasel

OP - May 24, 2016, 01:25 PM

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