IN societies where oppression is widespread, where the oppressed find no justice, and poverty and exploitation are continually increasing, where doctors drain the lifeblood of poor patients, the police habitually abuse their power, people suffer in courts, unemployment is at its peak, political and economic anarchy is rampant, and foreign powers constantly influence policies, a certain destructive social psychology and mob mentality develop.
Whenever an emotional slogan is raised anywhere, under any pretext, people gather and become part of every destructive action, venting their frustrations. In this process, the real issue is merely a means to express collective frustration and anger. The uncontrolled mob, through acts of arson and encirclement, provides them with the power they lack in their lives, and this misuse of power is often justified through an emotional religious slogan. Thus, intellectual arguments hold no importance. The aim is to cause chaos, inflict harm, and release pent-up emotions.
Behind this lies a mentality formed over hundreds of years of subjugation, continuous exploitation, and a lack of appreciation for knowledge. In such societies, those who value knowledge and contemplation become fearful and fall silent. Some leave, while others, unfortunately, are forced to align with the thinking of these people. The value of the ignorant who wield guns and sticks and shout increases. Questioning becomes a crime, and thinking differently is considered inappropriate.
By using religion, nationalism, foreign conspiracies, or any other emotional issue as a pretext, the process of destruction and conflict continues in society. Some short-sighted leaders use this for their own purposes. They have no solutions to national problems, only emotional slogans.
Even today, the real issue is not what it appears to be. Place your hand on your heart and, envisioning our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his life, reflect: If our merciful Prophet (peace be upon him) were present today and saw what is happening in the name of the Quran and his love, how would he feel? Would the mercy for all worlds support this language, these attitudes, and this destruction? Would he praise these people? Would he be pleased with them? Are these attitudes bringing people, especially the educated younger generation, closer to religion, or are they driving them further away? My modest study of the Quran and the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) tells me something different. It urges me to disassociate from all these attitudes and conflicts.
—The writer is former Regional Executive Inclusive Development at NBP, Mirpur AK.
