Lungi Vs Burkha!
Future of Kashmir, A healthy discussion of Kashmiri youth with Burkha Dutt
Israel Vs. Palestinian Students
Positive vs. Negative
Quadratic vs Linear Thinking
LUNGIS VS BURKHA
Dr Zakhir Naik is a Lucknow based scholar of Islam who gave up his medical practice and has devoted the rest of his life to a study of various religions especially Islam. He is now a well known speaker on Islam and travels all over the world trying to remove what he feels are ‘grosss misunderstandings’ of his faith.
He was once asked this question.
‘ In Islamic counties they repress all other religions. But when Muslims live in non- Islamic countries they expect and demand , sometimes under threat of violence that the state respect all facets of Islam and even allow separate laws. What is your take on this?’
The Islamic scholar replied without batting an eyelid ‘Muslims know that theirs is the only true religion. As such they expect their religion to be accorded all respect everywhere They are not bound to reciprocate such respect’
If ever there was an example of bigotry this was it.
Let me give you a recent instance where such bigotry and intolerance manisfested itself, this time in Dubai.
As is widely known Dubai has a large immigrant Indian population especially from Kerala We also know that Keralite men prefer to wear the lungi. I personally am not a fan of this dress especially when worn outside one’s home but that is beside the point.
The rulers of Dubai passed a law recently BANNING THE WEARING OF LUNGIS OUTSIDE THE HOME ostensibly beucause it shows off the legs and this is considered unacceptable.
Now look at this move in the context of what is happening in Western Europe. Many governments for example France propose to ban wearing of the burkha and its variants since this dress is not acceptable in their societies. What is the Muslim reaction to this move? Protests, and death threats. Their argument—it is part of our tradition and you have no business interfering with it!!
May I ask the rulers of Dubai and other right thinking Muslims everywhere--the same question?
I am, afraid bigots will only bring their faith into disrepute..
By the way Dr Naik remains tightlipped on questions relating to ‘kafir’ and ‘jihad’!! So much for scholarship..
K.R.RAVI
CHENNAI
