For a wholesome spirit
Sunday, 20 September 2009
The month of introspection and self improvement for Muslims will soon come to a close with the sighting of the new moon, ushering in the festival of Eid ul Fitr. Apart from its conviviality, the occasion is supposed to be a symbol of spiritual renewal. But how far that is achieved would be difficult to surmise. After all, religiosity and spirituality are not one and the same thing. If it were, then life and livelihoods in Bangladesh, politics and governance, rich-poor relations and democracy itself would have been of a higher standard than the reality on the ground. And interfaith relations too would have been vibrant and wholesome enough to transform the people of Bangladesh into the most humane and enlightened in the comity of nations in this 21st century.
With its message of universal brotherhood, egalitarianism, equity --- indeed, all the secular values human rights activists fight for ---- Islam is the fastest growing religion today. Yet, little of these virtues ever get described as 'Islamic', thanks to global power politics which has used mainstream media effectively enough to demonize the faith. Indeed, corporate media's selective projection of excesses, distortions and divisions in Islam, and the mangling it suffers at the hands of political game players ---- international, regional and national included ---- may seem that bona fide believers are a dying breed. And the sad fact is, not many of the knowledgeable Muslims are seen educating the ignorant about the essentials of Islam and the need to internalize them as a way of life. All that is taught is dogma and rituals while overlooking the essence and the violation of vital rules in Islam's holy book.
Thus, spiritual poverty/ignorance/hypocrisy has become as entrenched as material and intellectual corruption, injustice and inequity, and everything that prophets throughout human history, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had fought against, dominate Bangladesh. It is, as if, the nation is still trapped in an Age of Ignorance like that of pre-Islamic Jahiliya! Throughout the Holy Quran, and also in the Hadith (authentic sayings of the Prophet), runs the essence of Islam which points out that it is not the mere profession of a creed that constitutes true religion but righteous conduct. And it is the duty of all truly religious people to strive to build a just society where wealth is distributed fairly and the poor and vulnerable are protected.
This year Eidul Fitr falls back-to-back with the weekend, and will be followed a few days later by Durga Puja, one of the great festivals of Bengali Hindus. This undoubtedly means the holidays will extend longer than the officially ordained period for people who can get away with it, particularly in government offices which are generally laid-back in their attitude to actual work. As for the self-employed ---- from the humble vendor to the billionare businessman --- so many days off work may be a bit too much, a waste of time and lost opportunities for earning one's bread. As any foreigner working here would vouch, Bangladesh has far too many holidays which it can ill afford. Barring festivals like these, there ought to be a rationalization of the number of holidays people get. A country where the overwhelming majority are impoverished, suffering from persistent hunger and other deprivations, too many days away from work should be considered wasteful, and indeed sinful, as it curtails the creation of wealth, however modest it may be. While enjoying the Eid and Puja holidays with their kith and kin, decision-makers ought to ponder on this aspect and return to their jobs much renewed and able to work better for the nation. Seasons greetings to all celebrating Eidul Fitr and Durga Puja.
With its message of universal brotherhood, egalitarianism, equity --- indeed, all the secular values human rights activists fight for ---- Islam is the fastest growing religion today. Yet, little of these virtues ever get described as 'Islamic', thanks to global power politics which has used mainstream media effectively enough to demonize the faith. Indeed, corporate media's selective projection of excesses, distortions and divisions in Islam, and the mangling it suffers at the hands of political game players ---- international, regional and national included ---- may seem that bona fide believers are a dying breed. And the sad fact is, not many of the knowledgeable Muslims are seen educating the ignorant about the essentials of Islam and the need to internalize them as a way of life. All that is taught is dogma and rituals while overlooking the essence and the violation of vital rules in Islam's holy book.
Thus, spiritual poverty/ignorance/hypocrisy has become as entrenched as material and intellectual corruption, injustice and inequity, and everything that prophets throughout human history, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had fought against, dominate Bangladesh. It is, as if, the nation is still trapped in an Age of Ignorance like that of pre-Islamic Jahiliya! Throughout the Holy Quran, and also in the Hadith (authentic sayings of the Prophet), runs the essence of Islam which points out that it is not the mere profession of a creed that constitutes true religion but righteous conduct. And it is the duty of all truly religious people to strive to build a just society where wealth is distributed fairly and the poor and vulnerable are protected.
This year Eidul Fitr falls back-to-back with the weekend, and will be followed a few days later by Durga Puja, one of the great festivals of Bengali Hindus. This undoubtedly means the holidays will extend longer than the officially ordained period for people who can get away with it, particularly in government offices which are generally laid-back in their attitude to actual work. As for the self-employed ---- from the humble vendor to the billionare businessman --- so many days off work may be a bit too much, a waste of time and lost opportunities for earning one's bread. As any foreigner working here would vouch, Bangladesh has far too many holidays which it can ill afford. Barring festivals like these, there ought to be a rationalization of the number of holidays people get. A country where the overwhelming majority are impoverished, suffering from persistent hunger and other deprivations, too many days away from work should be considered wasteful, and indeed sinful, as it curtails the creation of wealth, however modest it may be. While enjoying the Eid and Puja holidays with their kith and kin, decision-makers ought to ponder on this aspect and return to their jobs much renewed and able to work better for the nation. Seasons greetings to all celebrating Eidul Fitr and Durga Puja.