Mostofa Anwar Khan :
Religion and acts of terrorism must not be equated. Obviously, they are two different things or realities. But the sad commentary is that in the recent years there occurred (and still occurring) too many acts of terrorism or extremism in the name of religion in our country also. And the alarming point is that it is speculated, and of course with valid reasons, that there may be even wider escalation of religious extremists supported acts of terrorism-killings, arsons etc. in the coming days – all in the name of religious bigotries. In an effort to supplement the on-going anti-terrorism actions of the law enforcing agencies (of the country) it is crucially important to launch a nation wide awareness building campaign involving all citizen to combat such acts of extremism.
The principal scripture of Islam is the Holy Quran. And in the Quranic vision, act of terrorism is the most heinous and condemnable act/job.
Islam, meaning peace; disowns and disproves all acts of terrorism or extremism. Those who have read the Quran understanding its underlying meanings, even for a single time, would surely not disagree that the al-Quran teachers man to resist all acts of terrorism or bigotry and extremism.
In Bangladesh, 90 per cent of her populations are Muslims by faith. It is obviously regrettable but true that not only that vast majority of the illiterate mass even the so-called educated persons are also ignorant about the teachings of al-Quran. A survey-study reveals that 98 per cent of our educated people have not read the Holy Quran with its underlying meanings and the lessons therein even for once in life and hence they have no knowledge of their religious theologies or its applications and implications.
Ninety per cent of the population here are emotionally deeply attached to and firmly hold strong faith in this Holy Book (al-Quran) and they are even always ready to sacrifice their lives at any time to protect and uphold the honour of this Holy Book (al-Quran).
But the tragedy is that it is not known to them what is written in the Book, not to speak of knowing or understanding its inner meanings and inherent lessons. As a result, it is not very difficult or impossible to mesmerize or create a fear-psyche through a clouded maze in the minds of these soft-minded people in the pretext of religious belief or the very religion Islam or Jihad or al-Quran in harnessing one’s personal gains or class interests. And that is all happening these days in the country.
Had the people read the Holy Quran in full (from surah Fatiha to an-Nas) knowing its meanings, then nobody could have such an easy escape committing misdoings or acts of terrorism, killings or arsons under the cover of religion (Islam), faith, jihad, or the al-Quran or the fear of punishments (or rewards) in life Here-after as they are doing now. The country is currently inflamed by acts of religious extremism and killings which is escalating very fast. In the backdrop of prevailing degrading situation in the political, economic, social and cultural arena and in the education sector too it would be almost impossible to control the catastrophic situation if these bigotrious elements put further flame to the running hostilities.
Then the fate of those so-called seemingly educated pandits would be that of the allegorical truth of the rhyme of Sukumar Roy (wherein the boatman simply pitied the vastly learned gentleman who can not swim was caught in the stormy rough mid-river whose life virtually considered of no value).
Nothing would be of any use other than knowing oneself and let others know what the Holy Quran contains, what does it mean, if we are to counter the on-going acts of terrorism, extremism and killing that the country is experiencing now.
The only way to get rid of and save us from this increasingly engulfing danger is simply to know first oneself and then let others know (or cause others to know) the lessons of the al-Quran, reading the Quran knowing its meanings. Let all other actions or programmers follow it gradually.
It may be mentioned there that the United States and the countries of the European Union are most vocal against extremism and terrorism.
They are waging war all over the world to face extremism and terrorism. But nowhere have they showed signs of remission, instead they are increasing continuously. Because they do not have a motivation programme along with their war.
They should therefore introduce a motivation programme alongside the war that is costing money and life. As a first step towards this they should take steps to ensure that the Muslims living in their countries read the Holy Quran with understanding (translation) at least for once. They should enact laws to make reading of the Holy Quran with understanding compulsory.
They should also ascertain whether Muslims who enter their countries have read the holy book with understanding. Those who have not should be refused visa and entrance. At the same time special steps should be taken to determine the cause of the rise of extremism and terrorism and whether the causes are political, economic, education, culture or religion-related or something else like the prevailing system of dispensation in the world.
