Every day media
and internet compel us to form our own opinions and conclusions. We read news
reports, hear accounts of witnesses and see images of deprivations, poverty,
disease and violence across the globe. Nothing moves us more than to see
injustice done to those who are vulnerable, underrepresented or targeted because
of their views, beliefs or ethnicity. In the wake of the recent events in
Palestine facebook and twitter is inundated with views and sometimes accounts
of those who are witness to truth and ground reality about the situation and
the crisis. The debate starts from the plight of the injured children who are
always the innocent victims in any conflict, goes on the failure of politicians
and statesmen to resolve the issue and then also includes the clash between faiths.
Countless acts
of extremism are carried out because of the differences in views and beliefs
between followers of different faiths.
And sometimes strife between different sects within a faith also leads
to violence. In Pakistan we hear of flagrant abuse of rights and persecution
suffered by the Shias and Ahmadis in Pakistan. Malala was attacked by the very
people who profess to represent Muslim faith. Religion is highlighted as the
centre of countless incidences of persecution, defamation and condemnation of
individuals who either differ in perception of our beliefs or belong to a
different religion. Whether it is contribution by Dr Abdus Salam in the fields
of physics and mathematics or Shabaz Bhatti’s campaign to highlight the issues
of minorities, the question we need to ask is, do we honor such individuals
because of their endeavors or do we encourage sense of exclusion because faith
values differ.
Though faith is
blamed for most of the major conflicts and wars around the world, it has
another dimension and perspective too; that of building bridges. If language of
extremism is loud, obvious and instantly recognizable we have to redouble our
efforts to prove that faith can end disagreements and foster good relations
between people of different faiths. Sometimes those with the loudest voices may
not always be right. When we come together to prove we could be of any faith
and we want to live together, despite our differences in beliefs, we are
contributing to nation building and prosperity. ‘Faith-Matters’ aim to bring
together diverse and sometimes unheard voices of tolerance and peace from
around Pakistan. There is a lot to be done to remove prejudices and inequality
in our society. We have to ensure that Hindus can live without the fear of
desecration to their temples, Christians are treated with respect and no one
fears for their lives because of laws that are discriminating. The NGO is a
step in the right direction and a much needed support for those who want to
come together and show solidarity for a good cause.
By
Salima Yakoob twitter: @mssolidarity
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