BJP More Islamic Than They Think
Before getting lapidated for opprobrium or blasphemy, here’s the caveat: The aim is not to offend or praise any party or religious community but to flag the convergence in an increasingly divergent society. BJP is mimicking more and more of Islamic country customs than imagined, despite media reports portraying divisional sentiments. There is currency in arguing that it is time for BJP to partner orthodox Muslims - who are in the majority amongst Indian Muslims - for driving “sabka-saath-sabka-vikaas” mantra in full swing.
Take for instance the many initiatives the NDA government has taken so far. With the over-arching vision of a corruption-free India, they introduced demonetisation, which in an altogether different dimension attacked bigger demons of black money and cash hoarding, both detrimental to the society. While corruption may yet survive, their plan B and C seem to be on target for increasing the velocity of cash through digitisation, reducing interest rates, and easing access to capital. Islamic countries strive for the same: Prohibition of usury, corruption, livelihood based on interest income, and money-hoarding – all aiding inequalities in social sector.
The Swachh Bharat mission, despite its seemingly impossible scale, has its origin in Islamic system. Cleanliness of self and surroundings signifies healthy and developed civilization. (That most Muslim-populated urban areas are far from Swachh, and Cleaning Ganga may be an easier task, is an altogether different matter of practice vs. covenanted!)
The move against instant triple-talaq and the retention of maiden name for married women are two significant steps taken recently, which reaffirm Islamic system of dignity and respect for women. Contrary to popular belief, instant triple talaq as a system is banned in Islam and Islamic countries. While an average Hindu divorce takes over 12 months, the triple talaq, if practiced right, will take no more than seven months with the least mudslinging and costs on both parties. On the second issue, it is a Sunnah (good practice) in Islam and is common in Islamic countries, for daughters to retain their maiden names even after marriage.
The animal welfare act amendment introduced recently and the abolishment of illegal abattoirs are more Islamic than most think since Islam prohibits cruelty of all types. Many of the slaughtering practices today are abominable. Saudi Arabia recently banned many illegal abattoirs there.
The latest reports of GoI working with hotels on food wastage is another guidance much reiterated in Islam, which has zero tolerance for food wastage.
The anti-Romeo squad that proliferated in recent times has its origin in the Moral Police existing in countries like Saudi and Iran. In fact BJP can implement the idea of modesty in women’s wardrobes and win the hearts of majority Muslims.
While competitors cry favouritism, the silent nod to Reliance Jio to disrupt the cellular market has eliminated the profiteering by a few large players, which once again, is an Islamic value. And with the CBI raid on NDTV, the BJP is following yet another Islamic value where even a small crime wouldn’t be left unpunished. Prognosis may be that the big defaulters shall face bigger raids and action soon.
For the discriminators, the narrative couldn’t be clearer: Islamic system is no different from the Hindu system. Whatever it is called, it is just a Shakespearian cliché. The fact is that Islam and Hinduism form part of the same coin. Instead of alienating the minority, the BJP may embrace the orthodox Muslims who are in majority here to drive the development and electoral agenda better. On their part, Muslims should willingly let go of seemingly discriminating customs for the larger good. The right masterstroke that they can deliver to correct this perhaps is to embrace a uniform civil code. With unusual resilience Indian Muslims have proven that they are peace-lovers in spite of the many provocations. GoI should rein in the Gau Rakshaks and insist that the cows be looked after like they do their mothers.
In a perfect world where sartorial styles and eating habits are consubstantial, names are devoid of religious hues (or geographical imports) and rituals remain totally closeted, how will you distinguish between a Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Sikh? More importantly, do you care to? The more we try to differentiate with rituals, the worse we degrade as a society. Our dreams of becoming a developed country will remain just that.
A George Washington University study ranked 208 countries on the basis of economic progress and Islamic values, and found Ireland at the top with India at 97. Most so-called Islamic countries fared lower. Perhaps the university should do another study with Hindu values and economic growth as the basis and it might be interesting to see where India fares. If everyone works together sans symbolisms of all hues for the development agenda, it can only be at the top.
