One of the biggest dangers that Maldives will face in the future will be religious intolerance within its own community.
Last Friday a number of Maldivians left a mosque in Male' when they knew that Dr. Afrashim Ali was to recite the sermon and lead the prayer.
While everyone has right to go to any any mosque they like, the refusal to be led by a particular Imam raises serious questions. To the liberal Muslims, those who refuse to be led by Dr. Afrashim who holds liberal views including on music that has aroused controversy will be seen as radical conservatives.
We have already seen the consequences of the religious divide in Hinmadhoo and Male' where a group of people followed an uncompromising separatist view of practising Islam.
Maldives is one of the most intolerant countries in the world, in terms of religion. The Maldivian government will have to decide on Imams that will be acceptable to all, and if that cannot be achieved they may have to have dedicated mosques for different Imams. We will then be practising divide and rule at its best.
Tolerance of religious differences must taught in schools and practised in the country by politicians if the people of our country are to live in peaceful co-existence.
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2 comments:
If Muslim radicals in our society can have their way, they would do away with our heads cos each and every person who doesnt follow their *radical* path is a muslim beyond redemption as they see it.
I really have no idea on what brought about the uproar regarding Dr. Afraasheem. Some ppl say that its his ideas and beliefs on topic of entertainment that has led to all the unrest amongst the society regarding him.
Let's not forget that by being a so called "Radical" brings about material benefits too. If they live there lives according to the prescribed path by a particular school of thought then, they do not have to work hard for the wordly causes as others, as someone else or an organization will take care of their needs.
I've heard and seen that they have the latest gadgets, get medical attention when they require, and free schooling according to their beliefs. And once you live such a life, the capitalistic or a meritocratic society becomes no longer appealing.
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