Fate of Hindus

I must point out that I have never met my good friend, nor have I seen his picture, or we have ever talked. He had sent me an email to register his grievance, because he felt that he could trust me as a friend. As I read his emotional email, I felt a bond of friendship that goes back to the innocent playful days of childhood. Thinking of those playful days, I do not remember my parents ever forbidding me from having a Hindu friend, or instigating me to hate a Hindu. As a matter of fact, I doubt if any of our parents ever did.

Yet, there are intolerant adults who were never intolerant in their childhood. So what could have transformed a few ignorant elements of the society in this natural aging process? Can it be Religious Dogma, maybe Patriotism or perhaps it is simply one's Ignorance?

Well, Patriotism is a feeling of love and devotion to one's own homeland, and its citizens. That said, Bangladeshi Hindus are also equal citizens of our homeland. They fought against the occupiers of our land no less ferociously, & selflessly than Muslims. For that reason, one cannot vandalise Temples and Statues of Hindu religion in the name of patriotism, because that goes against the principles of Patriotism. A patriot, who engages in such acts, must know that his or her actions are not patriotic. It is rather terrorism.

Now what about Islam? Well, Islam teaches us that all humanity is one large family. It teaches us to stand for Justice and Equality, and if any elements in a society violate these principles, there is every reason for Muslims to fight against them. So, if some elements of Islamic faith are engaged in such racial terrorism in the name of Islam, please remember that Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) had a message for you. The message is "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds." (An extract from the last sermon of the Prophet)

I believe individuals who are involved in such racial terrorism against Hindu minorities often try to hide behind Islam, or patriotism to justify their crimes. If anyone is doing so, it is due to lack of broader knowledge of Islam, and definition of Patriotism.

Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said, "Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart."

On that note, the purpose of my writing is not to give a lecture on morality; it is rather intended to educate the ignorant souls as the Prophet instructed all of us to do.