It's time we inject some much-needed perspective into our discussions of groups like the Taliban and Somalia's Al-Shabab. Too many Muslims living in the West have gotten sucked into the efforts to demonize these groups. While I'm not here to defend them, I must clearly state that I don't believe they are evil, as some fellow bloggers have declared them to be.
Sure, these groups are peddling a version of Islam that is foreign to our sensibilities (as reported by Western media) - enforcing the hudood, restricting women's rights, oppressing minorities, etc.
However, it just seems that so many of us are bending over backwards in denouncing these "deviant" groups to appease our compatriots. In either trying to prove our allegiance to liberal, democratic ideals or establishing our credentials in the ongoing war on terror, we're ok with the collateral damage caused by throwing these groups under the bus. All the while conveniently overlooking the societal context in which they came to existence - extreme warlordism, civil war, foreign occupation, rampant crime and rape, and so on.
For all the negative hoopla surrounding these groups, people forget one most essential consideration: they have succeeded where countless others have failed - establishing peace and stability. Western media is quick to focus on the undoubtedly extremist views they impart, but overlooks a more critical benefit that is welcomed by the local population - peace of mind.
My father traveled to Afghanistan back in the 90's as part of a medical support team and the overwhelming sentiment shared by the population was their collective sigh of relief with the safety situation established by the Taliban. After years of war with Russia and the ensuing warlord-based government, the Afghan on the street was finally able to feel some sense of safety and security. Sure, many didn't take kindly to the harsh interpretation of Islamic law, but they found that a small price to pay for a relatively crime-free, stable society.
Exactly the same feelings were expressed by Marian Zeila, chairperson of the Somali Media Women's Association, in this BBC report:
"Sharia law is a part of Islam, it's in the Koran. But it's their interpretation of the law that I disagree with. They are turning Islam into a harsh religion, which I don't believe it actually is...While the transitional government was in charge there was insecurity in Baidoa, they were unable to protect civilians. At least the al-Shabab have restored stability - for the time being."
So before we decide to get on our high horses and offer up our knee-jerk condemnations of these groups for misrepresenting or distorting Islam, let us try and understand the socio-political context of their rise. Or at the very least, as some have suggested, let's simply leave them alone.
WAW
3 days ago
12 comments:
Once again, Jazakallah for presenting a balanced view in a world desperate to take sides and see everything as black or white.
I have just two questions to those who criticize the Taliban and Al Shabab.. esp the Muslims
- If placed under circumstances similar to what that these groups face and the resources at these groups' disposal, what course of action would they (these Muslim critics) have taken?
- Do most of us even know the ground realities these people face?
Before we can honestly answer these questions, I don't think we have a right to judge these groups. And I say this to myself also.
Oppress women?...they do much more then oppress women...they out right kill them when they "see fit".
Rumor has it(google search if u must) that the Taliban has threatened to blow up all girls schools...and kill any females daring to go to school...
Apparently they have put that promise into action...yeah they are much better than anything else we got going out there.
Hmm. I read that post by athinkingmuslim..
I seemed to agree with it..But then I think your right too.
This is very confusing stuff.
My view is that..these groups are trying to establish something or fighting for a good cause but sometimes do it in the wrong manner.
Hamas, is trying to achieve a Palestinian state, but things like "We will kill your children because you kill ours" are un-Islamic.
But of course..we dont know the reality of these situations..so we cant judge them.
-The Muslim Kid-
AA-
@IslamBlog, thank you for the additional points. I agree that many of the realities on the ground in these war zones are beyond our comprehension so it would be best to withhold judgment...
@CoolRed, first of all, you seem to be confusing the Pakistani Taliban with the Afghan Taliban - two different groups.
Secondly, why are we so quick to jump on the media bandwagon when it fits our preconceived biases and misconceptions, but when that same media reports on other news (such as parroting the Bush administration or repeating Israeli propaganda), we think twice and question their objectivity?
CR, you're a rational and intelligent person, so it confuses me that much more when you refuse to question the 'official' narrative coming from a western media that has established itself as having a bias against Muslims.
As I said in the post, I'm not blindly defending these groups. Where they are wrong, they are clearly wrong. My contention is simply that we just don't know the reality of what they are doing and why. Until we can positively filter out such facts, it behooves us to get their side of the story or withhold judgment.
Bro Naeem...your assuming I base all my assumptions on only what "western" media chooses to tell me. You forget...I live in the Middle East...have done so for 23 years now...I get fed a lot more then just western media brother.
As you say...maybe Im confusing the different Talibans...but from what Ive heard from both...they arent that much different...just ask the women who live under their rule. Its hard not to sound harsh when your aware of what the women must suffer in those two countries merely because they are female...in this case...I believe we should be extremely judgmental...as fellow Muslims we should want for "our brother/sisters what we want for outselves"...yes?
shooting people in public without a trial
beating women for not covering properly
are not Islamic... but are practices that eminated from deeply rooted doctrinal errors in the Talibans version of Islam
AA- CoolRed
"as fellow Muslims we should want for "our brother/sisters what we want for outselves"...yes?"
Very true. I want sooo many things for them that they haven't had the luxury to ever receive. And those things don't come overnight. Its a matter of priorities. Safety and stability come before certain basic rights. Its as simple as that.
Once they have that most basic element of society, we can then talk about the inadequacies of the Shabab's and Taliban's interpretation of Islam.
This whole call for women's right was used as justification for the original invasion of Afghanistan (same way that bringing democracy to Iraq was used for that invasion)...I'm not buying it. While there is a legitimate time and place to have that discussion, in the midst of a reviving a broken down society isn't it.
Seriously, don't you see something wrong with critics who constantly denounce the closing of girls schools while overlooking the need for their basic safety and security? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?
Asaalamu Alaikum,
Interesting perspective.
While I will agree with you that it is crucial to understand the socio-political context of their rise I am in disagreement with you. Some Muslims believe that it's our
'responsibility' to cover the backs of our Muslim brothers in these war torn regions (not saying that is what you are attempting), but I think these groups have caused more havoc if anything. I think Muslims in the West are denouncing these group, and rightfully so! No one is trying to appease anyone at all, in my opinion to say the least.
The crime rate is down because people are fearful for their lives. Coercion is being used and I wouldnt call that a success by far.
Again, just my opinion! :)
-Ihssan
AA-
@MuslimKid, "we dont know the reality of these situations..so we cant judge them."
That's basically what I'm saying. We can't fully comprehend their actions until we've heard their side of the story. Basing our opinions on biased reports doesn't accomplish much.
@Anon, "but are practices that eminated from deeply rooted doctrinal errors in the Talibans version of Islam"
So you're saying their mistakes are purely theological? You've completely missed the premise of my post, that their actions are a result of failed states and corrupt societies in which safety and stability have been flushed down the toilet.
What does that have to do with 'doctrinal errors'?
AA- Ihssan,
Thank you for your comments...
"I think these groups have caused more havoc if anything. I think Muslims in the West are denouncing these group, and rightfully so!"
Of course you have the right to your opinions, but what are you basing them upon?
"The crime rate is down because people are fearful for their lives."
That logic is a bit lacking - the people were equally fearful under the warlords and crony politicians. The crime wasn't being carried out by the masses - it was the thugs with guns who were wreaking havoc. And the Shabab/Taliban brought a semblance of peace with their harsh tactics.
What is so wrong with that, especially as a gateway to a more stable and centralized government?
Here is a version of their side of the story, taken from an article written by a reporter from Atimes.com known to be very critical of the Taliban:
"Is it not odd that all of you are educated in secular schools but still support the Taliban, who blow up schools,?" I asked.
"This is a blatant lie," said Hussain. "The Taliban do not blow up schools. The media do not cover our perspective. We will take you all around. There are several school buildings in the area which we have never touched. The fact is that the military occupied the buildings and established bunkers.
"We attacked their positions, not the schools, but the buildings were damaged or destroyed. The irony is that nobody ever says that the army has occupied the school buildings and prevented children from going to school for months. But when the Taliban attack their positions, they are accused of being the enemy of education," Hussain said.
Naeeem, perhaps you should go ask Hazaras on what Hell they went through under the Taliban. It's no surprise that the Taliban ruthlessly targeted Shi'as under their rule and murdered 13 Iranian diplomats.
Furthermore, Shi'as have been targeted by the Pakistani Taliban in Parachinar. Shi'a truck drivers are routinely kidnapped and beheaded by them.
What do you say about that? Do you think just because a movement professes to be Islamic that we should sweep all of their crimes under the rug and pretend they didn't happen?
I'll trust a Hazara who fled the Taliban over a naive dimwitted Muslim who thinks the Taliban were so great.
Get over yourself nasibi.
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