Uniformity, Homogeneity, Muslim Countries: Peace?
The rise in extremism within the world have brought almost all the countries on common platforms to initiative strategies, programs and plans to bring about peace. However, the integration of the world due to globalization have brought in many perspectives, changes and blend of cultures, economies, religions, ideas, traditions and norms, furthermore to homogenize societies and communities into one global world, creating standards for all to be followed, at times not fitted by local cultures and religions. Islamic countries being no exception due to the lack of consistency between the core of globalization which range from universalism to individualism and pragmatism, and Islamic faith based on brotherhood and Shariah, have taken an extremist side to save the notion of Islamic ideology within the changing patterns being accepted by the majority world.
Muslim countries are wide-spread across the globe covering many regions and continents, of all the countries in the world almost 45 are Muslim-majority countries, including Islamic states, for example, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc., have adopted Islam as an ideological foundation of state and constitution. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Malaysia, etc., have Islam as their State religion, secular states like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, Turkey, etc., with separation between government affairs and religion. Indonesia, Syria, Sudan, etc., are some of the neutral states with no announcement regarding status of Islam or secularism. While another 30 or more countries have significant Muslim minorities, including countries in the developed West.
The ideal nationhood in Islam is beyond all boundaries and differences. The Ummah (Muslim community) is not confined to any particular geography, or limited to any specific race rather consists of all believers across the world no matter what background, language, creed, history or geography they may belong to. However, the rise of radical Islamists being more and more popular and influential in the Muslim countries within current times fail to recognize the legitimacy of the nation-statehood, creating an imbalance of power, authority, and economic resources. Ideas such as talibanization, suicide bombing and Jihad, are very much incorporated to our world systems nowadays.
Showcasing the Extremists ideology adhered by many Muslim leaders such as Osama bin Laden and Organizations such as al-Qaeda, within the Muslim world contradicting the true principles of brotherhood, tolerance and peace, preached in Islam. Additionally creating parallel worlds of global Jihad at one end, while talking about peace on the other end. The main essence of Jihad is directed against the “Islam’s enemies”, as the best way of establishing Islamic rule in Muslim-majority states and elsewhere, especially in the Western World. Thus neglecting all the consequences of negative influence it pose on the young minds of the Muslim Ummah, who due to adverse effects of high unemployment, unfair concentration of resources, and an increasingly less share in political set-up alongside other difficulties are marginalized from all the opportunities they can avail otherwise due to globalization.
The ever-increasing population within the Muslim countries is one of the alarming stage, most of the countries are already going through a political turmoil, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq and Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Egypt and Tunisia among others, thus handling of power lies within few individuals, leaving no space for uniformity or education to change the mind-set developed over time. The tussle between the clergy of the two sects is also one of the aspects which needs higher concentration as it has led in creation of change perspectives within Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Though linked with one another through the principles of Islam, yet stand apart from each other due to lack of understanding and intolerance augmented to maintain the grip of power over another.
Therefore, in order to attain peace initially within the Muslims countries and then the whole world, it is important that rather than spending on building militaries which have contributed towards an increasing wealth divide, a budget deficit and consequent antagonism throughout many parts of the world. The education system be conceptualized to create a balance personality of young Muslims through spiritual, emotional and physical enhancement by expressing to the varieties of different developmental aspects. With that, powerful transnational alliances must be formed among civil societies of different Muslims countries, involving people from different ethnicities, countries, regions, sects and perspectives to form a decisive resolution to conflicts bred by special/personal interests.
Islamic educational institutions need to recruit qualified scholars who have a sound background in both the social sciences and Islamic intellectual heritage; with that check and balance should be maintained by the states to maintain uniformity and integration of both Islamic and regular education. The gender-based inequalities faced by women in Muslim societies and communities associated with the ‘Patriarchal System’ need to be abandoned to create equity between both the genders, thus creating a healthy nurturing environment through higher standards of education and other basic facilities.
The Western countries, especially USA being the ‘Super Power’ also need to be much more critical about their narrative on fighting in the name of ‘War on Terror’, invading Iraq and Afghanistan killing hundreds of Muslims have in no way led to peace which they intended to have in the region nor have helped them in the establishment of democratic politics, as adverse consequences have been experienced by the mere countries and others due to the imposition of the Super Power over others. Peace in Muslim countries is as much in favor for the Muslim countries, as it is for the world therefore all countries need to work in harmony and coalition to fight the extremist elements throughout the world, and not just in Muslim countries.
The injustice being faced by Muslims in Palestine, Burma, Kashmir and other countries need to be addressed by the United Nations and other agencies. Rather than sidelining Muslims and Islam, Islam should be given equal respect and looked upon as a religion of integrity, peace and harmony. Though the world have experienced extremist versions of Islam, however that is not Islam is all about nor are Muslim countries. The world needs to change their perspectives and accept Muslims as part of this global world, to help in the restoration of peace.
