Daily Times

For most people, outrage can be defined as an ‘extremely strong reaction of anger, shock or indignation’. Following every bomb blast, and after every wrongful accusation of blasphemy, we, as a nation, truly claim to be ‘outraged’ against violence in both the electronic and the conventional print media. Not only that, we also cry from our hearts for the Shiite massacre in Quetta on the internet and protest on social networking websites in favour of the Pakistani Christians after their neighbourhood has been converted into ashes. Overwhelmed with emotions, our tweets and updates express unrelenting support with the helpless minorities under attack for almost 23 minutes and 24 talk shows before we diverge to the business as usual. This is how we never let ‘rage’ take over our commitment for peace (to ourselves).

Under ‘normal’ circumstances, the citizens of any country being indiscriminately killed by extremists would get together and formulate a plan to combat the enemy and the perpetrator of these atrocities. But, in a country that is fighting someone else’s war on terror (as we are led to believe) for the last several years the response of people is understandably muted and incoherent. For them outrage has no meaning; it is an empty word without any sentiments since it is now predominantly used for a nation out of rage.In a bizarre way, our response (or lack thereof) follows a recognisable pattern after the news of every tragic event. In the first phase, which lasts up to 30 minutes, we are shocked by the reality, contemplating if the next incident would engulf our lives; however, our better (Sunni) sense does not let us go astray with humanity and sympathy for very long. We look at the victims and within our hearts; we first thank God for saving us from the disaster. Then, we praise Him for making sure that we are Muslims (Sunni) by birth and do not belong to the enemy camps (which include every other sect and religion in the whole world except that of Saudi Arabia).

Later on, as we are the people of the true faith, we meditate to devise a strategy that will shift the onus of guilt from the predator to the prey. During rumination, suddenly a flash of light illuminates the ‘sincerity’ of our hearts and one of us announces, “We condemn violence in any shape and form.” This statement, upon superficial analysis, looks innocent and even peaceful; but in reality, this is the most provocative sentence that I have come across in years. Beware of it folks, it is introduced purposefully to set you up for a greater objective. In case, you have been outwitted by its apparent simplicity, the next phrase will clarify itself: “We particularly condemn the violence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.” You know now where the debate is heading, “We oppose the American aggression in all Muslim countries and stand up for the rights of the Afghans (Taliban).” Here you go, “We condemn the Indian Army for killing the innocent Kashmiris and will protest ‘peacefully’ against the Muslim killings in Indian Gujarat.” Speechless with this twist that has nothing to do with the Shia genocide or Christian massacre in Pakistan, it is important for us to learn to untwist it. We have to make them focus on the specific topic: avoid hasty generalisation (a logical fallacy) and emphasise on the killings of minorities in Pakistan irrespective of international foreign policy issues.

Another ‘Muslim (Sunni) brother’ would proclaim, “It’s the enemy who wants to divide us and rule; sectarianism is not our problem.” In a country where more than 50 percent of Pakistanis consider Shiites as non-Muslims and many Pakistanis thinks of Ahmedis the same way; this claim of the absence of religious intolerance sounds preposterous. There is no doubt that the fire of sectarian divide lives inside us; it is blazing even without the addition of outside fuel.

Deadliest among all of them, appears in the form of a false claim, “We respect all religions.” No, we don’t, it is untrue. We make fun of Hindu deities both in private conversations and in the public. We humiliate Ahmedis and their spiritual leaders without any remorse and call Shiites with absurd epithets audaciously. But, a general proclamation of respect becomes a great talking point if this argument is not rebutted timely with reality. Not only that it is not true as discussed, it is so inflammatory that it will inevitably lead to violent consequences. “In return, we expect all the minorities to respect ours.” Now you know the bottom line, “If they don’t, we have the right to ‘defend’ our faith.” And all of us know the true meaning of ‘defend ourselves,’ right?

If we do not rebut and get swayed by this argument about respect, which keeps on reducing the space for minorities to practice their religion, we set up strict and unrealistic expectations from them to fulfil before they are eligible for our sympathies. In between the lines, our general rule about them, and the guiding principle for ourselves is simple and easily decipherable: it is best for them to convert to Sunni Islam, earn a paradise in the afterlife and be safe in this world, at least momentarily.

The writer is a US-based freelance columnist. He tweets at @KaamranHashmi and can be reached at skamranhashmi@gmail.com