Pluralism and Movement

This is in response to Dr. Rafat's article on Islamic Movement (in Radiance 8-14 April 2007). The important thing is continuous analysis of what happens around us from Islamic angle. The subject of pluralism should also be analysed from the same angle. The similarity in human nature and acceptance of truth is a fact. But when pluralism is discussed nowadays, it rather connotes the differences in cultures between various groups of humans that are not against the aforesaid fact. The question is how to address the issue of these cultural differences when we try to present Islam in our times. The question is “what should be” the ideal thing.

Having accepted the basic creed and ideas of Islam, the preferences may differ from society to society (e.g., purely Muslim, Muslim majority, non-Muslim majority societies, etc.). They may differ from time to time. The relevance of any Islamic movement lies in how it chooses these preferences. If preferences are wrong, even the theoretically most correct ideology/movement may go astray.

Any misconception or at least doubts about the goals of the movement will lead to stagnation of the movement. Islam, from the day one, has been purely a movement, which wants a God-oriented change in the thoughts and actions of its adherents. Islam spread and grew mainly through practical efforts rather than theoretical discourses. The history of any 'successful' Islamic movement (present or past) will tell this truth. The movements succeeded when they became the necessity of masses. Mere discourses and no action will lead us nowhere and Islamic movement will remain no more than a theoretical discourse or at best a belief system.

M. Sajid Manjeri,
Kerala