Opinion

My Letter Series – Dear Ummah, Be A Global Citizen First

It is important that one realize the importance of the unification of the world at large, not just a community.

May 27, 2021

In the aftermath of the brief hostilities between Israel and its neighbor, a few questions came to my mind. One of the first was, why is it that ONLY Pakistan and Turkey were so agitated at the defensive stance taken by the Israeli forces? All over social media, one could find (if one were so inclined to look) the frequent use of the words “Ummah” (loosely translated, it means the entire Muslim population unified by religion), “Surliyan” (firecrackers used during Diwali and the 4th of July celebrations) and a host of other words, defending the Hamas.

During a party in 2018, I was talking to a few people (one or two of them Pakistani), when I was asked what my opinion was on the then hostilities between Israel and “The Palestinian Freedom Fighters”. Those that know me personally, know I don’t mince words. This has been a blessing in a few situations, but more often than not, has been a curse. At this point, my wife (who was sitting close by and heard the question) called me loudly enough that I had to excuse myself. I was “ordered” to be diplomatic and not say anything that could “ruffle a few feathers”. When I got back, fortunately, they had moved on to a totally different subject. Now, I get to answer them.

The frequent use of the phrase “Ummah” has irked commentators across the globe. If all the Muslims want, is to unite against EVERY non-muslim, then the expectation that non-muslim countries would defend Palestine is out of the question.

Coming back to these words mentioned above, if ALL the Hamas launched were “Surliyan”, how is it that there were people killed in Israel? As I mentioned in my previous article, every country has the right to defend itself, more so a country surrounded by hostile nations[1]. The frequently used word among the people defending Palestine is “disproportionate violence”. What do they expect? That Israel launch a few “homemade” rockets? The reason a nation stockpiles weapons and the likes is to use it as a deterrent. The idea is to ensure that the enemies back off seeing the arms being used against them. The use of the Hydrogen bomb literally ended WWII. No one, but no one, in the Axis had an answer to that and wanted to save themselves from the devastation caused in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Likewise, Israel has, to date, not hesitated to use whatever means to defend itself; be it against Egypt (in the 1973 war) or against the Palestinian terror organizations.

The frequent use of the phrase “Ummah” has irked commentators across the globe. If all the Muslims want, is to unite against EVERY non-muslim, then the expectation that non-muslim countries would defend Palestine is out of the question. After all, it is, per this unification, a battle between Muslim and non-Muslim countries. What this “Ummah” doesn’t understand is that Islamophobia, that the Pakistani PM wails about, IS CAUSED because of this perception of Ummah!!

You can’t have it both ways, Imran Khan!! On the one hand, you want the non-muslim countries to be understanding of your community while, on the other hand, you want Muslims to unite against the rest of the world!! This whole perception of “Us Against Them” has been the SOLE reason for Islamophobia! We agree that not all Muslims are terrorists, but for the most part, nearly ALL terrorists captured or neutralized have been Muslims! All those captured emphasized the fact that they were fighting “against the injustices perpetrated against other Muslims”. What injustices? The concept of Ummah is the BIGGEST injustice being perpetrated against humanity!! When one is told that (s)he is not worthy of living, only because the person is not from your faith, you’ve then lost the right to ask for help or understanding from society at large!!!

Calling the Hamas “freedom fighters” is a misnomer, in itself. Those people that believe Palestine is fighting for freedom are in denial! Yes, denial, because Palestine IS A COUNTRY IN ITSELF! A country fighting for its freedom? From who? It’s’ akin to India, today, fighting for its’ freedom!! Let’s call out the truth: The extermination of Israel is ALL these people want! Additionally, on the one hand, Pakistan calls Hamas a “group of freedom fighters” while calling the Baluch Liberation Army a “band of terrorists”! How does that work? The LeT and other terror organizations that Pakistan has financed and housed are ALSO called “Freedom Fighters”! Once again, the duplicity of India’s western neighbor is clear to all, that want to see! Any group affecting that country is immediately called a terrorist organization while anything affecting other countries, namely, India and Israel, are termed “freedom fighters”!

It is important that one realize the importance of the unification of the world at large, not just a community. In today’s global economy, anything affecting one country affects the world at large; not just Israel nor just India. The value system being taught at schools and colleges, around the world, should include – सर्वे जनह सूखिनो भवंतु! After all, we’re ALL, as human beings and citizens of this gorgeous planet called Earth, fighting the same fight every day, one of sustenance.

जय श्रीराम। जय सीयाराम। उत्तिष्ठ भारत। जय माँ भारती।

God bless the USA!

Note:
1. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

References:

[1] My Letter Series – Dear Indian, The Truth About The Leftist Media – May 18, 2021, PGurus.com