The arguments put forth by Aijaz Zaka Syed in his recent article “Muslims need to choose their battles carefully” echoed my own thoughts. It is not just a question of a moderate voice or pragmatism which is usually scorned off by the so-called Islamists stating that it synchronizes more with the hidden agenda of the Zionists. What the author has suggested is not a compromise or allowing the religion to evolve freely with the changing trends. Nor, it is just the need of the hour. In fact, it is toward the better understanding of the religion which has been totally misunderstood and even been tarnished in the recent times due to the foolish acts of the increasing number of zealots who are up in arms to quell any thought that slightly diverges or differs from the school of thoughts they follow. Not only, they become the prosecutor and the judge, but, in many cases, they don the robe of the executor. The subcontinent has not been free from the influence of such zealots. Instead of indulging in the diatribe and instigating the innocent masses, there is a need to focus attention in spreading education among them. Further, let us give equal importance to the rights of women, educate and encourage them to make their contribution as well as acknowledge their free will and independence. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Need for pragmatism
