The changing tide of Bangladesh

Although the recent upheaval in Bangladesh began with two opposing sides. One that is in support for the death penalty of the 1971 anti liberation group, commonly known as Jamati-Islami. Whilst the other group is vehemently opposed to it. The division among the two groups is slowly beginning to Widen. What is more worrisome is to see the subtle change taking place. The disagreement has now somewhat diverted from the original confrontation on the 1971 issue of the Pakistan-Bangladesh war.

The issue of faith and belief has now been thrown in for good measure. Each side calling the other an apostate and rumours have begun to spread of defamatory remarks about the Prophet (sallahualihi wasalam) being circulated around the group in favour of the death penalty of the “religious fundamentalist leaders” of Jamati-Islami. Leaving aside the typical nationalist codswallop found in any secular country which dreams itself of being the next American puddle. What I want to bring to attention is the fact how forces outside the interest of Bangladesh are now slowly using the opportunity to yet again somehow place Islam in the middle of a frantic scene of chaos and anarchy. Somehow trying to show people ‘look, your real problem is Islam. It is not people, ideologies or differing views, but Islam itself. Remove that and your national problems will be solved.’
To think of it, Islam has nothing to do with what is happening in Bangladesh in recent days. Yet, we see somehow the tide is being changed to include Islam at the centre of this malarkey. With ulema up and down the country up in arms against the supposed defamatory remarks on the Prophet (sallahu alihi wa Salam) by the young Bangladeshi puppets of western countries. Who are using social media and blogs to writes the supposed blasphemous remarks.

It is interesting to see through the annals of the last decade, Islam is now the one topic which has its feet in every debate, bloodshed, anarchy, mindless criminality and seemingly endless tribal disputes. From North Africa to Middle East, through to Asia and the Far East. The elitist enemies of Islam are working night and day to make sure Islam is seen in an evil light. Slowly molding the image of Islam as the devil itself in the minds, hearts and the very souls of people. Islam for many people has become a stigma; a mark of disgrace. This image is firmly being etched into the essence of every individual living in the post 9/11 era. Bangladesh is only the next-in-line to be passed through this production line. An image so devotedly crafted by the islamaphobes around the world. In the west many people already hold Islam in disdain & disgust. This perception is now being shipped across the world to any country which willing to sell its soul for a little glory in this wretched world.

As the comical drama continues to unfold in Bangladesh. Each side calling the other an apostate and hypocrite. The world watches on, chuckling to itself as it sees the amusing childish school-yard fights break out over a game of hops-scotch . Whilst others, the secularists and bigoted people use the opportunity to say ‘look, yet again we see Islam involved in a fiasco. This proves our point once more on how Islam is a major problem for the 21st century’. Eliminating it, will eliminate half our problems’. The vilification of Islam will not end anytime soon, it will only increase. I won’t be surprised to see Islam being dragged into every little case(s) of dispute, disagreement, distrust, and disloyalty in the near future. It will reach a critical point in which even the born “practicing” Muslims will say, ‘you know what? I’ve had enough of Islam. Enough of all these anarchist Muslims. I’m leaving Islam.’ For the Prophet (sallahu alihi wa Salam) said: ‘Near the end of times, Islam will return to being a strange thing as it was at the beginning. Success and glory is to the strangers’.
In another tradition the prophet (sallahu alihi wasalam) said:
‘Near the end of times holding on to Islam will be like holding on to a hot burning coal in your hand’. (Paraphased Ahadith).
We are seeing this prophetic prediction take shape in front of our very eyes.

Lastly, if people are indeed saying and writing blasphemous remarks of Allah and the Prophet (sallahu alihiwa Salam), then evidence needs to be gathered. The opportunity needs to be given to the accused to either deny the rumours as false or accept guilt. After a verdict has been given only then can anyone begin to label a Person as either an apostate or disbeliever. The prophet (sallahu alihi wasalam) has given immense safeguards in protecting the honour of a Muslim. We should take the last resort of calling anyone an apostate or kafir, after all else fails and there is no other option. Secondly, we can only take action physically against any declared apostate if he or she does not stop speaking, writing or drawing blasphemous materials after having warned him or her several times before not to continue in this tirade of remarks.

I watch and wait to see where the changing face of Bangladeshi politics leads to next.

Further Reading:
Pakistan’s attempt at ethnic cleansing