Dear Pervez Sahib:

This letter is in continuation of my earlier reply to the “Secular Muslim” discussion. It is indeed an interesting and though provocative discussion and I am delighted to be part of this forum. I would like to examine the polarization between the secular ideology and the religious reaction in general and Muslim reaction in particular.

The modern thinking has put religion in an unfavorable light; and has portrayed it as an obstacle to any social change. The view of secular ideologist to discard the religious faith in order to make progress is neither analytical nor rational it reflect the same intensity with which religious beliefs are said to be held. The debate should not be who is better than the other.

Indian society could be looked at as role model for secularism due to its philosophy of tolerance and cultural diversity.  Foreigners such as Aryans, Mongols, Uzbeks, Turks, Iranians and Afghans brought their beliefs, customs, values and economic systems, which contributed in forming the base of India's secular heritage. The roles Sufi’s in India, it touches the life and fabric of the society and preaches, love and tolerance for all. Those teaching prevailed have long lasting impact.

The secular ideologist should not determine how the people should live their lives and what religion and non-religious believe they should hold. History have told us time and time again any effort to direct people and societies to abandon their traditional, cultural and religious value has been fruitless. We should focus on the message i.e. freedom of minds (speech, movement and practices), justices, and protection against oppression.  Lets work to achieve this rather than debating the good vs. bad.  The quest to undetermined once ideology and believes have failed miserably and have lead the humanities to disasters.

Abbas