Coexistence with India – III
This blog is part 4 of a four-part series that attempts to understand the enemy within; and why and how our establishment has fed this monster for decades.
See Part 1: Coexistence with India – I
See Part 2: Coexistence with the world
See Part 3: Coexistence with India – II
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-Illustration by Abro.
Human identity comes from commitment and conduct. DNA defines one’s genetic stock but not one’s identity. As conscious beings with volition, humans carve their identity from what they think they are. How many Muslims of the subcontinent had Indian ancestors or how they became Muslims is not important. It is their sense of belonging and commitment that decides their relationship with the world. His DNA loses meaning when a white American Christian converts to Islam, takes an Arab name and joins al Qaeda to wage war against his own DNA stock.
Although Islam did not teach so, our ulema teache us that Allah created Adam and his race only to be Muslims. Therefore, those who do not accept Islam, go against their humanity. Over the past 65 years this interpretation of humanity has taken ever deeper root in our thinking. We are made to believe that Muslims are the only proper humans, the righteous and the blessed; that the rest of mankind is on the wrong track and must be brought to the right track or under the rule of the righteous Muslim empire. With this belief as their banner, followers of Sheikh Ibne Wahhab and Syed Qutb aspire to establish their Global Arab Empire; human systems that do not conform to their concept of Islam must be abolished. The monster that our establishment created with a perverse lack of vision sold out to these international recruiters. Over decades all our resources were dumped into the hell pit of a security state. That security state itself is now facing a threat to its life at the hands of these misguided missiles.
But our alienation from the rest of mankind is not the only tragedy. Division within the Muslim camp starts on the issue: who is a “true Muslim”? As believers we have been taught for ages that the scholars of Islam know better, that they are the doctors of our soul. Now there are different sects of Muslims and every sect has its ulema. They define “true Muslims” according to their separate sets of belief. This has been growing into greater bitterness within the Muslim community, each declaring the other as misguided, if not heretical, leading to clashed and bloodshed.
Communal sentiment divides people in communities and alienates one from the other; this almost always pushes them into hostile positions. Hate generates hate and begets hate. People close their eyes and ears under the hypnosis of hate. They act like programmed robots; reason loses all meaning. Time showed this truth in tragic clarity.
Indian leaders chose the path of inclusiveness to combat communal clashes. Without this wise approach, the vengeance of the Hindu who was vanquished for centuries in his own motherland could have caused immense bloodshed. Imagine a Muslim population whose places of worship are attacked and destroyed for centuries, whose holies are repeatedly insulted for generations and then they rise to freedom and power! What massacres of revenge will you expect?
The gradual cooling down of temper and insanity is possible only in a tolerant democracy which permits diversity and discussion. It is this constitutional openness that saved India from falling apart. We, in Pakistan, chose to decide all matters on religious belief; first our ulema rejected people of other religions as “heretics”, then our own religious minorities one by one.
The question lingers on whether India aspires to annex Pakistan. In 1946, the Muslim League leadership had agreed to remain part of the Indian Federation, in accordance with the Cabinet Mission Plan which provided the Muslim majority provinces with constitutional autonomy. Parties agreed to draft that constitution as the Cabinet Mission Plan stipulated. But within days, the congress policy changed. Maulana Azad, obviously in a considered move, handed over the Congress presidency to Jawahar Lal Nehru, who as the new president declared that the parliament will independently decide matters in the session by majority. The Congress Committee did not reject its president’s statement. This meant a clear move to shed us away as a load which they thought would suck more than serve. They could have kept us if they wished. Time could have weakened our resolve for separation, but that could be then. As for now, after what we have made of ourselves, a perfect hornets’ nest, a paranoid crowd of self-righteous militants, it seems highly improbable for any sane planner of India to annex Pakistan.
This strategy of load shedding by Nehru, Patel and their like could at best be called clever. It was not wise as many humanists warned. Division based on hate is not diversity but disorder. Diversity is individuality in harmony with its world, while disorder is a dismissal of harmony. That clever move made the “Two Nations” waste their trillions on weapons of mass destruction, leaving their teeming millions in abject misery. It brought several wars to the subcontinent and pushed our part to the brink of one civil war after another till it reduced us to diverse tribes of a mythical ummah where no national identity exists.
Do we inherit the sins and liabilities of our ancestors? Yes, because we inherit their virtues and their assets. Like other conquerors, our medieval ancestors ruled their subjects against their will. Hindus never went out of the subcontinent to invade or rule others, while invasion and domination were genetic to Muslims. They preferred to dominate rather than befriend. Conquest and killing leaves lasting scars. Those who are disgraced and defeated pass their memories of pain to the posterity, that breeds new conflicts. Only an admission of misdeeds opens the path to redemption. The contemporary descendants of Vikings, Romans and Mongols do not take pride in the violent history of their ancestors. In contrast, the boastful pride of our past makes us crudely unique and alienates us from the world. An honest admission instead can work as the recipe for coexistence. Such civilized attitudes are not humiliating; they can win us respect among nations. But that is not possible without a strong dismissal of the terrorists who represent the darkest aspects of our psyche.
And we have to acknowledge the irreversibility of history. The two people have to remain two or more as they are already three with Bangladesh. They have to learn the essence of diversity before they sit together like Europeans. Intellectuals and statesmen who wish reason and peace to prevail have to accept with patience the indispensability of popular will, if not consensus, on such future reconciliation. We have to create the consciousness that changes human destiny and changes the world. Yes, we have no option now except to mend our ways and learn to modestly coexist with the world, which starts with the neighbor’s door.
The author is a renowned Pakistani intellectual. His Urdu books Tehzeebi Nargisyat and Mubaalghe, Mughaalte are widely regarded as the revival of critical thinking and free inquiry in Urdu non-fiction.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
Dear Haider Sahab, your have made a very accurate analysis of the problem which is the problem of Muslim thinking. You have drawn many important conclusions and provided a very strong basis & great explanation behind those. This is the kind of analysis like I have never seen before and it makes a lot of sense. I hope to read comments from a lot of Pakistanis. It will make an interesting read.
This author would have been shot dead by now if Taliban could read English.
And that’s exactly the problem in Pakistan. To paraphrase a poet from the neighbourhood, terror by any name is still terror. And hate, and intolerance. Very sad.
Thats a good one.
And a good thing to.
About someone did it.
One such hit is far better than all the wasted troubles in Quetta.
He is very offensive to the average Pakistani too.
ha ha ha
Kudos!
This is the main reason why nobody likes Pakistanis.
The fact is that Indian history is replete with conquests of various kingdoms over each other. The only reason Hindus didn’t venture out is because there was enough trouble at home to go a-hunting far away. When opportunity presented, Hindus (Cholas) also colonized SE Asia.
It’s hard to respect authors who blabber on politically expedient platitudes without knowing history.
He blabs his opinion. No educated person, much less a historian, takes his rants seriously.
That Indians are thumbing you down proves your point.
An excellent article with an excellent series of article with great understanding, unbiased analysis. But i would like to express my understanding over one issue you have raised in this article.
” In 1946, the Muslim League leadership had agreed to remain part of the Indian Federation, in accordance with the Cabinet Mission Plan which provided the Muslim majority provinces with constitutional autonomy.”
“This meant a clear move to shed us away as a load which they thought would suck more than serve. They could have kept us if they wished. Time could have weakened our resolve for separation, but that could be then. As for now, after what we have made of ourselves, a perfect hornets’ nest, a paranoid crowd of self-righteous militants, it seems highly improbable for any sane planner of India to annex Pakistan. This strategy of load shedding by Nehru, Patel and their like could at best be called clever. It was not wise as many humanists warned.”
I have also thought over this issue and i acknowledge that i am not at all any expert on this issue and you must have researched quite well on this issue too but my explanation for such step by congress is as follows.
As the demand was for constitutional autonomy for muslim majority provinces, it was suspected/ expected not to have secular policy in those provinces. besides this, the rest of the india would be declared secular as per the desire of congress. Now just think of the situation that Mainland secular India with east and west provinces with islamic muslim majority (currently bangladesh and pakistan) where muslims are enjoying maximum benefits – equal in india and above equal in muslim majority provinces- so do you think that hindu majority and those staunt hindu nationalist ideological parties would have remained silent – wouldn’t they could try to declare themselves hindu nation in the indian mainland? How could anybody oppose that demand when a minority/ one section is enjoying that freedom? it would finally increase the rift and enmity between the two communities and may lead to huge tension and in worst case scenario – a civil war.
Leaving aside, there was another problem. Congress knew that Muslim league had no love for muslim or islam and just playing politics in its name. the proof of this was that muslim league itself has declared to be loyal to britishers in its charter. no muslim league leader had ever been jailed for freedom struggle. Besides this, in democracy, it was natural that muslim majority provinces would be ruled by their respective govt. under federal system and obviously they would be free to implement policies according to the desire of local population to the extent of freedom given by indian constitution so what was the point for declaring it muslim majority province? Most of muslim leagues leaders were nawabs, zamindars etc. So once their demands were met, they would not have let the social reforms to apply- thats what exactly happened in pakistan. Since Muslim league has shown its loyalty to britishers so they might have affected india’s foriegn policy in favour of britishers against india’s national interest. there was another practical problem of army. How to keep army loyal to the country rather than to provinces and religion? That would be a real problem as can be seen clearly in pakistan. All these problems to some extent were raised in historic speech by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad at Zama Masjid, Delhi.
So from that point of view, that decision seems to be correct in current scenario. offcourse, if everything had gone right with pakistan then there would have been no need to write this article.
First, many thanks to Mr Haider for this excellent, well-researched series of articles – I indeed learnt a lot about a nation that always intrigued me as a boy who grew up deep in Southern India. At the end of this series, I truly felt that I should wish Pakistanis all the very best in building a better future they richly deserve. DKG’s further analysis makes me think that Azad must have been a genius as much as other prominent leaders of the day. Though I heard of him through history lessons during the school days, his writings and speeches, it appears, deserve a special reading.
Strange that….with each part of the blog…..fewer the comments from Pakistanis in a major Pakistani newspaper?? The silence feels deafening…… I am actually amazed that the author is able to express centuries old truth(s) in such candid manner and yet not get killed in a society filled with hate. I would caution the author….dude don’t go overboard….else might get slapped with the blasphemy case!!
The silence from Pakistanis and Muslims is indeed deafening. Either they no longer read such biased opiniated rants or their comments are brushed aside by the moderator inorder to show the writer in a good light. This sort of thing runs through most aspects of Pakistani society. Dawn is no exception. The intelligent reader is not fooled by this farce.
Somebody has to tell the truth.
How sane and serene the author is! There can not be a better self-analysis of the present state of Pakistan and a more patriotic and broader-minded solution either. Will his voice be heard? I hope so.
Once again, I could not help but cry. The tears were part anger part frustration and part a relief. Once a very wise old man said “Truth is healing” no wonder I felt the relief. You Sir, Mr. Haider a very Honest and a Brave Human being. I pray to the Almighty to Preserve you and Bless your Pen with many more such thoughtful gems. I also pray that the Seed of Truth you are sowing takes a deep root and flourishes into a proverbial Banyan Tree under the Shadow of which the Young of Pakistan and India discover each other and embrace as friends do. God!!! How long will you let the People keep their minds closed? I beseech you to let Mr. Haider his like spread the Good Word of Peace for Humanity.
sir, I am an Indian but I am deeply impressed by the author’s fair mindedness and ability to look in…
Of course you would. Any Indian would. That is why Pakistan was made, to protect us from them.
Zalim, you are a real zalim in letter and spirit.
@Mobarak Haider
You have really understood the real ancient subcontinent culture . But as Darwin said “Survival of fittest” , the Arabian religion and culture proved its superiority by sword in the past . But these community and countries didn’t change themselves since then , as a result they still possess medieval and old mindset . Examples are there…Afghanistan, Iran,Iraq,Syria and other Islamic countries. They are not ready to accept others point of view or belief as they are blessed with superior mindset and views. As a result they have become passive and passive water is bound to be polluted.
They don’t find reason in anything as they have closed their communication links with outside . Nobody can’t ask them why they wear a black color full gown in subcontinent summer or why they don’t eat non-Halal food(question is not why do you eat Halal food). Well..this is the difference…
Amazing. I wish to send this article to all my friends.
The author has captured the Hindu psyche very well. Nobody can rewrite history, but a few words of empathy goes a long way to heal the wounds, some real, some imaginery.
He is Hindu.
I salute you for writing this series The whole series is about introspection and circumspection. Well written and well meant for everyone. There are millions who subscribe to your views.
India and Pakistan are a reality. Let it be so.
The author has rightfully called Nehru and Patel as Clever. Their cleverness has probably saved the meek Hindu Populace of great sufferings.
The hate, suspiscion and paranoia in Pakistan has certainly led to the arm race, notwithstanding the geopolitic reality of India particularly in view of Chinese debacle in 1962 and subsequent subtle expansionist and hegemonic policy of China.
For the sake of the masses of Pakistan; and also of India, the opinion makers in Pakistan must endavour to Overcome the paranoia. A real Jihad is required as opposed to what is taught to school children as a matter of brainwashing.
One can only wish the Pakistani breathern wisdom, prosperity and happiness.
My Muslim friend will not love it. One thing is very clear that, it was wise decision that Cabinet Commission recommendation was not accepted by the congress. I am sure that we can not absorb the pressure of United India with such hostile & divergent community.
In my mind, in this divergent world, varied human creed, language, culture & diversity, monolithic religion is against its very concept. Hinduism, Jainism & Buddhism are still survived due their pluralistic & openness approach. Comparatively Islam is 1000 of years younger and if it loses its grip, it will disintegrate, fight with each other and die.
It is very wrong to say that Hindu’s did not out step to preach religion. They did, but they did it through their Dharma Duth (preacher of religion) Whole of south & south East Asia is still in practice and nourished Indian culture, religion, but in their own way.
As an Indian (age 49 years), reading news & listening to different parties/decision-makers all my life, I have never come across any statement in India “we want to annexe pakistan”. There was no such desire among politicians or the common man. What was done 65-years ago was accepted- and we have looked ahead. I am surprised that establishment in pakistan still using this absurd threat from india.
I agree. This myth persists, even among the educated youth of Pakistan today, and it surfaces from time to time in various comments forums even on this website. I’m 39, and I too, have never ever heard this preposterous theory being uttered by even the most right-wing rabble-rouser in India in my entire lifetime. Perhaps it’s a convenient option to fall back on, when all other reasons to hate India are spent.
Great article. We can’t undo the past but surely proceed ahead on the path of peace. A EU type set for SAARC countries is certainly possible. It will be surely be world’s biggest economy in 20 years. The need of the hour is to concentrate on economic development.
Pakistan is better with Turkey, Iran, China, and the Middle East. India does not fit into this equation and will be isolated as soon as wiser heads take over in Pakistan.
FactCheck February 27, 2013 4:13 am
Pakistan is better with Turkey, Iran, China, and the Middle East. India does not fit into this equation and will be isolated as soon as wiser heads take over in Pakistan…….
Wiser heads, in Pakistan? You must be kidding.
“The author is a renowned Pakistani intellectual.”
Mobarak Haider sahib, you have proved yourself to be one – unequivocally. What a breath of fresh air and blissful writing, a far cry from the razzmatazz of TV chat shows and their uncouth anchors and guests. Yuk.
May the power and magic of the written media and its renowned writers of Pakistan always remain alight.
Intellectual indeed…he is an Indian propagana plant. May be even a Hindu working to spread confusion and undo the very idea of Pakistan in the immature mind.
Yah that is paranoia
gr8 piece…nice article
I would like to congratulate two entities here.
First, the author doing a wonderful job and second, DAWN for being honest and courageous to publish this. If India, really, had to annex other countries (like China did with Tibet), it could take over Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Myanmar in a day.
Let’s get real. This is 2013. The era of annexing territory through military means is over. No sane country in the world will try to do any such thing. Yes, China is still trying to take over islands in the South China Sea, but they are the personification of the unstable world power today. And of course, the only other country outside Central Africa who thinks it is doable is Pakistan. They tried it in Kargil, and fell flat on their faces. But I guess even the Pakistani military has come to terms with the passage of time.
It will come to that, if it can. It did tryin those countries but dod not work out as it expected. And it has already done Hyderabad, Sikkem, Munawader, Kashmir, Kalistan…
Where is Munawader?…..SuperPak
I agree and admire most of what you have written. But you have not given enough thought while writing : “How many Muslims of the subcontinent had Indian ancestors or how they became Muslims is not important.” There is nothing wrong in separating issues while analyzing a complex problem, but declaring such a parameter “not important” is scientifically wrong. This parameter may be the source of many of our problems and, more importantly, may provide some basis for a solution and co-existence. Brushing it under the carpet will give a solution to a theoretical problem.
Very honest, indeed. All points well explained.
“—–We have to create the consciousness that changes human destiny and changes the world. Yes, we have no option now except to mend our ways and learn to modestly coexist with the world, which starts with the neighbor’s door—-”
Please let us know how this * consciousness * is to be created ? I would think it needs a change of heart.
Its another great article -the kind of writing which makes me come back to Dawn again and again.One the issue of Hate..I think thats the operational word when it comes to defining Pakistani society. If somebody feels that Islam is the reason then I will say that this degree and magnitude of hate, violence is probably unmatched in any other Islamic society. Its not that violence is not present in other societies but in Pakistan it has reached a new level and added new dimensions to this expression. There seems to be no internal voice which stops the people from curbing these emotions. As a Hindu Brahmin I have been brought up with the values that anger , violence is bad for ones body and mind. These lessons are part of our daily upbrining in family/society.Vegetarianism is simply one aspect of this belief system. This is why I see the Pakistani value system as the antithesis of the Hindu value system. The two are placed diametrically opposite in the value plane.Frankly, I dont feel reconciliation is possible…I willl be happy if the Pakistanis simply choose not to bother Indians and find some positive reasons for their own existence..
Shankar, I am surprised at your ignorance of Pakistan. You are a typical victim of media propaganda. You have tried to brand Pakistan a certain way almost ignoring the fact that there are 190 million unique human beings of every possible kind living in Pakistan. Yes, your points about violence are correct. But learn more about Pakistan and Pakistani society than media tell you. Thank you.
Wonderful food for brain to have logical thinking and forces every reader to do a critical thinking on existence of problems in subcontinent politics.
This has nothing to do with politics.
What an Article!!! People like you (the author) are indeed a blessing to the entire community!! Hate begets hate. Period. Every tradition, every belief system & culture is unique and must be respected.There is no place for supremacy on this planet. The need of the hour is to co-exist with peace and sense/intellect.
Thought provoking ,critically analysed.
Nothing critical about it. And no analysis.