Rafiq Zakaria is a widely read Muslim Scholar, known for his books on the relations of Hindu-Muslim communities. I got a chance to read his book "The Widening Divide" - a book on the complexities of Hindu-Muslim relations. I was attracted by the title of this book and i tried to read the book with an open mind. The author says that he has written this book primarily for Hindus to dispel some myths and falsifications about Indian Muslims spread by the Hindutva Brigade. I have to confess here that i am a non-practicing Hindu but i do have firm belief in my religion; on other hand i do hold other religions in respect.
He covers various complex issues mainly - the behavior of Muslim Invaders and Kings on their Hindu subjects, the Kashmir question, the riots, the Ayodhya issue, the partition, reforms-economic-social conditions of Muslims and the charge of Hindutva Brigade. He is pretty neutral and appears very objective overall but at places the words betray his cause. He conveniently forgets the Mappila riots of Kerala during the Khilafat movement, the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Iltumish and Aibak were shown in good light ignoring the temples looted and desecrated by these and other rulers of Delhi Sultanate and of Mughal Empire. The gory destruction of Hampi is conveniently ignored by him. No one can deny the role played by various Sufi saints in the conversion of Hindus into the fold of Islam but no one should also deny the role played by the power of sword and Jizyah tax. North Indian plains do not have any ancient temple or monument; the oldest monument in the north Indian plains would be Qutub Minar if i am not wrong, i will be more than happy to be proved wrong here.
He covers various complex issues mainly - the behavior of Muslim Invaders and Kings on their Hindu subjects, the Kashmir question, the riots, the Ayodhya issue, the partition, reforms-economic-social conditions of Muslims and the charge of Hindutva Brigade. He is pretty neutral and appears very objective overall but at places the words betray his cause. He conveniently forgets the Mappila riots of Kerala during the Khilafat movement, the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Iltumish and Aibak were shown in good light ignoring the temples looted and desecrated by these and other rulers of Delhi Sultanate and of Mughal Empire. The gory destruction of Hampi is conveniently ignored by him. No one can deny the role played by various Sufi saints in the conversion of Hindus into the fold of Islam but no one should also deny the role played by the power of sword and Jizyah tax. North Indian plains do not have any ancient temple or monument; the oldest monument in the north Indian plains would be Qutub Minar if i am not wrong, i will be more than happy to be proved wrong here.
Its very easy to abuse Hindutva movement or call them Fascists but the most important question that should be asked is why this movement enjoy so much support among the masses. There has to be some element of truth in the ideology of this movement. Unless the questions raised by his ideology are not answered and are not perceived to be answered this movement would continue to gain momentum in the dangerously fertile land of India. Perhaps Zakaria sahib and perhaps we all should try to find these answers, it is never too late unless u call it late.
Recommended (7/10)
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