by Swaleha k. JOOMUN

It is with growing interest that I am following the ?Adhaan? debate. It is not in my intention to turn this into a contentious issue, but I feel deeply concerned by Maulana Chooramun's words. With all due respects to the Maulana, I feel his stance may further stigmatise the cause of the muslims. What should have been a golden opportunity for clarifying some misconceptions seem to have turned into an irreverent attitude by a religious leader. It is inappropriate that the Maulana and his followers are making a tactical gamble and appealing to religious affinity here. It is highly pretentious to speak ?au nom de la communauté musulmane? for many reasons. The most obvious one being, if the ?communauté? has appointed Mr Chooramun as spokesman here? One does not seek justice by violating the rights of others. Aggression and transgression are against the fundamentals of Islam. So in whose name then is the Maulana speaking? I am sure a large majority would be unwilling to have him as their ?leader? if he continues on this suicidal note. There is no denying that the muslims in Mauritius have somehow felt ?wronged?. We, however, have to be brave enough to face our own shortcomings and not to just lay the blame on others? doorsteps and lambast our ?opponents? . It is pointless to remember the numerous occasions when we have chosen to antagonise ourselves through our own actions and reactions to events. Just think about the introduction of PoTA in our so-called paradise. Who was to blame? I do feel some sympathy for this religious leader who is willing to sacrifice himself to be heard. His decision to behave like the proverbial lamb being slaughtered here simply adds to the confusion. Who in heaven's name need a martyr when what is required is just some plain common sense and sending the right signal. I pray that this does not degenerate into a make or break situation for the Maulana and his cronies. I forfeit anyone from speaking in my name if he has no respect for the cause. Islam is about submission to Allah. Instead of encouraging some form of violence, let us remember the words of Abu Bakr, ?If I behave well support me, if I falter straighten me.?

Do we blindly support the Maulana? Or do we remind him that if he has proclaimed himself as the spokesperson, he has to play it by the books, be they Holy or legal. No offence meant.