FROM MAULANA’S DESK

menace of extremism, as fulfilling such a demand could be instrumental in further fuelling the radicalization of impressionable minds. The Australian Muslim leadership’s demand runs counter to wisdom. At the present moment, they should have unequivocally condemned the violence that the young Muslims have perpetrated. They should divert the Muslim youth to peaceful activities such as going ahead in education, participating in constructive activities and, most importantly, conveying the peaceful teachings of Islam to their countrymen. This is the solution to the problem of radicalism that the Australian Muslim community is currently facing. Australian Muslims should live as peaceful citizens and not allow any separatism in the name of Islam. They must shun all forms of active and passive violence. It is in their best interest to live as a creative community in Australia and not a protestant community. This will be possible if Muslims become part of the national mainstream. This is the way to success for Muslims in Australian society. Any other path will only lead to destruction. o Maulana Wahiduddin Khan editor@thespiritofislam.org Signs People see the signs, but pass them by without detecting them. One who has a prepared mind, however is able to recognize them and then turn them into objects of contemplation.