ASK MAULANA

How effective do you think this approach that many Muslims advocate—of protesting against what is termed ‘Islamophobia’— might be in changing the hearts and minds of people who may have negative views of Muslims? This approach of Muslims cannot change others’ views about Muslims. The only way to change this situation is that Muslims should reform themselves. Demanding others to change cannot at all be of any use in this regard. If you don’t think the above approach is effective in this regard, what alternate approach do you think Muslims should adopt to help others change their opinions about Muslims and Islam? The starting-point in this matter is that all those who are representatives of Muslims should openly disown Muslims’ terrorist activities. They should prevent Muslims from engaging in terrorism, and if this is not possible for them, then they should clearly condemn these actions by Muslims. What is the right approach to improve relations between Muslims and others in the present circumstances of violence perpetrated in the name of Islam? The only way to change the perception of people about Islam is for the representatives of Muslims to condemn the wrong actions of those Muslims who are resorting to violence. For example, all ulema should collectively issue a fatwa unconditionally denouncing all the negative activities of Muslims. o Reaction Instant reaction to problematic situations serves only to add new problems to the existing ones. Reaction unleashes an unending chain of action and reaction. The results of such a behaviour is disastrous.