23 September 2013, 11:51 AM IST
Everytime something wrong happens, with anything remotely connected with the word 'Islam', this question is asked on social media.
Now this is very interesting, because the question is never asked when people from other religions attack people from another. Across the globe, and in our country.
During Sarajevo, nobody asked 'What are moderate Christians doing?'
During the Tibet riots, nobody asked 'What are moderate Taoists doing?'
During the Delhi riots, nobody asked 'What are moderate Hindus doing?'
For sure, extreme, violent Islamists - Bin Laden's spiritual heirs - are increasingly in the news for their dastardly attacks in recent years.
But if you look around, Google a bit perhaps, they are condemned by ordinary Muslims not just from the safety of their homes, but also outside in the streets.
Perhaps it's not a movement yet, but I can see the numbers growing - you will too, if you look closer.
Some of these ordinary Muslims are being attacked for their non-violent beliefs - with sticks and stones, bombs and bullets by people who profess to be 'purer'.
But we will never hear of these people - let alone see a discussion on Facebook.
Perhaps ordinary Muslims, ordinary Hindus, ordinary Christians, ordinary Sikhs, ordinary Buddhists, etc. standing up against extremist forces are inconvenient roadbumps in the mainstream discourse?
Where it is far more convenient to quickly point a familiar, belligerent finger from the safety of a well-cushioned armchair?
Quickly tar everyone with the same brush, and while leaving the room, ask the 'moderate' question to prove to the world we are moderates?
Oh, I can see through your 'moderate' question. I can see where you're coming from. And you know where you're coming from.
But never mind. My job is not to give anyone 'moderate' or 'non-moderate' certificates. (I am not even sure what 'moderate' means - for me, it means anyone who agrees with me - so generally avoid.)
For now, let me tell you the future will be like.
Frankly I don't know.
I sincerely hope the forces of good will triumph over evil, as it always does, but no clue when. No clue about the ifs and buts, the hows and whys.
I do have an opinion though, about the role of all ordinary people who profess different faiths towards the same end: Peace.
Which is - and this is nothing new - keep looking at similarities, common ground, not differences. Support each other when we can: exchange ideas, discuss differences, and so on.
If you're on social media, that shouldn't be too difficult.
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