Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 233
Political Peace 233 only meeting point amongst the clergy is their uncompromising demand for the enforcement of shariah. The Iranian revolution has further whetted the appetite of the Mullah in countries where Sunni Muslims are a majority. According to them, if Khomeini can succeed, why must they fail? Beyond this lies their fantasia—the land of their dreams. The masses are confused. Would you prefer the Word of God and that of the Holy Prophet sa of Islam or would you rather have men under a godless and fearless society to guide and shape your political manifestos? This question is extremely difficult for a common person, who finds himself in a state of bewilderment and confusion. The masses in many Muslim countries adore Islam and would readily die for the Will of God and the honour of the Holy Prophet sa of Islam. Yet there is something within the whole scenario, which leaves them confused, disturbed and very uneasy. Despite their love of God and that of the Holy Prophet sa , it invokes many a bloody memory of governments in the past, which were either under the influence of mullahs or exploited mullahism to their political advantage. As for the Muslim politicians, they seem to be divided and indecisive. Some cannot resist exploiting this situation by siding with the mullah and patronising them. They cherish the secret hope, however, that at the time of elections, it will not be the mullah but they who will be elected as stalwart champions of shariah. The masses would prefer to trust them more as guardians of shariah than the mullah. Life would be easier and more down to earth in their hands than under the stiff and uncompromising control of the ‘custodians of heaven’. Most scrupulous amongst the politicians are the foresighted ones who consider this to be a dangerous game. Alas! They are fast turning into a minority. Politics and hypocrisy and truth and scruples,