Muslims Needn't Crawl

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam

26 September 2022

Itna Bhi Na Jhuk Ke Koi Paaemaal Kar Jaaye Tujhe

Apni Na Sahi, Ghairat-E-Qaum Ki Toh Soch Zara

Yaas Yagana Changezi

(Don't make yourself so low that you're trampled underfoot / You needn't care for your pudency but think of the sense of honour of the community)

When a race chooses to crawl;

Sooner or later, it does fall 

Author's own translation of his Bangla verse

One of the most cringe worthy manifestations of human behaviour is sycophancy. Umer Ahmed Ilyasi calling RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat the Father of the Nation is an embarrassing instance of apple-polishing.

While one can understand the apprehensions of Ilyasi as India is fast becoming a Hindu Rashtra, there's no need for Muslims to be ingratiating with the RSS satrap and other influential Hindus.

Currying favour with an outright Hindu outfit and its head-honcho in such a servile and fawning manner is uncalled-for. Sycophancy stems from an acute sense of inferiority complex and also from lurking fear.

Arab military General in mediaeval times Amir Alkhoub observed that sycophancy is the final resort or the end result when you inveigh against your opponent tooth and nail but fail. Then you inveigle yourself into his good books by licking his boots. Sycophancy as a war or diplomatic strategy can be understood and even condoned. But genuflecting as a social gesture to appease someone (perceived to be invincible) is unacceptable and humiliating. This besmears the image of the person and the community he belongs to.

Amour propre (self-respect or esteem) is something that must never be compromised. No need for Muslims to lie on the ground and let the juggernaut of Hinduism / RSS mow them down. Obsequious Ilyasi must realize this. Retain your self-respect and hold your head high. 

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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.

URL:  https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/muslims-rss-hinduism-bhagwat/d/128035

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