FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK |
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| We can't be a dumb and deaf community | |
| After the Extra-Ordinary Conference held in Stanmore in June,
1997, the question asked by many is "what now?" Many have opined that a
community should not be divided because of its leaders and that there should be some sort
of compromise to let things continue smoothly. This is fine but under the present
circumstances, the reconciliation path is strewn with a plethora of difficulties whereby
it is not easy to patch issues by simply overlooking the past. Following the occurences at the Stanmore Conference, where the Africa Federation had simply sought fair deliberations and voting on Caluse 20.1, a sense of insecuritty has prevailed among the delegates from Africa and they now remain unconvinced that their basic right of being treated with respect in future meetings will not be flouted, yet again. Politeness and good etiquette in meetings are virtues that can never be overrated. What threats and insults cannot accomplish, politeness often can. The hallmark of a good community is reflected by its unity. In our case we do not want our communal infra-stucture to break down because this, despite the many developments that have ensued over the years, would be tantamount to progression towards retrogression. Ours being a religious organisation, undue break-ups would also be contrary to Islamic teachings because such break-ups would undermine, in one way or another, the community's religious and secular activities. At the same time, however, we cannot be a community which does not deem it essential to treat its members, many of whom work essentially in the name of Allah (S.W.T.), with due respect. Going back to the Stanmore meeting, where a fair number of abnormalities took place without subsequent clarifications, it does appear that the message to the Africa Federation was one of intimidation because rather than pure steadfastness to the World Federation constitution, there was sheer effrontery. To be resolute and to stick to one's principles is fine but there should always be room to accomodate fair and reasonable requests, like the request by the Africa Federation for a secret ballot. The 'never budge an inch' attitude, even when reasonable requests are made, contradicts the very tenets of Islam because in the process it pollutes the environment as it did in the Stanmore meeting. In any meeting, a deaf Federation (which does not heed to reasonable requests) and dumb members (who assume that it is wrong to ask constructive questions) would unambiguously contradict the requirements of true democracy. Under true democracy, leaders of an organisation are expected to encourage their members to play a constructive role towards ensuring fulfilment of its objectives. One way of encouragement comes by way of ensuring that members are given fair chance to give candid opinions - after all, our meetings are supposed to shed undue political shrewdness aside and instead be dictated by a religious ambience. What Africa needs from the World Federation is not an overdose of humility, pampering or praise but due respect to allow it to exercise its democratic rights in the name of Allah (S.W.T.). Until then, without in any way undermining normal activities of the World Federation, Africa should restrain itself from being too committed in the affairs of the World Federation. - Munir Daya |
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