It has become obvious that preposterous edicts have relegated Islam to a theological caricature (Ayatollahs All, Dec 12). Until this rabid stubbornness is checked, the spirit of Islam will continue to plummet down the drains.
Dr Sumit S. Paul, Pune
The most unfortunate aspect is that a majority of people, including Muslims, fail to understand the definition of fatwa. It is a legal pronouncement issued by a mufti at the request of an individual or a judge to settle a question where ‘fiqh’ (Islamic jurisprudence) is unclear. However, there is no uniform method to determine who can issue a valid fatwa because Islam has no centralised priestly hierarchy. So, the opinions of the muftis may differ (also according to circumstances) just as lawyers or doctors would have different opinions on a particular case. Further, much depends on when one does ask for fatwa. If you have a headache, you might take a couple of tablets. But if it worsens, you go to the doctor. Even then, you don’t prescribe the same medicine to your family or friends even if they have the same symptoms. In short, fatwa is an expert’s opinion to an individual on a certain issue where Islamic literature doesn’t provide a clear-cut guidance.
Asad-ul Gaba, Baroda
As fatwas are nothing more than personal views, the media should first cross-check the eminence of the cleric involved before ridiculing it. It won’t be prudent to see a fatwa as the general thought process of Muslims, more so when maulanas too
can be publicity-savvy.
Arif Jameel, Dubai
The fatwa has assumed extra-constitutional authority and is working as a parallel judicial instrument in India. This is why the bjp wants a uniform civil code, and the Muslims are not amused.
K.V. Raghuraman, on e-mail
Sad that the state of confusion in Indian society, already suffering from deep-rooted casteism, is accentuated by the utterances of religious leaders and subnationalists (Shush, Boo). Evidently, the ultimate beneficiaries of the malaise are politicians.
S.K. Moitra, Delhi
It is too much to gag Khushboo when similar observations have earlier been made by personalities big and small. Encouraging such censorship will only lead to our people becoming either bigots or silent lambs.
K.R. Sankuntala, Wayanad, Kerala
While agreeing with most of your points, I don’t see anything stupid with a chunk of the fatwas you have mentioned. Religion is a matter of one’s faith and you should not have a problem if somebody gets a reply on a question related to personal belief.
Peter Michael, Ganjbasoda, MP
The Quran says the right way to express oneself is to maintain silence when you think airing your opinion would serve no purpose. What better sample does one need to sense the rationality of Islamic teachings?
Majid, Mangalore
It is not without reason that Khushboo has been cornered. Freedom of speech doesn’t grant the liberty to offend others. Personal preference cannot define public morality. One should show restraint in airing views on issues that have a bearing on societal values and norms. All the same, the media is guilty of sensationalising select news. S.R. Devaprakash,
Tumkur, Karnataka
The Khushboo issue flared up after the media joined in with twisted explanations aimed at ‘interpreting’ the actions of the detractors of the actress’ views. On the other side, the country’s magistrates sided with sundry political fascists who were out to muzzle people speaking openly on sexual matters. There is no doubt that the lower judiciary has taken its cue from the ridiculous censorship regulations that used to disallow kiss scenes and let pass those showing rape.
Mehul Kamdar, Appleton, US
Isn’t it time we Indians learn to see how we get manipulated, that too in different ways. For a culture that is so old, rich and diverse, we should be prime examples of a society that lets anybody express thoughts without fear. Those affected by Khushboo’s remarks are the ones scared whether their motives would no more remain hidden. It’s high time we gave a straight ‘no’ to people claiming to be guardians of our culture.
Sameer Rawal, Delhi
Outlook is becoming simply obsessed with Muslims. It is getting absolutely boring.
Dinesh B.C., London
The title of your cover story was misleading. An ayatollah is a Shia Muslim title while the fatwas you quoted were all from the Sunni sect. Shia theologians pass fatwas on the rarest of occasions—extremely important matters that are of concern to the community as a whole.
Aseem Taqi, Nashville, US
There is no such thing as Sunni or Shia Islam. These are man-made schools of thought. The entire story is based on a narrow understanding of Islam.
Manzar Imam, Delhi
What a clever attempt at being an apologist for the mullahs by projecting only the harmlessly absurd fatwas! Pseudo-secularists were dismissive when Arun Shourie wrote his book The World of Fatwas more than one-and-a-half decades ago, and called him a Sanghi. They never flayed the triple talaq, but were quick to criticise a ban on Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses. These only provided fodder to fanatics. But for such acts, Babri Masjid should be still standing.
Ajit Tendulkar, Seattle
Hindus seldom used to pay heed to the homilies of their religious heads. But times are changing. From what one reads these days, some swamis and acharyas are actually giving a stiff competition to quite a few fatwa authors.
Lakshmi Srinivas, on e-mail
This ‘ban it if we don’t like it’ mentality is an uncorrected legacy of the British rule, when the state unapologetically policed expressions of dissent. More than that, it reflects our post-1947 political leadership with even Nehru failing to take a firm stand in defence of fearless speech. That was how institutions like the Censor Board were left intact and personality cults that rendered criticism or debate illegitimate were encouraged. It is inexcusable that the Constitution is itself wishy-washy on the issue of free expression and that the judiciary is not stern on such matters. When was the last time an Indian politician made an unambiguous and forceful defence of free speech? The matter will be solved if and when the Supreme Court makes it clear that hurt sentiments are no valid reason for restricting free speech.
Satardu Sen, St Louis, US
What part did Khushboo’s Muslim background have to play in her traumatic experience? Surely, the media reaction would have been different if the actress was from some other religion.
Shukoor P.S., Bangalore
A popular actress demanding freedom of speech is like a flight pilot taking a break en route just because a bus driver can do so. Celebrities are responsible for the impact of their words and deeds upon society.
Srini Jasti, San Jose
Why did you fail to carry the views of the Communists on the matter? I believe that the Leftists have succeeded to some extent in creating cultural communism in parts of the country where they have a presence. But it seems your effort was to ensure that the angle of the story was politically correct.
A.K. Aggarwal, Ahmedabad
When defamation law is clear that prosecution can be initiated only by the aggrieved person, it is curious how magistrates across Tamil Nadu took cognisance of complaints against Khushboo. It is a fit case for section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code to be applied to quash the entire bunch of petitions filed in the lower courts.
Gaya Sodhi, Mumbai
The story of Lord Ram being forced to send Sita to wilderness only shows that the ‘moral police’ has had its way right from time immemorial. The question today is who will protect the fundamental rights of the people and who would compensate those who suffer at the hands of such (im)moral forces.
K.J. John, Baroda
Pre-marital sex does cause harm to society, the plethora of discordant relations between couples in the West itself is an example. The social core has always encouraged single-partner sex but the media has chosen to ignore this in its bid to cash in on sleaze-related news.
Salil Gewali, Shillong
Amazing that Sania Mirza has managed to leap ahead with her game with a cool head despite a ring of unnecessary controversies surrounding her.
Anjum Hussain, Anantnag
Sania must refrain from talking about matters that are beyond her concern or comprehension. Since most journalists too have no expertise on the questions they ask, she should be clever enough to dodge them.
Shahul, Muscat
Preserve this litany of woes, and update them. One day, India will learn to be more tolerant.
S. Soundararajan, Portsmouth, UK
The fatwa story has left a lot of unanswered questions. It seems you got tired with the subject just as you were getting into the root of the trouble.
Medha Dutt, Calcutta
Fatwas are, in any case, meant for those keen to follow Islam. Why should others bother about them?
Mohammad Zafar, Mumbai
No party can survive without discipline. The BJP has done the right thing by expelling Uma Bharati (Pilgrim’s Regress, Dec 12). When egotism takes grip of an individual, lust for power only rises.
K.R. Parvathi, Wayanad, Kerala
Expulsion can embolden Uma to split the parent party and float a regional outfit. That way she can show her popularity and teach the BJP a lesson for slighting her.
Dr David Peniel, Tiruchirapalli
Regardless of her anti-party utterances, the fact remains that the BJP betrayed Uma twice. First, she was denied the CM’s post after a Hubli court acquitted her. The top brass then asked her to wait till the Bihar polls, only to act against her interest later. Pramod Srivastava, on e-mail
Two or three more timely departures—like L.K. Advani, Narendra Modi and M.M. Joshi—and I will vote for the BJP in the next elections.
Karthik Sitaram, Oxnard, US
The old demon of caste still exists in our country not because of Brahmins but the so-called lower castes (Bash Brahminism Back?, Dec 12). Karunanidhi is back to his old tricks of attacking Brahmins only to see that his son M.K. Stalin takes over the party.
Baskar N. Iyer, Mumbai
For quite some time, several Shiv Sainiks have felt neglected by Bal Thackeray due to his preference for his son Uddhav (Feline Relics, Dec 12). The party’s mantle should have been handed over to Raj, who enjoys the support of a majority of the cadre. Morally, Thackeray cannot plant Uddhav as his successor. Nor can he bear the jolt if Raj deserts. Both ways, it’s a very difficult time for the Sena.
M.K. Sharma, Greater Noida
Thackeray and Uddhav should now hitch themselves to the saffron bandwagon led by the BJP, considering the highly volatile mood within the Sena.
K.P. Rajan, Mumbai
Shocking that the head of an elected government funds insurgency (Manipur CM Gave Rs 1.5 Crore to Separatists, Dec 12). Such deeds warrant harsh steps from the Centre.
S. Lakshmi, on e-mail
It’s hardly surprising that the chief minister of a Northeastern state gave money to insurgents. Those living in this region know well the kind of nexus between politicians and ultras (just as leaders elsewhere in the country have criminal links and/or antecedents). In fact, many Northeast politicians are one-time insurgents. Only that the Centre’s partiality towards the nscn(im) and its unjustifiable demands would also have spurred on the Meitei groups, who would be the biggest losers in any settlement involving a ‘Greater Nagalim’.
Biswapriya Purkayastha, Shillong
The greatest mistake Nehru made (and for which India is still paying) was his insistence on becoming the PM (Like A Storm In a Gandhi Cap, Dec 12). His temperament more suited that of a president. Sardar Patel, a better administrator, should have headed the government.
Navdeep Hans, Delhi
India should not feel hostile towards Nepal for its warmer relations with China of late. (Sinositis, Dec 12). It was New Delhi that labelled Maoists as ‘terrorists’, and the Deuba government, the US and others followed suit. Maoists can only be called ‘insurgents’.
Mithun Jung, Kathmandu
Under no circumstances will India want Nepal to be a true democracy, since that would risk the chance of Maoists assuming power in Kathmandu.
Haaris Sheikh, Houston
Regarding your story dated December 19, 2005, titled, A Much ‘Roving’ Ambassador, let me kindly clarify:
1. There has been no complaint against me officially or unofficially, formally or informally during my stay in Croatia.
2. During my tenure, I had the best of relations with all Croatian officials and non-officials. I had excellent relations with the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament who I met four times in November 2005 itself. The Croatian government has put on record its appreciation for the help I rendered to the Speaker after his son’s death in Goa in February 2005.
3. Regarding attending Croatia’s victory day celebrations—which is an official invitation issued in the name of the President, PM and Speaker of the Parliament—it is compulsory to attend. The EU had a problem with Croatia. India did not. There was no impropriety on my part. Besides, the Dean of the Diplomatic Community, the Vatican Ambassador in Zagreb, was present on the occasion.
4. Regarding visits outside Zagreb, they were on the official invitation of local authorities and heads of local administration. Local authorities invite heads of diplomatic missions to visit their region. This is part of an ambassador’s job.
5. In November, I called on the Croatian PM and during my discussions, requested him to expedite my successor’s papers.
6. As far as the allegations against me by Duska Bilic are concerned, they are outrageous and false. She was never my maid. I refused to hire her due to her bad character and her rabid criticism of my predecessor.
7. I would also like to say that all the personal allegations against me are false and motivated by the sources you have quoted in your story. Their timing of the decision to speak is a matter that seriously needs to be questioned.
I am single and I, too, am entitled to a private life. Your sources have sought to malign me and tarnish my image by distorting my personal life.
Aneil Mathrani, New Delhi
Seema Sirohi replies: The article doesn’t mention any complaints. Points 2 and 3 are a matter of perception. As for point 4, I have documents to show that pre-dated invitations were faxed last month after requests were made on Mathrani’s behalf. The mea sent the agreement for the new ambassador in April but it was blocked for months after Mathrani found out about it. Duska Bilic was not a ‘maid’ but a housekeeper and she quit because she says Mathrani made an inappropriate suggestion to her. Others corroborated accounts of the ambassador’s personal conduct.
Steve Waugh is critical about Sourav Ganguly because he can’t stomach an Indian giving back the Aussies a bit of their own medicine (Fire in the Belly, Dec 12). Aussies resort to verbal and physical abuse. So, why should Waugh feel needled when Sourav turns up late for the toss?
T. Krishnan, Bangalore
A customer of WorldSpace for the past one-and-a-half years, I find that the reception has been bad now for over six months (Broken Signals, Dec 12). The service response too has been poor, and I am back to FM. At least for now.
Arun Maheshwari, Bangalore
