GCC sectarianism is a new plague Wednesday, 30 March 2011 02:27

Since long ago, our people in the Gulf have lived side by side, in peace. We knew nothing about sectarianism, nothing about its shades or tastes. Our brothers and friends from the Shia community are those we studied and worked with. Over the years, we became fast friends, sitting side by side in classroom desks and that camaraderie grew with us as we moved into offices. In school and work, neighborhoods and homes, businesses and trades, we were side by side. No one felt any difference, not even the slightest bit.

Then this era rolled around, deepening differences and giving rise to slurs and accusations. Surprisingly, the issue has arisen amongst children and grandchildren – not from their elders’ generation.

What caused such hateful accusations, slurs, and divides? They do not realise that this is a horrid trend. Now, groups of people are imagining themselves to be a minority community amongst those who are superior and dominating them; owning the land that is being used to drive accusations and insults.

This is not in defence of Shias nor is it meant to cause controversy over the legitimacy of what is being said or the accuracy of the charges being made. To the contrary, this is a genuine appeal to heighten the ethical standards and act responsibly.

If Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, were present today, and if Shias arose during his reign and developed the beliefs that they currently hold, do you think he would call them what the extremist fanatics are calling them? Or would he support the strife and hatred directed at them in various forums and through BlackBerry messages, amongst other means of communication?

Do you think that the Prophet, peace be upon him, would descend upon them to isolate, ostracise, and barrage them with abusive slurs and insulting comments? What would one expect from them after being on the receiving end of such harassment and aggression? Is it surprising that they would take refuge with a foreign state which embraces and gives them a sense of belonging and recognition? If not for loyalty to the foreign state, then a reaction of intimidation to the people in their own country who accuse their fellow citizens and brotherly compatriots!

National demands have transformed into sectarian strife! Does this make sense? We have divided a country into two peoples, is that the so-called national identity? In true citizenship, there are no Sunnis or Shias. The real concept of citizenship does not classify people as Sunnis or Shias in their identification (ID) cards. Religion is for God and the homeland is for the people.

A foreign group with a questionable agenda has taken advantage of the fissures in the structure of the people. It is benefitting from the hidden hostility amongst society and found agents to drive the wedge further. It was able to penetrate and shift the direction of the uprising toward the pursuit of selfish gains, enraging the people to go to war against the established order. The foreign regime’s desire to rupture Arabism is taking shape. Yes, if it were not for the lack of trust between Sunnis and Shias, this would not be happening. If there were not desolation and isolation amongst them, the foreign interests would not be successful in controlling the momentum of the greatest vanishing act. Therefore, we are not seeing or hearing anything except for their voices. Could it be possible for the sounds of the honest and noble Bahrainis to disappear? Can the first factions of a national revolutionary in the Gulf begin in Bahrain?

The voice of evil and betrayal is louder than any other sound. Chaos and ignorance are for juveniles who spew slurs and insults without recognising their harm, which are deepening the wounds of the Shiites and shunning them away.

The mere fact that someone is a Shiite is a personal trait inherited from the environment. We are not God to pass judgment. Rather, we should ask for maturity and stability amongst ourselves. Faithful brothers, take it easy and watch every word you say. Do not pass accusations that turn into insults. Do not strike the wick and then marvel at the flames!

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