The loudest talk of the Maldives is extremist ideology. Then there is the talk of secularist ideology at the same level. These two ideologies on its nature are scary and uneasy to hear for the Maldivians and there are reasons for that. It has been several centuries since Maldivians have received the most invaluable gift that one can get from this world which is “Islamic Creed” and have been persistent with the religion. Despite this, today we are hearing that being under the shelter of the holy religion, some Maldivians exhibiting inhuman behaviours, violating others rights, committing crimes, and “breakout of a serious illness”. Some say it is “extremist ideology”.
There will be a reason for such a scary ideology to exist, grow and develop in this small country which has been a 100% Muslim country for centuries. It is due to the developments that are brought to the Maldives in addition to the changes that occurred politically. It is hard to identify when or the “root” of the “extremist ideology's" existence in the Maldives. Anyone would know that when it really started or why it expanded such an extent, by looking into the history of the past few years.
Saying that this was started and formed when the Maldivians got involved in democracy, will not be entirely incorrect looking into recent history. It is very much noted that during the reign of former president Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom, the opposition's discussions held to change his presidency included especially religious sermons that were very much “oppressed.” At that time, it was debated that those rights should be given to every individual. There was numerous work done to show that the president Maumoon was a secularist.
The opposition at the time decided that religious sermons can be given by any individual and praying in separate congregations disregarding mosques as acceptable, and debated that each individual should be given freedom of expression in written and spoken words. These are some of the things that they had put into people’s heads.
Maumoon’s administration was shaped in a way that religious sermons can only be given by specific individuals whom the government gives permission. As a result, the chance of having separate religious sects was very much limited. The government was regularly monitoring religious scholars. Despite that, it became a political tool used against Maumoon at that time which led Maumoon to relieve some of the restrictions during the last few years of his presidency. Even today, some specific individuals proudly say that they provided that independence. Sadly, they had not thought of the ultimate result of it. The political tool that they used has ‘blasted’ into their hands and it has become hard to get rid of the issue. At that time they were ‘OK’ with it for political reasons.
The other issue is the secular ideology. Again it is a game of politicians. In the name of human rights, western secular thinking has been put into people’s head. This has led some people to deny some principles of Islam and consider that it is uncivilised and ‘barbaric’ to accept and believe such principles in the modern civilised world. Further, the secularists have been openly expressing voice in various platforms that there is a need to change it. Especially their voice is louder in social media platforms. They have been voicing against capital punishment which is mandated in Islam in murder cases. It shows what else than their thoughtlessness. It is as if they approve of killing god’s created innocent human beings.
It is has been years since securest ideology started in the Maldives. However, recently they have been more active in social media to spread their ideology. Among this are some political leaders of the Maldives. Their work is an added encouragement to these people. It is becoming an opportunity to expedite their work. Everyone knows that it is not a difficult job to copy those whom they follow as their idol. These kinds of people are trying to get rid of the “Islamic Creed” of the Maldives.
Even in the constitution of Maldives, there is no provision for such people. However, it will not be a lie to say that the government is reluctant to take actions against such people fearing failure of the political agendas. There is a need to rehabilitate ‘extremist ideologists’ as well as ‘secularists.’
Since Islam is a religion of the middle path, each of these issues should be dealt with the beautiful principles of Islam. Before dealing with the people of these two ideologies, there is a need to show the right path to the people whom the public believe as the leaders of the country. There is a need to make them understand that religion and politics cannot be separated and that it will not be successful and to fulfil the qualities of an Islamic leader.
It is the responsibility of everyone to save our country. If we escape from that responsibility, then we will lose later much. These two ideologies should be eliminated by showing them patiently and politely the correct principles and the right path. That is what has been stated in the religion as well. Political leaders also have to leave their political agendas aside and make an effort to get rid of these kinds of ill-thinking and destructive behaviours. If they worked honestly, the country would be on the right path. If not, they will not be able to get hold of the country to continue their agenda further. Major Islamic countries have been destroyed in these kinds of difference of opinions and this a terrifying issue.
