Spirituality today is definitely the tranquilizer of the rich -- JAVED AKHTAR, Spiritual Meditations

Spiritual Meditations

Spirituality today is definitely the tranquilizer of the rich -- JAVED AKHTAR

There are certain things that I would like to make very clear at the very outset. Don’t get carried away by my name – Javed Akhtar. I am not revealing a secret, I am saying something that I have said many times, in writing or on TV, in public…I am an atheist, I have no religious beliefs. And obviously I don’t believe in spirituality of some kind. Some kind.

Another thing. I am not standing here to criticize, analyze, or attack this gentleman who is sitting here. We have a very pleasant, civilized relation. I have always found him to be an extremely courteous person.

One is talking about an idea, an attitude, a mindset. Not any individual.

I must tell you that when Rajeev opened this session, for a moment I felt that I have come to the wrong place. Because, if we are discussing the philosophy of Krishan and Gautam and Kabir, Vivekanand, then I have nothing to say. I can sit down right now. I am not here to discuss a glorious past of which I suppose every Indian is proud, and rightly so. I am here to discuss a dubious present.

http://newageislam.com/spirituality-today-is-definitely-the-tranquilizer-of-the-rich----javed-akhtar--/spiritual-meditations/d/1438

The Hizbut Tahrir issue: Bangladesh must deal with it firmly An editorial in The Daily Star, Dhaka, Islam,Terrorism and Jihad, NewAgeIslam.com

Islam,Terrorism and Jihad

The Hizbut Tahrir issue: Bangladesh must deal with it firmly

An editorial in The Daily Star, Dhaka

Whatever be their goal, there is little for it to justify its publicly stated goal of overthrowing the government or any government based on democratic political principles. The organisation's chief coordinator has contemptuously rejected democracy. That attitude in itself is symptomatic of the potential for disorder. The unfortunate part of the story is that successive governments in Bangladesh have, in spite of the facts before them, always chosen to soft-pedal on the issue. The approach has been as mystifying as it has been disquieting. Hizbut Tahrir followers can be found holding responsible positions in such reputed bodies as private universities. Just how the organisation has managed to acquire such space leaves one wondering.

We believe that it is now extremely important for the government to deal with the problem, firmly and without losing time. There can be no denying that the contents of the statements and leaflets coming from Hizbut Tahrir are a frontal assault on the constitutional process and democracy. It is values -- those symbolised by the ideals of free speech, tolerance, equality, et al -- that are now under threat. If we are opposed to military coups or any other types of intervention in democracy, we are equally opposed to democracy being threatened with destruction in the name of our religion. Only firmness on the part of the government and an increased sense of awareness among citizens about the lurking danger can prevent this country from sliding into despotism.

http://newageislam.com/the-hizbut-tahrir-issue--bangladesh-must-deal-with-it-firmly-/islam,terrorism-and-jihad/d/783