1. The document discusses the need for pluralism and diversity in our world today. It argues that a 2500 year old model of military dominance has failed and inequality is rising. 2. It emphasizes the importance of courage, patience, wisdom and perseverance to promote pluralism. It also discusses the diversity within Islamic cultures and the challenges of reducing threat perceptions and acknowledging difficult historical facts. 3. The document advocates for recognizing individual identities rather than insisting on assimilation. It argues that both the terms "West" and "Muslims" are faulty and do not reflect reality, and that promoting pluralism requires addressing real issues rather than propaganda.

1. Islamic Pluralism
Promoting pluralism and plural cultures

2. Window of Opportunity
1. Forking times of history are characterized by turmoil
and upheaval that shake the foundations of the
structures of society
2. That makes it possible for a single man or woman to
change the path of destiny
So what do you want to do?

4. Our World today
1. 2500 year old model of military dominance has failed
2. “Richest 1% in the United States now own more wealth
than the bottom 90 percent.” New York Times
3. But the others today have a voice and can act
4. Pluralism is the most critical need of the hour
http://www.visualcapitalist.com/wealth-inequality-problem-one-chart/

5. ‘It is no measure of health to be
well adjusted to a profoundly sick
society.’
~ J. Krishnamurti

6. We need today the most…
1. Courage
 To speak the truth
before tyrants
2. Patience
 Not to react but to
respond
3. Wisdom
 To devise productive,
positive strategies
4. Perseverance
 To continue to work in
the face of discouragement
Only extraordinary goals inspire extraordinary effort

7. What does Islam say?
Qur’an: Hujuraat 49: 13
O mankind! We have created you from a male and a
female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you
may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable
of you with Allah is the one who is the most pious.
Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
When in doubt, refer to the Qur’an – not Fox News

8. Islam in South Asia
What makes it different?
1. South Asia had its own centuries old civilizations,
languages, customs, traditions before Islam arrived
2. These got incorporated into Islam
3. Islam came to most of South Asia through traders and
Sufis so there was no hostility towards it
Islam came to India in the 7th century CE
Invasions started in the 12th century

9. Diversity in Islamic cultures
1. In India, the only thing in common between Muslims
from the North, South, East and West, is the Creed
2. Everything else is different – yet we live very
amicably together because the difference is valued
3. Language is a greater binding force than religion
Diversity is our signature – to recognize each other

11. Bhagavaty Temple, Kodangallur

12. Quick history lesson
We’re all linked in time and space

13. Threat perception
1. By the 18th century the Muslim world was in decline
2. The Islamic response was to turn inward and a tolerant
religion grew more and more conservative and xenophobic
3. European colonization of Muslim lands in the 19th century
and continuous hostility to Islam, demonizing of Muslims
and biased Govts./Media increased resentment of the West
To promote pluralism we must reduce threat perception

14. Voluntary blindness
1. Democracy is by the people, for the people – not by US
2. You can’t support dictators and talk about democracy
3. Lies are lies, even if you tell them in the UN
4. Short sighted foreign policy supports dictators who
enslave masses and the result is low intensity warfare
I can’t believe that intelligent people can’t see this

15. Challenges WE have to deal with
1. Fact: Muslim lands have been invaded and plundered
2. Fact: Brutal dictators installed and supported by the US
3. Fact: Blind eye to injustice because Muslims are victims
4. Fact: Hypocrisy of lip service to peace and democracy
Detracts from the credibility of diplomacy

16. A tale of two headlines

17. War makes money
Peace is bad for business

18. Meanwhile….
1. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/
2. http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/iraq i.e. 1,455, 590
Iraqi Muslims killed due to war & occupation since 2003
3. Not to mention the oil and treasures looted by the
occupiers.
And still it is Muslims and Islam who are violent?

19. Operative Hard facts
1. If you invade a country, people will resist
2. If you sell weapons, peace is bad for business
3. You can’t support one value at home and the opposite
outside and still remain credible
4. Peace comes at a price which is far less than war
Denying facts doesn’t change them

20. What’s different about Muslims?
1. Reality of Allah‫,ﷻ‬ His Prophet‫ﷺ‬ and meeting with Him
2. Rooted in history, tradition and shared identity across
the globe
3. Immediacy of history going back 14 centuries
4. Emotional link with other Muslims that transcends race,
nationality and even time
There’s no concept of God in Islam

21. ‘West’ & ‘Muslims’
What must change?
1. Both terms are faulty – don’t reflect reality
2. Recognize that we have a problem and its reasons
3. Separate propaganda from real information
4. Stop attacking Islam – unless you want to help ISIS
Radicalization is not a Muslim phenomenon alone

22. What can diplomats do?
1. Deal with real people, not labels
2. Learn about Islam – ask respectfully
3. Look at the world through their eyes
4. Partner with them & introduce them in your world
Be non-judgmental
Listen to understand – not to criticize

23. How can we promote pluralism?
1. Remove perceived threat to any culture
2. Fight stereotyping & demonizing Islam/Muslims
3. Accept and appreciate difference & diversity
4. Don’t insist on annihilation of individual identity in
the name of ‘assimilation’
Why can’t a woman be more like a man?
My Fair Lady: Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) & Eliza Dolittle (Julie Andrews)

25. Bob Dylan’s comments
• “I still say that some of the biggest criminals are those
that turn their heads away when they see wrong and
know it's wrong. I'm only 21 years old and I know that
there's been too many ... You people over 21, you're older
and smarter.”
Gray (2006). The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia. p. 64

26. Thought share
Dealing with Muslims
http://bit.ly/2dtry17
www.yawarbaig.com
yawarbaig@gmail.com