In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, demands came thick and fast for Muslims to condemn the actions of the perpetrators. But the politics of condemnation are complicated.
If Muslims condemn those actions then it’s as if they accept guilt by association, because if the terrorists are not representatives of the Muslim community, why would Muslims condemn them?
But if Muslims do not condemn, how else will those who are ignorant about Islam know that these criminals do not represent Islam and Muslims?
Contrary to the endless criticism that moderate Muslims did not condemn the acts of terrorists, there is a constant unprompted vocal outcry from Muslims. What is lacking is the attention to these protests.
Sometimes, the only way to do this is to buy your way into the conversation as you are not always given the legitimate space that society should give to be heard.
In the UK last week, a full page advert was taken out in the Telegraph declaring that British Muslims “with one voice unreservedly condemn” the Paris attacks. The advert listed more than 300 British Muslim organisations. However, it generated controversy as many believed that this was an acceptance of guilt by association and entrenchment of ideas that somehow Muslims are blameworthy. Or that only certain deaths are worthy of condemning.
We are now facing a situation where an enemy is deliberately trying to create a “them and us” situation. I’ve sensed fear in the voices of ordinary people. So even though I didn’t support statements of condemnation, I’ve changed my mind. This is about Muslims reaching out, but also showing leadership and comfort at a difficult time. Condemnation is not necessary, but I believe it is thoughtful and helpful.
A few days after the advert condemning the attack, The Sun newspaper’s front page carried false poll results declaring “one in five British Muslims sympathise with jihadists”, which experts – even the polling company – have discredited. The words “jihadist”, “ISIL” or “support” were not even mentioned in the questions.
Instead, what was asked was whether Muslims should condemn the attacks, or whether Muslims should integrate better into British society.
And it is the focus on what Muslims should do – rather than the whole society that Muslims are part of – that needs to change. No polls ask whether non-Muslims need to reach out more. Leaders also do not discuss what everyone needs to do to achieve social integration.
The responses to such deliberations would be instructive, prompting the larger society to think about its role in engaging with Muslims. They would also make it explicit that while Muslims are told to reach out, there is little or no emphasis on reciprocation. After all, in any situation, it is never simply the responsibility of one person or group to change.
So demanding constant condemnation from Muslims demonstrates that the real goal is to demand an apology and extract an admission of guilt. Instead, the party demanding it needs to hear the condemnation, accept it and be prepared to move forward positively. This is the only way out of the corner into which 1.8 billion Muslims have been pushed by the evil ISIL, and in which they wish to trap all of us together.
Shelina Zahra Janmohamed is the author of Love in a Headscarf and blogs at www. spirit21.co.uk