Preserving religious moderation in Tunisia
Tunisia is struggling to preserve its religious tolerance in the face of the rise of radical Islam, writes Mourad Sellami.
In Tunisia, synagogues and churches stand side by side with mosques. Jewish and Christian minorities freely practice their religious rituals. This tolerant climate is ensured by the constitution which provides for habeas corpus, guarantees freedom of conscience and protects freedom of religious practice. But this open atmosphere for religious practices has been challenged in recent years by the rise of radical Islam in the Arab-Muslim world.
Dozens of young Tunisians have joined conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Bosnia over the past decades, and are flocking to Iraq in particular today. Within the country, the kameez (knee-length shirts worn by men in Afghanistan and Pakistan) is making an appearance on the streets of Tunisian cities as symbols of support to the people of these countries. For women, religious headscarves are now replacing the traditional Tunisian safsari (a large piece of white cloth worn by women over their head and clothes).
These changes worry a vast number of Tunisians, because they concern the pillars of their society, based on religious diversity and – almost – secular legislation. These two principles are under attack by more radical Muslims, who regard them as discordant with Islam.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Preserving religious moderation in Tunisia
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment