“A community without dissent is a sad lifeless rump that enriches neither itself nor anyone else.In many ways, communities can be defined by qualities of those they exclude.”
Arthur Nelsen- Feb.12 2007
Nelsen was actually speaking about the British Jewish establishment who opposes voices of dissent, as he says, within British Jewish community with regard to Israel.
Nelsen’s beautiful phrase would, I’m sure, also apply perfectly to my own muslim community, which too often rejects dissent and criticism. There is a voice of dissent groing throughout communities which seeks to reject the dictat of the extremists over the more secular but silent majority.
(picture by “Digitalgrace“)
Hisham Almiraat 