Unrest in Middle East: Islam teaches that 'oppression is worse than death'

There are so many things I want to write about. The state of the world and Bermuda certainly can keep one busy with writing. 

Also I would need many mediums to convey what has to be written about and of course much more space! Perhaps, I should write a book, it would be voluminous in content indeed. 

However, I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention what has been going on in Egypt for over two weeks with the protesters calling for the president to leave. Such has never happened before, the citizens of Egypt are rebelling against what they perceive and see as injustice and dictatorial leadership.

I read this excerpt from an airing on “Inside Story” through Al Jazeera.

“Many Egyptians feel that the only ones benefitting from the country's wealth are businessmen with ties to the ruling National Democratic Party. Reports about the wealth of Hosni Mubarak, his family and the people close to him have started to emerge.

“According to some reports, Mubarak himself has an estimated net worth of $40bn to $70bn. They paint a picture of a state where wealth fuels political power and political power buys wealth. How did Egypt become so corrupt? And what can a new government really do about it?”

On reading this, Dr. Martin Luther King’s words rang loud and clear in my mind “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

The happenings in Egypt and indeed throughout the Middle East, Tunisia, and Yemen to name a few is the fact that politics seem to dominate over justice.

By no means am I a political pundit; but through my elementary eyes I can see some frightening parallels happening in my very own environment.

Things are going on where people here in Bermuda are hesitant to tell the complete truth for fear of reprisal in one form or another.

I see where when one speaks about facts; facts that usually are very unpleasant they are immediately labelled and often punished in some form or another. 

Sometimes the reprisals are blatant, but many times and more often the punishment is subtle, which is far worse.

Yes, political games are alive and blooming in Bermuda. Many times, things good or bad happen to you, because of who you know, and not what you know.

Islam teaches that oppression is worse than death. Political games last only for a time. Al hamdulilah!

Are we going backwards taking up the ways of a system which is clearly on its way out?

A system where God gave a time limit? Or are we ready to take on the challenge of challenging God the Almighty!

Let justice and fair play and fair say ring everywhere, even in Bermuda!