Fitnah is a Verb...

‘Fitnah’ in the grammatical sense is considered to be a Verb. It is an act to lure, seduce or tempt. A force that creates temptation towards creating controversy and unrest. In today’s world it holds manifold meanings. In spirit it holds immense power to divide, create chaos and often results in fragmentation of the Community. We as a human race have begun to label Fitnah more as a naming word or noun. Placing emphasis and labeling the person, institution or community.

‘Fitnah’ is an Arabic word and is primarily used in the Quran in relation to the trials and temptations that the Believers may encounter through their lifetime.

If I look at the word in a Global perspective, I would have to admit that the act of destabilizing peace for any community has a close relationship to “one’s freedom of expression.”

The ‘No Compromise’ attitude that comes from “You live but once,” often adds much fire to burning the sentiments of fellow human beings. There is a very fine line that defines the parameters of a free mind to that of a freak mind.

Freedom is a necessity that promises progress and growth of both the individual and society as a whole. The definition however, has transformed tremendously post 9/11.

Starting off with the individual to small groups, leading on to institutions and eventually communities, freedom has become a selfish trait that promises self-victory and self-satisfaction. It is more egocentric and self-serving.

The moral responsibility that is necessary to an enlightened society is fast being run over by the fear of losing power and voice. People create plans and schemes to pre-empted movements or actions that would destroy the peace of opposing forces or in other words hurt their sentiments at large. Only to secure their own sense of existence.

‘Fitnah’ can also be defined as a mind-set that propagates intolerance and rigid rampages through communities or within. The forces exhibit strong resistance towards a majority sentiment or faith, ignoring the factual presence and reality.

Whether it is through words or acts, the skill of creating divisions within a community is an example of Fitnah. The principle motive behind such an act of freedom is to simply belittle and degrade the structure that holds the sentiment together. It is a calculated movement to strengthen one’s power and rule. Strong reactions and more intolerance are the outcomes of this evil. Fitnah flourishes if not recognized or rooted out in time.

Therefore, whether it is Veena Malik playing puppet to media or Tweeters playing victim to the instigating Twitter Ramadan Trends, in both cases the Fitnah lies in the act and not the actor. It is important to recognize the forces that attack and play-up our sentiments to create divisions within ourselves in the name of "Freedom of Expression!"

And so, education, responsible communication and an obligated Freedom can help us understand each other’s sentiments better to be able to differentiate Fitnah as a verb than a noun!