Are we actually seeing in Egypt a revolt of the Have-Nots against the Haves? Are the Have-Nots demanding to join the Haves by seeking a modern and developed Egypt:
- an Egypt that will pave the way for them with job opportunities, a sound nation-wide system of education, and a universal health care system;
- an Egypt where freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press reign, and these freedoms are the backbone of legislation and national policies;
- an Egypt where over the years more and more Have-Nots join the ranks of the Haves, producing in Egypt a credible, robust and high-powered middle class, and ushering in an era of enlightenment all across Egypt?
Alas, NO. We are seeing instead not a revolt, but a lurching backward. Revolts should move a society forward. What we are seeing is characterized by a give-up attitude on the part of the Have-Nots, due to the lack of desire to work hard, to dust off arcane cultural habits and outdated traditions, even though this movement forward would achieve the highly-desirable transition to the Haves. What we are witnessing is shepherded by extreme Islamists and led by the Muslim Brotherhood; and it proclaims a most destructive message - that there is no need for a life of freedom, dignity and prosperity on earth, it is not worth the effort, it is the making of the infidels and you will get all of that and more riches in the afterlife, with Allah's blessing. (Why riches are desirable in the afterlife and not in the here and now is not clear to me.) This message says that all Allah wants from you on earth is to worship day and night, and to lead a simple life of eating, sitting and sleeping, regardless of the well-being of you, your family, and your country.
I for one cannot conceive of a more egregiously erroneous interpretation of religion and of what Allah needs from the human race He created.
Below link about the ongoing voting on the constitution should make it clear why I say this.
Hussein
©
Dr Hussein A Amin 2011
