No Freedom of Religion for Muslims In Goa

Stephanie Branson
SOC 202 9/28/07

No Freedom of Religion for Muslims in Goa
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C23%5Cstory_23-9-2007_pg7_36


The article that I read for this week discusses that of the Muslims in Goa having no freedom of religion, more specifically those Muslims of South Goa. It talked about how they have been denied in practicing their faith and why they should not be able to do so especially seeing as how the Hindus and Christians all have their religious freedom. Yet the Muslims have been denied in such religious beliefs such as permission for a burial ground, prevented from praying in their own premises, as well as not being able to build structures for religious education. It has even gone so far as having the first organized communal violence in Goa in March of 2006 due to this lack of freedom of religion. There had been a structure that was built that was going to be used for religious education purposes for the children of the community yet it was said that the structure was illegal and that it had to be destroyed. In turn the Muslims did their best and petitioned so that the structure could remain in which it was passed yet the structure still received damages.
After reading this article I was just amazed at how the Muslims had been denied their right of religion. I could not imagine how they must be feeling in Goa being denied the right to have faith and even going as far as not being able to have a burial ground for their deceased, not being able to pray, and even having your religious structures destroyed. I know that everyone has different beliefs but that does not mean that you deny someone of their beliefs just because it is not the same as yours. You should have enough respect to understand that everyone has different beliefs and if you are not going to take the time to understand and learn theirs then do not bother with it and stay focused on your own beliefs but don’t take away from others.