Mohamedarif Suleman – Nairobi, Kenya
The Politics of Class: Suffering from the vagaries of a class society, our community today is divided into three distinct classes. There are the ultra-rich, the thriving middle class, who are increasingly reaching for the top slot, and those who are in economic crisis.
Yes, what you are reading is not necessarily a chapter from a Karl Marx book, where the lesson of communism is taught. The eternal struggle of classes that he preached may be a reality, but the world has taught us that the ideology does not work. This is the state of affairs of a Khoja society we are talking about.
The ultra-rich and those tagging along in this group are very dear to the community, since they provide the bulk of the finances that committees yearn for in order to take charge of a people’s socio-economic prospects. Indeed, we cannot do without this class. But while some are true contributors and sincere sponsors, most are unfortunately out to exhibit their prowess in society. Giving large donations and then reminding everyone that “I donated it” is a culture well ingrained and deeply rooted. But it must be accepted as well that their display of arrogance and wealth is the only way they can remain distinct from the mass of that society. Then come the fast-paced community middle-class, which unlike its economic (that of Marx) counterpart, is a dull and detached class of people that resent the “first class” because they are snobbish and show offs, and abhor the third class (yet to be discussed) since they comprise of fanatics and the have-nots.
That brings us to the last class of people, who are very important to society because they form the bulk of participants in any function or forum. They have little voice or political leverage and are usually denominated as traditionalists whose only role is to give a vote to the leadership.
A lot of the readers may find this particular interpretation of classes very provocative, while an equal number might find this article a true picture of the current state of affairs. What you think matters less because it is the time of reckoning, and you must be prepared to call a spade a spade.
Sandwiched in this three-way bread-and-filling situation is, usually, the leadership. Again, a lot depends on where the leader originates from, specifically which class, to be specific. If he belongs to the first category, then it is pretty easy for him. He just has to keep all the parties happy. Perform religious activities to please the third raters and show development projects to delight the rich. But his peace will be subject to the ease with which he can say yes to the demands put forth by the sponsoring class. The moment he says no, regardless of the merit in question, there is a great fallout of support, and those who promoted him yesterday will do everything necessary in their power to stop him. Their formula is a bit complicated, though. Their cause has got to be justified. It has to have a certain tinge of legitimacy attached to it. The only way this is possible is by swaying the third vote.
If the leader belongs to the middle class, rough seas await him, and uneven shores receive him. It is pretty rare nowadays to have a leader outside the first class due to the numerous pressures involved in leading a community. This then eliminates the need for a third class.
Alas, what must be understood is that each one of us is a leader, and we inevitably belong to one of these classes. Should we not genuinely put aside our differences and rise to the bigger ideal of unity and togetherness? Should we not consider ourselves equal when we join hands to recite Dua Wahda on Fridays? Should we not be wary of the ultimate fate that awaits each one of us, rich or poor? Should we not become more Muslim in our dealings than engage in petty politics in the pursuit of fame?
While the onus lies with the leadership to set the ball rolling, it would be fair to say that the members of any society are crucial in the transformation that we have thus far been paying lip service to.
