Book: Keepers of the Faith by Shaukat Ajmeri

At a time when we are witnessing religious revivalism in a garish form all around us, here is a novel that presents the flip side of religion. Keepers of the Faith presents the recent history of the close-knit Shia Muslim community of Momins. Rigorous and nuanced in presenting religious aspects of the Momin sect, some of which actually happened in the Seventies, the narrative proceeds through a beautiful love story between Akbar and Rukshana. 

What happens with the Momin community is in many ways no different from what happens with many other communities. Argument and negotiation with the traditionalists is bound to fail. What the traditionalists seek is often not a rational argument and textual interpretation. The promise of authority and identity are what draw a lot of people to radical religious communities. Young people, often marginalized and alienated get drawn. They then become political tools.

The way the author captures the trepidation of a love that is just blossoming between two youngsters, and the subsequent explosion of the long suppressed love, is moving. 

What is clear is that any positive engagement with a religion is less likely to produce a liberal religion. It is more likely to accelerate reactionism. That leaves us only with the option of transformation of public sensibility. Pluralism, diversity, and basic liberties must become non-negotiable in public sensibility irrespective of the religious denomination. In Keepers of the Faith one reads about the horrific practice of female circumcision in the Momin community. It is one example of the perils of a blind acceptance of religious practices.

True art must clarify life for us, establish some models of human action, celebrate the good and mourn the tragic, and overall must expand our understanding of what it means to be truly human. Novels are one art form that have a tremendous potential.

Novels like Keepers of the Faith certainly help to improve public sensibility. In the Foreword for the book, Prof Ismail K Poonawala writes that Keepers of the Faith should be read by all Momins conversant with English. Yes, indeed, and others too. The narrative certainly must make every reader reflect about their own religion and its keepers.