Who Was Tarek Fatah? Noted Columnist Who Described Himself As 'Indian Born In Pakistan'

Tarek Fatah identified himself as "an Indian born in Pakistan and a Punjabi born in Islam".

Canadian writer, broadcaster, and activist Tarek Fatah passed away on Monday at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer. His daughter Natasha Fatah informed the world of his death on Twitter. Tarek Fatah, who gained recognition for his outspoken views on political and social issues, was born in Karachi, Pakistan, on November, 20, 1949. Fatah migrated to Canada in the early 1980s and has since been an active voice in Canadian media and politics.

'A PUNJABI BORN IN ISLAM'

Tarek Fatah identified himself as "an Indian born in Pakistan and a Punjabi born in Islam". He was once quoted as saying: "I am an immigrant in Canada with a Muslim consciousness, grounded in a Marxist youth. I am one of Salman Rushdie’s many Midnight’s Children." 

WORK ON ISLAMISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Fatah was perhaps best known for his criticism of Islamism, which he argues is a political ideology that seeks to establish a global Islamic state. His book, 'Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State', explores the history and dangers of Islamism that has been "hijacked" by radicals, arguing that it is a threat to democracy and human rights. Fatah was a vocal critic of Islamist radical groups and has spoken out against the rise of radical Islamist movements in the West.

In addition to his work on Islamism, Fatah was a strong advocate for secularism and human rights. He has spoken out against anti-Semitism and other forms of religious and ethnic prejudice, and has criticized governments that suppress free speech and dissent. Fatah was also a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and criticized religious and cultural practices that discriminate against queer individuals.

Fatah's political views had been shaped by his personal experiences, including his upbringing in Pakistan and his migration to Canada. In his book "The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism," Fatah explores his own experiences with anti-Semitism and the roots of Muslim anti-Semitism more broadly. He also wrote about the challenges of integration for Muslim immigrants in Western societies, arguing that Muslims must embrace secularism and pluralism in order to fully participate in Western democracies.

TAREK FATAH IN POLITICS

Fatah has been associated with various political groups over the years, including the Liberal Party of Canada and Ontario New Democratic Party. Fatah's views were sometimes controversial and he faced criticism from those who argued that his critiques of Islam and Islamism are simplistic or even bigoted. Nevertheless, Fatah was a prominent figure in Canadian media and politics, and had been recognized for his contributions to public discourse. He won awards from organizations such as the Donner Prize, Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Book Award, and has been a frequent commentator in Canadian, Indian, and international media.