'Veil'

Islam does not enjoin any particular dress for men and women as according to Quran the best dress is that of Taqwa (7:26) i.e. of righteoussness/ modesty. Only one verse talks of specifics and that is (24:31) which states what areas should be covered whereas (33:59) does not talk of 'veil' as specific dress rather a garment that would cover a woman's body.

Whenever it is said that 'veil' is not mentioned in Islam, it is assumed that one is proposing that veil/ covering or protection of any sort should be abandoned. A sort of clash between secular and islamists camps. This is not the case at all as no one is suggesting that they be done away with. Clothing and subsequently 'veil' are all cultural issues. Muslims in Indonesia, Pakistan , Saudi Arabia and North Africa dress differently and accordingly to their culture. The Tuareg of West Africa, mainly muslims, have the most distinct symbol of veil called Tagelmust. Its a blue indigo coloured veil and interestingly 'men' use veil and women do not! this does not make them 'non-muslims'.

Quran does not go into specifics of dress because this would be illogical in the diverse multi-cultured world. So if anyone wants to use burqa/ veil they are more than welcome but it should not be imposed upon people as specifics of God which obviously it is not. A dress should conform to norms of decency (as stated in Quran) irrespective of 'what' it actually is.

'Boycott Nirala Sweets'

"Oh No! Not again!" was my first reaction when I received this forwarding in mail. As I was clicking that mail to read I was thinking that somehow an American or Israeli connection would be established (perhaps the ingredients from israel sort of thing) and then we "muslims" will be told to boycott the manufactured sweets.

Well this was not the case. As I read the story my anger and disgust at the quoted incident grew more and more. A son of very famous and rich sweet merchant of this country while racing his Porsche slammed into another vehicle killing a 2 month baby of a couple and seriously injuring them. Police did not register the case against him because he used his connections and then he threatened the family of that couple that they'll be straightened out if they registered a case against him. How awful can it get.

I totally agree with the statement in that mail that "I am ashamed to be a Pakistani.." and that "I will not buy merchandise from Nirala". Yes this should be done. It speaks of total lawlessness. Downright ugly. The rich can get away with anything that they do and ordinary people have to bear the brunt.

Well if the police and other "mighty" parties act like this.. I as part of society can do this... I will boycott Nirala till the day justice has been done.