I had posted an entry when a tragedy had struck Hajj and had expressed my opinion on why Hajj is restricted to only 2 days and why not to 4 sacred months as God has stated.
Another thing that is of interest... is sacrificing an animal obligatory? No. Not at all. Sacrificing an animal on Eid ul Azha is not obligatory. It is obligatory only on Pilgrims (Hajjis) who are on Hajj in Makkah. Sura Al-Hajj mentions the rites of pilgrimage.
22:36 - And the animals! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah. Therein ye have much good. So mention the name of Allah over them when they are drawn up in lines. Then when their flanks fall (dead), eat thereof and feed the beggar and the suppliant. Thus have We made them subject unto you, that haply ye may give thanks.
God has made things easy for us but we act otherwise. Look at the trouble that people have to go through by arranging for sacrificial animal. A person with low income resource cannot think of buying the animals for sacrifice as they are exorbitantly expensive.
I heard that a bull was being sold for 1 million Rupee! What on earth is wrong with people?! A goat for 500,000! Are you kidding me?! Is this what Eid is for?! What a pathetic show off! Where is that spirit that is required at such event.
22:37 - Their flesh and their food reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him. Thus have We made them subject unto you that ye may magnify Allah that He hath guided you. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the good.
Oh some devotion we show!
I am not at all against sacrificing animal for the benefit of the poor. Even better if you do not want to sacrifice an animal and contribute financially to help someone! 'Sadqa' and 'khairat' are wonderful things as form of charity. But animal sacrifice being equated to obligation on muslims is not right! And why restrict it to one day for that matter?! Should you not be helping the poor this way on other days as well?!
It becomes a burden as well! Not everyone is capable of dishing out so much money. When a person cant afford to buy sacrificial animal... imagine what he/ she will have to go through. He does not have enough money! forget money for worldly affairs.. he does not have money to spend in the way of God! And then the society.. 'You do not plan to sacrifice any animal this time?' God can be handled.. humans cannot be handled!
And lastly.. the filth! First our local administration is not that efficient in collecting animal waste. Then 'we' do not bother to dispose off properly! The end result.. a huge mess and stench! Awful to say the least.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman In The World!
Ok let me post on the last person in my current line of postings on Egyptology before I head out to home on holidays. I wrote about The boy-king Tutankhamun, his (probable) father Akhenaten and now its the turn of his step-mother Nefertiti.
This is a very famous bust of a woman stated to be the most beautiful woman in the world! Courtesy Wikipedia.
Isn't she pretty?! Yeah I know there is an other name buzzing in back of your mind.. Cleopatra.. well she too was a pharoh and a queen. Nefertiti and Cleopatra are the two most famous ancient egyptian female celebrities.
Nefertiti became famous because she was associated with a pharoh who was somewhat obsessed with introducing monotheism in ancient Egypt, he was Akhenaten. Interestingly, although she was the great royal wife of the pharoh, she was depicted alongside pharoh as being equal to his status! This was considered a blasphemy. She was also depicted as a very beautiful person in reliefs and busts whereas 'unusually' the pharoh Akhenaten is shown with an elongated face, protruding belly and wide hips. No one is sure whether portraying ugliness was part of religion or he had some physical abnormality.
Nefertiti had to face some troubling times after her husbands death. Both of them had actively espoused the cause of new religion - Atenism. After his death, she had to control the affairs and that included pleasing the all powerful clergy who had turned against the couple for abandoning the old gods. In her time, the new religion was gradually sidelined and old deities made a come back. Her step-son married her daughter Ankhesenpaaten to continue the royal lineage. Tutankhaten (suffix -aten) changed his name to Tutankhamun (suffix -amun) to show complete transformation of Egypt from the new religion.
Nefertiti died in probably the third year of Tutankhamun reign.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
This is a very famous bust of a woman stated to be the most beautiful woman in the world! Courtesy Wikipedia.
Isn't she pretty?! Yeah I know there is an other name buzzing in back of your mind.. Cleopatra.. well she too was a pharoh and a queen. Nefertiti and Cleopatra are the two most famous ancient egyptian female celebrities.
Nefertiti became famous because she was associated with a pharoh who was somewhat obsessed with introducing monotheism in ancient Egypt, he was Akhenaten. Interestingly, although she was the great royal wife of the pharoh, she was depicted alongside pharoh as being equal to his status! This was considered a blasphemy. She was also depicted as a very beautiful person in reliefs and busts whereas 'unusually' the pharoh Akhenaten is shown with an elongated face, protruding belly and wide hips. No one is sure whether portraying ugliness was part of religion or he had some physical abnormality.
Nefertiti had to face some troubling times after her husbands death. Both of them had actively espoused the cause of new religion - Atenism. After his death, she had to control the affairs and that included pleasing the all powerful clergy who had turned against the couple for abandoning the old gods. In her time, the new religion was gradually sidelined and old deities made a come back. Her step-son married her daughter Ankhesenpaaten to continue the royal lineage. Tutankhaten (suffix -aten) changed his name to Tutankhamun (suffix -amun) to show complete transformation of Egypt from the new religion.
Nefertiti died in probably the third year of Tutankhamun reign.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
He has been called the first individual in history, as well as the first monotheist, first scientist, and first romantic. He is Akhenaten.
A very controversial figure in the list of pharohs. His rule dates back to 1350 BC and he was a king of 18th dynasty. His successors include his son, the famous boy-king, Tutankhamun on whom I wrote the last post. His royal wife, Nefertiti, is considered to be one of the most beautiful of queens.
Akhenaten is very famous for introducing monotheism in Egypt! Egyptions were familiar with a variety of deities headed by a supreme deity - Amun-Ra. Akhenaten introduced Aten as one of the supreme gods and after passage of sometime proclaimed Aten as the only supreme deity. The suffix in his name (-aten) was a result of this. He was earlier named Amenhotep IV. Aten is visible in the form of solar disc spreading light on the pharoh. By the way, the solar disc was just a representation, Aten was not considered to be a sun god.
What he did next was very controversial to say the least. He started to deface everything that had Amun as god. Did away with traditional religious ceremonies, depicted his wife Nefertiti to be equal amongst the pharohs (considered as blasphemy!) and started building a new city, Amarna, instead of Thebes which was the religious hub of pharohs.
Do you know that Akhenaten is considered to be a pioneer in introducing monotheism? In fact some attribute birth of Judaism to him! Some even consider him Moses who introduced One God to Israelites! But that of course is a moot point amongst egyptologists.
Another thing that sets apart his rule from others was the style of art. Pharohs were normally depicted as strong built that crushed the enemies but portrayals of Akhenaten were 'with a sagging stomach, thick thighs, larger breasts, and long, thin face' - quite different from the previous depictions of pharohs! On the other hand, the busts of Nefertiti that have been excavated till date show her as a very beautiful woman!
When he died, it started the reversal of everything that he had done. The city of Amarna was abandoned and so was the the god Aten. Old rituals and festivals came back.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
A very controversial figure in the list of pharohs. His rule dates back to 1350 BC and he was a king of 18th dynasty. His successors include his son, the famous boy-king, Tutankhamun on whom I wrote the last post. His royal wife, Nefertiti, is considered to be one of the most beautiful of queens.
Akhenaten is very famous for introducing monotheism in Egypt! Egyptions were familiar with a variety of deities headed by a supreme deity - Amun-Ra. Akhenaten introduced Aten as one of the supreme gods and after passage of sometime proclaimed Aten as the only supreme deity. The suffix in his name (-aten) was a result of this. He was earlier named Amenhotep IV. Aten is visible in the form of solar disc spreading light on the pharoh. By the way, the solar disc was just a representation, Aten was not considered to be a sun god.
What he did next was very controversial to say the least. He started to deface everything that had Amun as god. Did away with traditional religious ceremonies, depicted his wife Nefertiti to be equal amongst the pharohs (considered as blasphemy!) and started building a new city, Amarna, instead of Thebes which was the religious hub of pharohs.
Do you know that Akhenaten is considered to be a pioneer in introducing monotheism? In fact some attribute birth of Judaism to him! Some even consider him Moses who introduced One God to Israelites! But that of course is a moot point amongst egyptologists.
Another thing that sets apart his rule from others was the style of art. Pharohs were normally depicted as strong built that crushed the enemies but portrayals of Akhenaten were 'with a sagging stomach, thick thighs, larger breasts, and long, thin face' - quite different from the previous depictions of pharohs! On the other hand, the busts of Nefertiti that have been excavated till date show her as a very beautiful woman!
When he died, it started the reversal of everything that he had done. The city of Amarna was abandoned and so was the the god Aten. Old rituals and festivals came back.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
King Tut
Tell me whether you have seen this picture or not?
Courtesy Wikipedia
I bet you must have. But many of you dont know who he is. Let me take you on a short journey of history of pharohs. I'll be posting various entries regarding Egypt. I have an interest with egyptology but damn it! why the hell have I been quiet?!
Tutankhamun or King Tut as he is popularly known is a world famous boy-king. He was crowned the pharoh at the age of 9. There is some confusion still on who his father and mother were but it is assumed that his father was Akhenaten. I will write more about Akhenaten in my later posts becasue he was the one that introduced monotheism in Egypt! His step-mother Nefertiti, thought to be one of the pretiest of Queens. One post dedicated to her as well :p
King Tutankhamun is famous becasue his tomb was found completely intact, the first of its kind, by a very famous archaeologist Howard Carter. Normaly a tomb when found does not contain the complete collection of assessories that had been buried with the kings sarcophagus. It has been looted already by the looters in the by-gone era and the treaure hunters. Howard Carter also comes in the same category but has the tile of archaeologist :p Dont ask me what he and his men did to the mummy to retrieve gold! In case of Tutenkhamun, the tomb KV-69 was found completely intact in the Valley of the Kings.
The scientists (Egyptologist to be specific) have done extensice CT Scanning of his mummy and come out with a computer generated face.
Recently he was shifted to his 'new' resting place (a glass chamber that would save him from heat, humidity and tourists :p) BBC has the complete pictorial of it if you want to check. I am just giving some of the pictures here.
All pictures courtesy BBC.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Courtesy Wikipedia
I bet you must have. But many of you dont know who he is. Let me take you on a short journey of history of pharohs. I'll be posting various entries regarding Egypt. I have an interest with egyptology but damn it! why the hell have I been quiet?!
Tutankhamun or King Tut as he is popularly known is a world famous boy-king. He was crowned the pharoh at the age of 9. There is some confusion still on who his father and mother were but it is assumed that his father was Akhenaten. I will write more about Akhenaten in my later posts becasue he was the one that introduced monotheism in Egypt! His step-mother Nefertiti, thought to be one of the pretiest of Queens. One post dedicated to her as well :p
King Tutankhamun is famous becasue his tomb was found completely intact, the first of its kind, by a very famous archaeologist Howard Carter. Normaly a tomb when found does not contain the complete collection of assessories that had been buried with the kings sarcophagus. It has been looted already by the looters in the by-gone era and the treaure hunters. Howard Carter also comes in the same category but has the tile of archaeologist :p Dont ask me what he and his men did to the mummy to retrieve gold! In case of Tutenkhamun, the tomb KV-69 was found completely intact in the Valley of the Kings.
The scientists (Egyptologist to be specific) have done extensice CT Scanning of his mummy and come out with a computer generated face.
Recently he was shifted to his 'new' resting place (a glass chamber that would save him from heat, humidity and tourists :p) BBC has the complete pictorial of it if you want to check. I am just giving some of the pictures here.
All pictures courtesy BBC.
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
- Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Courtesy University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology- My name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs is this!
Hmm. A Horned Viper, An Arm :p Reed Leaves and Door Bolt! Man I am confusing!
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
Hmm. A Horned Viper, An Arm :p Reed Leaves and Door Bolt! Man I am confusing!
Check My Other Posts on Egyptology
- Nefertiti - The Most Beautiful Woman in World
- The First Monotheist - Akhenaten
- King Tut
- Hatshepsu - Woman Pharoh with A Beard!
- Cleopatra - The Last Pharoh
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
What Makes Relationships Sustainable?
I was in conversation with a friend of mine. We were talking about some other group of people when she stated that "my relationship with them is now normal becasue they do not have a stake involved with respect to me". Now this made me ponder and I did not like what conclusion my mind was trying to draw :|
Are relationships 'interests' based? Is all that talk of love, compassion nothing but just another word of "protecting ones interest'? Every relationship starts based on the feeling of love and care. I agree to that otherwise no relationships would develope. Yes you can argue that not every relationship initiates on the feeling of love e.g. two business partners who although have a relationship but not out of love but to 'further their interests'. And we cant really put sustainability factor in this situation. What I am talking about are the relationships built on the foundation of love. Father and son, mother and daughter, siblings, husband and wife(?), lovers...
Consider for example a son and a father relationship. Pure love eh? Right. Everything is going ok between them. A dispute arose between the two, suppose, a property dispute. The father and son dont see eye to eye on this one and in the end the son is thrown out of the home. (yeah quite exaggerated and quick but this happens).
You can say that since a 'negative' element was introduced in the relationship of love so it ruined everything... but can it be said that 'threat level' of negativity rose to such an extent that it prompted the father to 'protect' his interests? Was the underlying feeling between the two of 'threat maintenance' to a possible maximum? Is love just a cover up?
Ok how about saying that a relationship consists of both elements - 'love' and 'threat maintenance'. Does the latter outweigh the former? Countless incidents of love and sharing are equalled by just one negative act e.g. being unfaithful.
What makes relationships sustainable? Love and compassion for the other OR maintaining that negativity threat to a lower level? Is the glass half filled or half empty? Are they one and the same thing?
Am I nuts?! What the hell am I saying?! :p
Are relationships 'interests' based? Is all that talk of love, compassion nothing but just another word of "protecting ones interest'? Every relationship starts based on the feeling of love and care. I agree to that otherwise no relationships would develope. Yes you can argue that not every relationship initiates on the feeling of love e.g. two business partners who although have a relationship but not out of love but to 'further their interests'. And we cant really put sustainability factor in this situation. What I am talking about are the relationships built on the foundation of love. Father and son, mother and daughter, siblings, husband and wife(?), lovers...
Consider for example a son and a father relationship. Pure love eh? Right. Everything is going ok between them. A dispute arose between the two, suppose, a property dispute. The father and son dont see eye to eye on this one and in the end the son is thrown out of the home. (yeah quite exaggerated and quick but this happens).
You can say that since a 'negative' element was introduced in the relationship of love so it ruined everything... but can it be said that 'threat level' of negativity rose to such an extent that it prompted the father to 'protect' his interests? Was the underlying feeling between the two of 'threat maintenance' to a possible maximum? Is love just a cover up?
Ok how about saying that a relationship consists of both elements - 'love' and 'threat maintenance'. Does the latter outweigh the former? Countless incidents of love and sharing are equalled by just one negative act e.g. being unfaithful.
What makes relationships sustainable? Love and compassion for the other OR maintaining that negativity threat to a lower level? Is the glass half filled or half empty? Are they one and the same thing?
Am I nuts?! What the hell am I saying?! :p
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Can a Woman be an Imam?
There are couple of very interesting pictures posted on buzzvines, one of the blogs syndicated by Bloggers.pk. You can check them here and here. (If they have not edited them out yet)
One of the pics shows a woman, as imam, leading a prayer session which includes men as well. Interesting questions have been raised that whether a woman can be an Imam or not. Can she lead the prayers? Whether women should stand behind men in rows and that whether they should or should not intermingle in mosques.
I have always believed that Islam is the property of Allah and not humans.. so muslims better don't trespass!
Let me start off with an excellent verse that forms the basis of my argument.
6:114 - Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." ...
Now if Quran is 'explained in detail' as God puts it.. then we should find in it whether a woman can be an Imam. hmm. Unfortunately there is no such info in Quran.
So what does that mean? Did God forget? Did He commit a mistake? typo?
20:52 - He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets,-
There goes the erring and forgetting portion. OK. Then probably Prophet Muhammad would have said anything about it if God did not mention it right?
10:15 - But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to come)."
But prophet is saying that he only follows what God has revealed. Further the prophet is being warned here not to change anything and recite whatever that has been revealed.
Ok then what? How about I say that such and such thing is in Islam and such and thing not? This thing is 'haram' and that thing is 'halal'. Religious scholars keep doing that after all...
6:150 - Say: "Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so." If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them: ...
So if I say that a woman can not be an imam, then I would have to bring something as evidence that God said that. Which of course I do not have. Similarly, if I say that God said that a woman can be imam! Hell! I don't have an evidence for that either!
So what should be done? It is very simple actually... keep the opinions to yourself! No one has the right to say that such and such thing is Islamic or unislamic or this is haram or this halal. If anyone does that.. recite to him the above verse! No religious scholar is smarter than God! And that includes Dr. Zakir Naik as well! He has no right to brand things islamic or unislamic.
So if you are not comfortable with offering salat with women - do not offer salat with them! And if you are ok offering salat with them or they being the imam - suit yourself! But keep the judgment for later!
6:164 - Say: "Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed."
Its His religion. Let Him decide who was wrong or right on the day of judgment!
Also Check These
Rape and Adultery Differentiated
Islam & Women Protection Bill
One of the pics shows a woman, as imam, leading a prayer session which includes men as well. Interesting questions have been raised that whether a woman can be an Imam or not. Can she lead the prayers? Whether women should stand behind men in rows and that whether they should or should not intermingle in mosques.
I have always believed that Islam is the property of Allah and not humans.. so muslims better don't trespass!
Let me start off with an excellent verse that forms the basis of my argument.
6:114 - Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." ...
Now if Quran is 'explained in detail' as God puts it.. then we should find in it whether a woman can be an Imam. hmm. Unfortunately there is no such info in Quran.
So what does that mean? Did God forget? Did He commit a mistake? typo?
20:52 - He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets,-
There goes the erring and forgetting portion. OK. Then probably Prophet Muhammad would have said anything about it if God did not mention it right?
10:15 - But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to come)."
But prophet is saying that he only follows what God has revealed. Further the prophet is being warned here not to change anything and recite whatever that has been revealed.
Ok then what? How about I say that such and such thing is in Islam and such and thing not? This thing is 'haram' and that thing is 'halal'. Religious scholars keep doing that after all...
6:150 - Say: "Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so." If they bring such witnesses, be not thou amongst them: ...
So if I say that a woman can not be an imam, then I would have to bring something as evidence that God said that. Which of course I do not have. Similarly, if I say that God said that a woman can be imam! Hell! I don't have an evidence for that either!
So what should be done? It is very simple actually... keep the opinions to yourself! No one has the right to say that such and such thing is Islamic or unislamic or this is haram or this halal. If anyone does that.. recite to him the above verse! No religious scholar is smarter than God! And that includes Dr. Zakir Naik as well! He has no right to brand things islamic or unislamic.
So if you are not comfortable with offering salat with women - do not offer salat with them! And if you are ok offering salat with them or they being the imam - suit yourself! But keep the judgment for later!
6:164 - Say: "Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed."
Its His religion. Let Him decide who was wrong or right on the day of judgment!
Also Check These
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Moonshine - Part Deux
*subject to the appearence of moon.
I hate this statement. It appears before the dates mentioned on the calendar on which I have to visit my home. Every year this happens. Damn it... why on earth can not we sight this stupid moon. One has to have tickets arranged, leaves managed. Every year my leaves get sandwiched - if I leave on the final day then I have to bear extra ticket fare. See My Post of last year - same issues.
The place where I am visiting.. usually has 3 Eids. Another absurdity.
Morons. One does not need to the 'sight' the moon to celebrate Eids. Its no where in Quran.
10:05 - It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light, and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
Its just a measure to know when Hajj or Eid whatever will take place. One can use any measure to know about the new moon. But we wont. Why should we? Stupid is as stupid does.
I hate this statement. It appears before the dates mentioned on the calendar on which I have to visit my home. Every year this happens. Damn it... why on earth can not we sight this stupid moon. One has to have tickets arranged, leaves managed. Every year my leaves get sandwiched - if I leave on the final day then I have to bear extra ticket fare. See My Post of last year - same issues.
The place where I am visiting.. usually has 3 Eids. Another absurdity.
Morons. One does not need to the 'sight' the moon to celebrate Eids. Its no where in Quran.
10:05 - It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light, and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
Its just a measure to know when Hajj or Eid whatever will take place. One can use any measure to know about the new moon. But we wont. Why should we? Stupid is as stupid does.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Prophets and Miracles
In my last post I had ended with a piece that it appears that Prophet Muhammad was not given any miracles - apart from Quran that is. I had asked whether not giving miracles to a prophet reduces his stature?
We all know that prophets in their times were given various miracles/ signs to support their cause of spreading the message of One God and other reasons like fighting tyranny. Jesus could spoke as an infant, could heal the blind and talked to the dead. Moses was given various miracles in his fight against the pharoh. So why not Prophet Muhammad?
The answer lies in this verse perhaps.
20:133 - They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has not a Clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of revelation?
Quran refers at several places that the disbelievers should ask for the advice of people of the book if they have doubts regarding the authenticity of this scripture. According to Quran, those that are true 'believers' in the followers of the other scriptures readily see whether Quran is a true scripture.
17:107 - Say: "Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration,
People from previous generations have been given sign/ miracles but they still chose not to believe.
8:54 - (Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and those before them": They treated as false the Signs of their Lord: so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh: for they were all oppressors and wrong-doers.
Quran says that all the signs/ examples/ miracles are already in knowledge of the disbelievers. They do not need any new miracles. If they want to believe then the previous ones do the same good. But its of no use...
6:111 - Even if We did send unto them angels, and the dead did speak unto them, and We gathered together all things before their very eyes, they are not the ones to believe, unless it is in Allah's plan. But most of them ignore (the truth)
So we come to know that Prophet Muhammad was not given miracles. But does this in anyway reduce his stature?
Of course not. He was the final prophet of God - the seal of them. Only God knows who was the best amongst them but for the followers... the proclamation is straight. There is no distinction between the messengers.
2:285 - The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
Check My Previous Posts:
- Planet Mars and Islam
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
We all know that prophets in their times were given various miracles/ signs to support their cause of spreading the message of One God and other reasons like fighting tyranny. Jesus could spoke as an infant, could heal the blind and talked to the dead. Moses was given various miracles in his fight against the pharoh. So why not Prophet Muhammad?
The answer lies in this verse perhaps.
20:133 - They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has not a Clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of revelation?
Quran refers at several places that the disbelievers should ask for the advice of people of the book if they have doubts regarding the authenticity of this scripture. According to Quran, those that are true 'believers' in the followers of the other scriptures readily see whether Quran is a true scripture.
17:107 - Say: "Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration,
People from previous generations have been given sign/ miracles but they still chose not to believe.
8:54 - (Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and those before them": They treated as false the Signs of their Lord: so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh: for they were all oppressors and wrong-doers.
Quran says that all the signs/ examples/ miracles are already in knowledge of the disbelievers. They do not need any new miracles. If they want to believe then the previous ones do the same good. But its of no use...
6:111 - Even if We did send unto them angels, and the dead did speak unto them, and We gathered together all things before their very eyes, they are not the ones to believe, unless it is in Allah's plan. But most of them ignore (the truth)
So we come to know that Prophet Muhammad was not given miracles. But does this in anyway reduce his stature?
Of course not. He was the final prophet of God - the seal of them. Only God knows who was the best amongst them but for the followers... the proclamation is straight. There is no distinction between the messengers.
2:285 - The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
Check My Previous Posts:
- Planet Mars and Islam
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
Friday, November 23, 2007
Moon Split - The Miracle?
As a muslim you must have heard about the miracle attributed to Prophet Muhammad that he split the moon in two halves in reply to the critics of his prophethood. I am not concerned whether you believe in it or not. What I am writing here alludes to what Quran tells us about miracles given to Prophet Muhammad.
Interestingly, Quran does not inform us that Prophet was given the Miracles - apart from Quran only. Quranic tone is very different. Quran tells us that Prophet Muhammad was just a 'bearer of good news and warner' and the last Prophet at that. He knew nothing about the future nor knew about the unseen.
7:187 - They ask you about the hour, when will be its taking place? Say: The knowledge of it is only with my Lord; none but He shall manifest it at its time; it will be momentous in the heavens and the earth; it will not come on you but of a sudden. They ask you as if you were solicitous about it. Say: Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know.
7:188 - Say: I do not control any benefit or harm for my own soul except as Allah please; and had I known the unseen I would have had much of good and no evil would have touched me; I am nothing but a warner and the giver of good news to a people who believe.
6:50 - Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): I say not unto you (that) I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen; and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel. I follow only that which is inspired in me...
The disbelievers of Mecca did ask Prophet Muhammad to show them miracles so as to believe in him.
6:109 - And they swear by Allah with the strongest of their oaths, that if a sign came to them they would most certainly believe in it. Say: Signs are only with Allah; and what should make you know that when it comes they will not believe?
Whether God grants a Prophet with a miracle or not that is His wish - not the prophet's. If God deems fit then He will grant a miracle to a prophet. When it came to disbelievers of Mecca - it just did not matter. According to Quran, they were just not being honest.
6:111 - And even if We had sent down to them the angels and the dead had spoken to them and We had brought together all things before them, they would not believe unless Allah pleases, but most of them are ignorant.
Now coming to the attributed miracle of Splitting of the moon. There is chapter in Quran Al-Qamr (The Moon) and the first verses state..
54:1 - The Hour is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.
54:2 - But if they see a Sign, they turn away, and say, "This is (but) transient magic."
54:3 - They reject (the warning) and follow their (own) lusts but every matter has its appointed time.
To most of the translators of Quran - these verses refer to the time and the sign that Day of judgment will be very close. Many refer to these verses as evidence of Prophets miracle.
The interesting thing is that Chapter Al-Qamr was revealed in Mecca and was revealed as the 37th Sura in order of revelation. Chapter 6 (Al-Anam) too is a Meccan Sura but has the revelation order of 55. So Sura Qamr was revealed before Sura Anaam and disbelievers are still asking for miracles from Prophet in that Sura. why would it be so if the miracle of splitting of Moon had occured?
These are the issues that I think needed to be highlighted. There is just one more thing which will be highlighted in the subsequent post and which is that whether all of the above indicate somehow that Prophet's stature has been degraded as compared to the prophets who were given miracles?
I'll write about it in the next post.
Also Check These Posts
Prophets and Miracles
Planet Mars and Islam!
Interestingly, Quran does not inform us that Prophet was given the Miracles - apart from Quran only. Quranic tone is very different. Quran tells us that Prophet Muhammad was just a 'bearer of good news and warner' and the last Prophet at that. He knew nothing about the future nor knew about the unseen.
7:187 - They ask you about the hour, when will be its taking place? Say: The knowledge of it is only with my Lord; none but He shall manifest it at its time; it will be momentous in the heavens and the earth; it will not come on you but of a sudden. They ask you as if you were solicitous about it. Say: Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know.
7:188 - Say: I do not control any benefit or harm for my own soul except as Allah please; and had I known the unseen I would have had much of good and no evil would have touched me; I am nothing but a warner and the giver of good news to a people who believe.
6:50 - Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): I say not unto you (that) I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen; and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel. I follow only that which is inspired in me...
The disbelievers of Mecca did ask Prophet Muhammad to show them miracles so as to believe in him.
6:109 - And they swear by Allah with the strongest of their oaths, that if a sign came to them they would most certainly believe in it. Say: Signs are only with Allah; and what should make you know that when it comes they will not believe?
Whether God grants a Prophet with a miracle or not that is His wish - not the prophet's. If God deems fit then He will grant a miracle to a prophet. When it came to disbelievers of Mecca - it just did not matter. According to Quran, they were just not being honest.
6:111 - And even if We had sent down to them the angels and the dead had spoken to them and We had brought together all things before them, they would not believe unless Allah pleases, but most of them are ignorant.
Now coming to the attributed miracle of Splitting of the moon. There is chapter in Quran Al-Qamr (The Moon) and the first verses state..
54:1 - The Hour is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.
54:2 - But if they see a Sign, they turn away, and say, "This is (but) transient magic."
54:3 - They reject (the warning) and follow their (own) lusts but every matter has its appointed time.
To most of the translators of Quran - these verses refer to the time and the sign that Day of judgment will be very close. Many refer to these verses as evidence of Prophets miracle.
The interesting thing is that Chapter Al-Qamr was revealed in Mecca and was revealed as the 37th Sura in order of revelation. Chapter 6 (Al-Anam) too is a Meccan Sura but has the revelation order of 55. So Sura Qamr was revealed before Sura Anaam and disbelievers are still asking for miracles from Prophet in that Sura. why would it be so if the miracle of splitting of Moon had occured?
These are the issues that I think needed to be highlighted. There is just one more thing which will be highlighted in the subsequent post and which is that whether all of the above indicate somehow that Prophet's stature has been degraded as compared to the prophets who were given miracles?
I'll write about it in the next post.
Also Check These Posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Moon Split!
Ok here is an other one related to my theme of recent postings. I am sorry but I "do" have to talk on it. I got a forwarding in which it was stated that 'muslims' have graphical evidence that supports the miracle attributed to Prophet Muhammad that he split the moon in two halves in reply to the questions posed on him by the people of Mecca regarding the authenticity of his Prophethood.
If anyone has a least bit knowledge of astronomy - he/ she would tell you that "the evidence" can be anything but a sign of split. You can see the craters formed on either side of it.. they seem deeper than the split-line. Secondly, the split-line is very small! The image which has been provided is a zoomed in one on one of the areas of Moon. If you zoom-out of this pic somehow.. you will not be able to see the line!
A rocky celestial body like earth, moon, Mars, Mercury... the surface has various features. Mountains, ridges, canyons, craters and albedos. Check the surface of one of the moon of Jupiter - Europa.
See any markings? appear similar? to me they do at least.
Finally. See this image of Moon. I got it from somewhere I cant remember. Credit to anybody to whom it belongs :| sorry
This is a very detailed pic of almost half of Moon. And I for one can't see a split line in it. You can clearly see the crater Copernicus, Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Serenitatis.
This also brings us to another aspect of this post. Did moon Split occur? hmm. Very tricky one. I'll be giving my opinion in next post.
Check My Other Posts:
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
- Prophets and Miracles
- Planet Mars and Islam!
If anyone has a least bit knowledge of astronomy - he/ she would tell you that "the evidence" can be anything but a sign of split. You can see the craters formed on either side of it.. they seem deeper than the split-line. Secondly, the split-line is very small! The image which has been provided is a zoomed in one on one of the areas of Moon. If you zoom-out of this pic somehow.. you will not be able to see the line!
A rocky celestial body like earth, moon, Mars, Mercury... the surface has various features. Mountains, ridges, canyons, craters and albedos. Check the surface of one of the moon of Jupiter - Europa.
See any markings? appear similar? to me they do at least.
Finally. See this image of Moon. I got it from somewhere I cant remember. Credit to anybody to whom it belongs :| sorry
This is a very detailed pic of almost half of Moon. And I for one can't see a split line in it. You can clearly see the crater Copernicus, Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Serenitatis.
This also brings us to another aspect of this post. Did moon Split occur? hmm. Very tricky one. I'll be giving my opinion in next post.
Check My Other Posts:
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
- Prophets and Miracles
- Planet Mars and Islam!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Planet Mars and Islam!
No seriously! Mars does figure in Islam! one way or the other! As I wrote in my previous post that one receives a forwarding in email regarding motion of planet Mars and the closest ever proximity of it to Earth, one also gets an other email for the 'believers' that the motion of Mars is explained in Islam already! Go figure!
But first the text of that email...
Sunrise
I don't know but reading this made my marbles follow a retrograde motion! For heavens sake. Retrograde motion of Mars is an optical phenomenon. Mars does not actually start to go in reverse! It appears to the human eye to be reversing back becasue of the relative motion of Earth and Mars around the Sun and the Earth being in the inner orbit as compared to Mars!
Even if one follows the link that has been provided in the text - one can read all about it (update 4th September 2012: The link no longer works. Follow this one). But No! we muslims will take for granted anything as being true if it has been labeled under the tag of 'Islam'!
First we keep ourselves ignorant about science. The we love to place Islam and Prophet Muhammad in it! and guess who gets mocked? I just request people out there not to put Prophet's name and keep placing Islam in everything not even remotely related to them.
And I really do not like people branding Prophet Muhammad as 'local hakeem' or astronomer with a very poor knowledge suggesting herbs to remedy certain ills or explaining motion of planets. Really I do not.
Muslims should be the ones respecting Prophet Muhammad. They on the other hand provide sufficient material otherwise.
Also Check the following posts.
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
- Prophets and Miracles
But first the text of that email...
(Nasa's Report):
The science of astronomy states that the speed of planet Mars has been decreasing in its course toward the eastern direction in the few past weeks to the level we notice the "waver" between the east and the west and on Wednesday the 30th of July the planet movement stopped going toward the eastern direction..
Then in the months of August and September...Mars changed its course in the opposite direction to the West- and that until the end of September..which means the sun will rise now from the west on Mars!!
And this weird phenomena of the opposite movement called "Retrograde Motion" Most scientist state that all the planets will go through the same once at least and our planet Earth is one of them. Planet Earth will move in the opposite direction some day and the sun will rise from the west!!
This might occur soon and we are unaware!
The rise of the sun from the west is mentioned in the hadith and this is the major sign of the day of judgment, most if not All, the minor signs have occured. Wake up.
Our beloved messenger Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
"One of the signs of the hour..the sun will rise from the west, where no longer tauba (forgiveness) will be granted" !!
And the strange thing..most of our Shariah scholars mentioned that the rise of the sun from the west occurs only once..on that day..thewest..then again from the east..and continues until Allah wishes..and this is similar to what is happening to Mars..it stops, then it changes its course of direction for a short period of time..then returns to way once it was.
Check the following link:
I don't know but reading this made my marbles follow a retrograde motion! For heavens sake. Retrograde motion of Mars is an optical phenomenon. Mars does not actually start to go in reverse! It appears to the human eye to be reversing back becasue of the relative motion of Earth and Mars around the Sun and the Earth being in the inner orbit as compared to Mars!
Even if one follows the link that has been provided in the text - one can read all about it (update 4th September 2012: The link no longer works. Follow this one). But No! we muslims will take for granted anything as being true if it has been labeled under the tag of 'Islam'!
First we keep ourselves ignorant about science. The we love to place Islam and Prophet Muhammad in it! and guess who gets mocked? I just request people out there not to put Prophet's name and keep placing Islam in everything not even remotely related to them.
And I really do not like people branding Prophet Muhammad as 'local hakeem' or astronomer with a very poor knowledge suggesting herbs to remedy certain ills or explaining motion of planets. Really I do not.
Muslims should be the ones respecting Prophet Muhammad. They on the other hand provide sufficient material otherwise.
Also Check the following posts.
- Moon Split - The Miracle?
- Prophets and Miracles
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Two Moons in the Sky!
Every year around August I receive an email forwarding (and most probably you would have too) that mars will be closest to Earth in gazillion years so do not miss the chance of watching it. There will be two moons in the sky!
Hell No! nothing can be farther from the truth! Mars was at its closest in August of 2003! Every year people keep asking me questions.. is it true? and every year I keep telling them no its not the case!
And its not Two moon in sky! When I watched Mars in 2003 - naked eye of course cuz I do not have a telescope :( - it was this brilliant orange kinda star! still no better than Venus! Damn Venus is very beautiful and bright in evenings!
So next time if you find this sort of mail in your Inbox.. delete it!
Man I love the sky :)
P.S: I am writing this after 2 months cuz I realized my blog was missing my interest elements of Astronomy and Egyptology! Better late than never!
Check My Other Posts:
1 - Prophets and Miracles
2 - Moon Split - The Miracle?
3 - Planet Mars and Islam!
Hell No! nothing can be farther from the truth! Mars was at its closest in August of 2003! Every year people keep asking me questions.. is it true? and every year I keep telling them no its not the case!
And its not Two moon in sky! When I watched Mars in 2003 - naked eye of course cuz I do not have a telescope :( - it was this brilliant orange kinda star! still no better than Venus! Damn Venus is very beautiful and bright in evenings!
So next time if you find this sort of mail in your Inbox.. delete it!
Man I love the sky :)
P.S: I am writing this after 2 months cuz I realized my blog was missing my interest elements of Astronomy and Egyptology! Better late than never!
Check My Other Posts:
1 - Prophets and Miracles
2 - Moon Split - The Miracle?
3 - Planet Mars and Islam!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Movement For The Independence (MIND)
MOVEMENT FOR THE INDEPENDENCE (MIND) OF JUDICIARY, MEDIA, CIVIL SOCIETY
First Grand and Unified Peaceful Protest In Islamabad
Of
All the sections of the civil society
Lawyers, students, journalists, traders, transporters, doctors,
engineers, businessmen, professionals, NGOs employees, human rights
activists, government servants , retired soldiers, politicians,
housewives, labour unions and Conscientious citizens
November 14, Wednesday
3 30 p.m.
Aabpara Chowk
In the form of
FLOWER AND BLACK BAND SHOW
__________
Kindly share.
First Grand and Unified Peaceful Protest In Islamabad
Of
All the sections of the civil society
Lawyers, students, journalists, traders, transporters, doctors,
engineers, businessmen, professionals, NGOs employees, human rights
activists, government servants , retired soldiers, politicians,
housewives, labour unions and Conscientious citizens
November 14, Wednesday
3 30 p.m.
Aabpara Chowk
In the form of
FLOWER AND BLACK BAND SHOW
__________
Kindly share.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Protest in Holland Against Musharraf
Pakistani community is getting more active in protesting against Musharraf and his military dictatorhip. People in Pakistan and their non-resident brothers feel the same pain. Students and ordinary folk alike - they joined in the protest to show solidarity with the people of pakistan who are being subjected right now to the whims of a single person.
Protests in Holland
(Translation: Wake up Europe! Musharraf is the problem - not the solution!)
Protests In Front of International Court of Justice
Protests in Holland
(Translation: Wake up Europe! Musharraf is the problem - not the solution!)
Protests In Front of International Court of Justice
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Asma Jahangir's Arrest Orders
This is a picture I received in mail that contains order to arrest Miss. Asma Jahangir- renowned human rights activist of Pakistan.
I do not know whether it has been shared already or not. Thanks to who-ever it belongs to.
p.s: I have no idea about the authenticity of this image.
I do not know whether it has been shared already or not. Thanks to who-ever it belongs to.
p.s: I have no idea about the authenticity of this image.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
21 Grams
This is 'supposedly' the weight lost by the body the instant a person dies. So somehow indicating the aspect that 'soul' weighs 21 grams.
Death is a very uneasy business. Unfortunately, if there is a death in your family or a dear one - then there is certain uneasiness which does not make you rest at peace.
An auntie in our neighborhood died. May God rest her soul in peace. The coffin (there is no coffin as such but a bed on which the body is placed and is moved by being carried on peoples shoulders) was being carried by 6 people and I was one of them.
Apart from reciting 'shahada' - I was thinking... a dead body is heavy. I mean really heavy. 6 people were carrying the coffin but they had to be switched and took turns. The poor soul who died was a weak physique woman, frail. She must have not weighed much when she was alive. But this was certainly not the case.
This is one of those things that really intrigues me. What is it that makes body weigh so much after soul departs from it...
With due respects to the people who left this world.
p.s: I like the movie though. My kinda movie. Slow.
Death is a very uneasy business. Unfortunately, if there is a death in your family or a dear one - then there is certain uneasiness which does not make you rest at peace.
An auntie in our neighborhood died. May God rest her soul in peace. The coffin (there is no coffin as such but a bed on which the body is placed and is moved by being carried on peoples shoulders) was being carried by 6 people and I was one of them.
Apart from reciting 'shahada' - I was thinking... a dead body is heavy. I mean really heavy. 6 people were carrying the coffin but they had to be switched and took turns. The poor soul who died was a weak physique woman, frail. She must have not weighed much when she was alive. But this was certainly not the case.
This is one of those things that really intrigues me. What is it that makes body weigh so much after soul departs from it...
With due respects to the people who left this world.
p.s: I like the movie though. My kinda movie. Slow.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Emperor Musharaf's New Clothes
12th October 1999 - "Have to hear this guy! whatever is going on is unbelievable!"
3rd November 2007 - "What the hell does he want to say now?!"
The above equates almost what I had in mind.
Mr. Musharraf.. whatever you are selling.. we are'nt buying it. Whatever credibility you had.. has been lost. I was perhaps the biggest supporter of yours - now I dont give a damn to the explanations you give.
You are not the saviour, you are not indispensable, you are not infallible.
The common man may not come on streets... cuz they are too busy trying just to survive. My friend asked a bread maker (tandoor wala) that emergency has been imposed. He replied "Will it lower the prices of essentials?"
Please do not consider us idiots. Nawaz, BB, you - all of the same category. Just your interests to safeguard.
It sucks really. By the way.. you are not wearing anything.
3rd November 2007 - "What the hell does he want to say now?!"
The above equates almost what I had in mind.
Mr. Musharraf.. whatever you are selling.. we are'nt buying it. Whatever credibility you had.. has been lost. I was perhaps the biggest supporter of yours - now I dont give a damn to the explanations you give.
You are not the saviour, you are not indispensable, you are not infallible.
The common man may not come on streets... cuz they are too busy trying just to survive. My friend asked a bread maker (tandoor wala) that emergency has been imposed. He replied "Will it lower the prices of essentials?"
Please do not consider us idiots. Nawaz, BB, you - all of the same category. Just your interests to safeguard.
It sucks really. By the way.. you are not wearing anything.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Pakistan - Cricket Cheats
Remember that Oval Test which Pakistan 'forfeited', the first in 129 years of cricket? Well the ghost is back. In that Test Match, Umpire Darrel Hair had accused Pakistan of ball tampering, awarded penalty to Pakistan without telling what had happened to the bewildered Pakistani team. When Pakistani team refused to come out on field to protest the incident, he called off the match citing forfeiture by Pakistan! Lovely incident.
English Coach Duncan Fletcher has been musing in his autobiography regarding Pakistani cricketers which actually portrays his mentality. "England staff used binoculars to monitor Pakistan players they suspected of ball tampering during last year’s forfeited Test at the Oval". Fletcher writes that the England coaching staff were, “interested in what the Pakistanis were doing with the ball.”. Basically he considers Pakistani cricketers as cheats.
He further elucidates.. “Using binoculars, we began examining the Pakistanis closely in the field because we thought we had picked something up.”
And now the icing.. He added: “We could not understand how they were able to get it to reverse swing so early in the innings. With the lush outfields it had been a problem for us all series".
Asshole has branded the whole Pakistani team as cheat just becasue "they could not do it"?! Who the hell he thinks he is? In early 90's when Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram out English cricketers to smithreens by the deadly fast bowling and lethal yorkers - The english press had called us Cheats! Morons! ALan Lamb and Ian Botham sued Imran Khan in courts for that!
When Michael Atherton was caught using dirt in his pocket to tamper the ball in South Africa - nothing happened much. He was not a pakistani I guess otheriwse hell would have broken loose.
And surprise surprise.. they use the same "cheating methods" to beat Australia in Ashes in 2005! Dunacan Fletcher was the coach! and then they were titled Officer of the British Empire - OBE! wtf.
English Coach Duncan Fletcher has been musing in his autobiography regarding Pakistani cricketers which actually portrays his mentality. "England staff used binoculars to monitor Pakistan players they suspected of ball tampering during last year’s forfeited Test at the Oval". Fletcher writes that the England coaching staff were, “interested in what the Pakistanis were doing with the ball.”. Basically he considers Pakistani cricketers as cheats.
He further elucidates.. “Using binoculars, we began examining the Pakistanis closely in the field because we thought we had picked something up.”
And now the icing.. He added: “We could not understand how they were able to get it to reverse swing so early in the innings. With the lush outfields it had been a problem for us all series".
Asshole has branded the whole Pakistani team as cheat just becasue "they could not do it"?! Who the hell he thinks he is? In early 90's when Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram out English cricketers to smithreens by the deadly fast bowling and lethal yorkers - The english press had called us Cheats! Morons! ALan Lamb and Ian Botham sued Imran Khan in courts for that!
When Michael Atherton was caught using dirt in his pocket to tamper the ball in South Africa - nothing happened much. He was not a pakistani I guess otheriwse hell would have broken loose.
And surprise surprise.. they use the same "cheating methods" to beat Australia in Ashes in 2005! Dunacan Fletcher was the coach! and then they were titled Officer of the British Empire - OBE! wtf.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hospitality
We Pakistanis are hospitable. Really. If you happen to be the one who visits the dear ones on occasion of Eid.. you must be knowing it. I do not know how my bladder can retain so much liquid! Every home you go.. they'll treat you with stuff to eat and drink! hey its festival time and why not! but not to the extent of ruining digestive mechanism of a human being for heavens sakes!
The other day, a relative of ours came to our place. The guy is old. Since he came after a long time so he was treated! Man he was treated! check what was on table for him... Pairra from Mardan (a very famous Mardan delight), some dessert that my mum made, dry fruit, dum-pukht meat! tea, cold drink! All sorts of assortments that had no relevance with the "timing of the serving". The old chap really really had a tough time. He could not refuse, he could not eat (no teeth either, artifical ones yes!) I was sitting with him and was 'only' thinking of what he would be going through.
Why on earth do we go to such extent that we put people in such situation. If a person tells me that no he/ she does not want to have certain thing because he/ she just had it at another place.. I would not offer him/ her that thing. Perhaps I am too rude! 'budtmiz' me!
The other day, a relative of ours came to our place. The guy is old. Since he came after a long time so he was treated! Man he was treated! check what was on table for him... Pairra from Mardan (a very famous Mardan delight), some dessert that my mum made, dry fruit, dum-pukht meat! tea, cold drink! All sorts of assortments that had no relevance with the "timing of the serving". The old chap really really had a tough time. He could not refuse, he could not eat (no teeth either, artifical ones yes!) I was sitting with him and was 'only' thinking of what he would be going through.
Why on earth do we go to such extent that we put people in such situation. If a person tells me that no he/ she does not want to have certain thing because he/ she just had it at another place.. I would not offer him/ her that thing. Perhaps I am too rude! 'budtmiz' me!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Brazilian Grand Prix
What a cracker of a race! the Brazilian Grand Prix was the ultimate finale for a Formula 1 that could have been possible! for once I actually sat the whole 71 laps! Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedez) was in title contention with Kimi Raikonen (Ferrari) and team mate Fernando Alonso separated by few points. Drama of drama when Lewis's car stalled due to electronic malfunction ruining his chances of taking the title. This gave Kimi the chance but he was held up by team mate Felipe Masa as he took the lead. Alonso scaled up the charts so as to snatch the title. In the meanwhile Kimi stole the top position from Masa as he went for a pit stop and Alonso fell short to gain enough points. The result - Kimi won the championship by just one point! damn Formula 1 is good!
Monday, October 08, 2007
5 Pillars of Islam
Ok I have to mention something related to 5 pillars of Islam and the general 'awareness' levels regarding them. Unfortunately... we are kept 'illiterate' when it comes to religion.
You must have definitely heard about the story that Prophet Muhammad when on his ascension to heaven.. met various Prophets and finally the number of prayers was set at 5. Right? Wrong actually.
The Five pillars were not given to Prophet Muhammad. They were all given to Prophet Abraham.
2:128 - Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting, the Merciful.
People did the rites before Prophet Muhammad.
2:183 - O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)
Prophet Muhammad was told to follow 'religion of Abraham'...
22:78 - And strive for Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims...
The tribe of Quraish was the keeper of Qibla. Remember Abraha? the one who tried to make his own Qibla some 50 years before the birth of Prophet? and for which 'Sura Feel' was revealed? This indicates that people used to observe Hajj before Prophet Muhammad was born.
Check My Other Posts:
1. Muslim or Kafir?
2. Travel Prayers - Salat Qasr
You must have definitely heard about the story that Prophet Muhammad when on his ascension to heaven.. met various Prophets and finally the number of prayers was set at 5. Right? Wrong actually.
The Five pillars were not given to Prophet Muhammad. They were all given to Prophet Abraham.
2:128 - Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting, the Merciful.
People did the rites before Prophet Muhammad.
2:183 - O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)
Prophet Muhammad was told to follow 'religion of Abraham'...
22:78 - And strive for Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims...
The tribe of Quraish was the keeper of Qibla. Remember Abraha? the one who tried to make his own Qibla some 50 years before the birth of Prophet? and for which 'Sura Feel' was revealed? This indicates that people used to observe Hajj before Prophet Muhammad was born.
Check My Other Posts:
1. Muslim or Kafir?
2. Travel Prayers - Salat Qasr
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Let them eat cake
I was hearing Musharraf on PTV. Responding to a caller that poverty should be reduced... he said it is being reduced. That he has done this and that for poverty alleviation. He also said that he knew that people in rural areas were now "using motorcycle instead of bicycles, using 'Lux soap' (sort of luxury soap) instead of 'gaye soap' (ordinary soap), drinking Pepsi..'!!
I swear the first thing that came to my mind was the quote attributed to Marie Antoinette when she was told that ordinary folk had nothing to eat and she replied "Let them eat cake".
This is perhaps the most dumb statement I have heard from Musharraf. I like(ed)? this guy. For me he was the best thing that happened to Pakistan. Brave. Courageous. No holds barred attitude. He single handidly did the conferences, no aides. I went in appluase when he shook hands with Vajpayee in a SAARC conference.. what a knock out! How he held himself in India answering and handling Indian media. Just marvellous.
And now. What the hell is he doing? Awarding amnesty to the most corrupt of this country all in the name of reconcilliation. What a hog wash. I swear I think the elite of this country (rulers, feudals, military, mullah, bureacrats etc) consider ordinary Pakistani stupid. They really do. Are we?
I swear the first thing that came to my mind was the quote attributed to Marie Antoinette when she was told that ordinary folk had nothing to eat and she replied "Let them eat cake".
This is perhaps the most dumb statement I have heard from Musharraf. I like(ed)? this guy. For me he was the best thing that happened to Pakistan. Brave. Courageous. No holds barred attitude. He single handidly did the conferences, no aides. I went in appluase when he shook hands with Vajpayee in a SAARC conference.. what a knock out! How he held himself in India answering and handling Indian media. Just marvellous.
And now. What the hell is he doing? Awarding amnesty to the most corrupt of this country all in the name of reconcilliation. What a hog wash. I swear I think the elite of this country (rulers, feudals, military, mullah, bureacrats etc) consider ordinary Pakistani stupid. They really do. Are we?
Friday, October 05, 2007
Statue of Buddha
We are sick. really. Swat is in a turmoil. Government and local religious authorities are at odds with each other. And the result apart from killing of innocent people? Statue of Buddha.
Twice it has been the target. Some 'believers' I suppose are trying to knock it off from its place because it is a sign of idolworship. Just like the case of Buddha of Bamyan in Afghanistan. Why should an idol be present on the land of the faithful?
I say it again. We are sick. Really.
Unfortunate thing is that these people are our own people. They are part of the society. This mentality really exists. Medresshas (not all) do preach hatred. I am supposedly a 'sunni' because I was born in such family. I used to study Quran in mosque just like an average pakistani child. Trust me.. I used to hear some really nasty things about shias! and non-muslims... we were supposed to stay away from them too! but perhaps not as bad as shias! Good lord they were devils!
Anyways.. No one from the NWFP government (purely Islamic Government I believe because mullahs rule there) has come up with even a denunciation.. let alone providing some security. (yeah yeah I know I am not talking about security for humans but talking of providing security for a statue). The Islamic Caliphate of NWFP is perhaps busy saving its own seat. This ancient relic circa 2 B.C will be no more. I hope I am wrong.
(Photo courtesy BBC)
Check My Other Posts:
1. 'I Hate You'
2. Lord of the Medieval
Friday, September 28, 2007
Eeman Bil Ghaib...
In the recent past I had a discussion on couple of occasions regarding "Blind Faith" in religion so thought to put some here. The common concept of Blind Faith is that there is not much 'thinking' aspect involved when it comes to following teachings of Islam. Obey just whatever has been told to you. Do not think becasue it will create doubts in your mind and you'll stray away from the path of Lord!
Blind faith does not mean a mullah telling you that whatever I tell you is correct, whatever has been done previously is for all times to come - so do not think cuz that will lead you to the path of satan! Quran is very different on "blind faith" (eeman bil ghaib).
27:73 - And they who, when reminded of the communications of their Lord, do not fall down thereat deaf and blind.
Clearly in contrast to what maulvis preach right? Quran does not say that blindly follow whatever is told to you... Observe the signs.. then decide for urself e.g. whether there should be an entity like God (or whatever is being told to you).
24:43 - Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail...
36:34 - And We have placed therein gardens of the date-palm and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein.
36:35 - That they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks?
3:190 - Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding
You come to the conclusion that there is God by observing signs. You think, ponder and then decide. Not blindly say that there is God.
2:02 - This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah
2:03 - Who believe in the Unseen...
Blind faith does not mean a mullah telling you that whatever I tell you is correct, whatever has been done previously is for all times to come - so do not think cuz that will lead you to the path of satan! Quran is very different on "blind faith" (eeman bil ghaib).
27:73 - And they who, when reminded of the communications of their Lord, do not fall down thereat deaf and blind.
Clearly in contrast to what maulvis preach right? Quran does not say that blindly follow whatever is told to you... Observe the signs.. then decide for urself e.g. whether there should be an entity like God (or whatever is being told to you).
24:43 - Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail...
36:34 - And We have placed therein gardens of the date-palm and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein.
36:35 - That they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands made it not. Will they not, then, give thanks?
3:190 - Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding
You come to the conclusion that there is God by observing signs. You think, ponder and then decide. Not blindly say that there is God.
2:02 - This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah
2:03 - Who believe in the Unseen...
Monday, September 24, 2007
'Punjab ki Gandum'
Country is passing through another wheat crisis. Our brethern Pakistani muslims as usual have indulged in hoarding practices creating a shortage, raising the prices and piling up the misery of their fellow Pakistani muslim brethern. God bless them.
Do you know - I have been a smuggler! literally! It was the reign of Amir ul Momineen Nawaz Sharif (second term) when wheat crisis was at its peak. Inter provincial movement of wheat was banned because it was "punjab ki gandum". I do not know about the other provinces but in NWFP it was a toal crisis. Wheat was expensive than gold. I used to cross Hasan Abdal (in Punjab) while enroute from my either destinations that lay in NWFP. I used to buy a bag of flour, put it in cars trunk and literally keep away from customs checkposts to avoid being caught! That was insane! People were suffering from non-availability of wheat and the idiots had banned the availability of wheat in other provinces.
My friend narrated an incident in which he was coming to a city in NWFP. When they reached the border town of Punjab and Frontier, the cops at check post had gotten hold of 2 teens who were carrying wheat in plastic shopping bags for their family (not more than 5 kg each). The guys at check post thrashed them for being 'smugglers' and threw the wheat on road so they wont be able to take it past the border.
Can you imagine the sickness of such parochial people? I was a smuggler in my own country! I was denied wheat by my own country men! What a country!
I wonder why the electricty produced by NWFP is called by punjab to be pakistan's electricity. Tax revenue generated by Sindh (Karachi) is said to be due the ports in Karachi and they are pakistans ports. But when it comes to wheat... its always 'punjab ki gandum'? (reference to various statements attributed to CM punjab where he mentioned 'punjab ki gandum')
Do you know - I have been a smuggler! literally! It was the reign of Amir ul Momineen Nawaz Sharif (second term) when wheat crisis was at its peak. Inter provincial movement of wheat was banned because it was "punjab ki gandum". I do not know about the other provinces but in NWFP it was a toal crisis. Wheat was expensive than gold. I used to cross Hasan Abdal (in Punjab) while enroute from my either destinations that lay in NWFP. I used to buy a bag of flour, put it in cars trunk and literally keep away from customs checkposts to avoid being caught! That was insane! People were suffering from non-availability of wheat and the idiots had banned the availability of wheat in other provinces.
My friend narrated an incident in which he was coming to a city in NWFP. When they reached the border town of Punjab and Frontier, the cops at check post had gotten hold of 2 teens who were carrying wheat in plastic shopping bags for their family (not more than 5 kg each). The guys at check post thrashed them for being 'smugglers' and threw the wheat on road so they wont be able to take it past the border.
Can you imagine the sickness of such parochial people? I was a smuggler in my own country! I was denied wheat by my own country men! What a country!
I wonder why the electricty produced by NWFP is called by punjab to be pakistan's electricity. Tax revenue generated by Sindh (Karachi) is said to be due the ports in Karachi and they are pakistans ports. But when it comes to wheat... its always 'punjab ki gandum'? (reference to various statements attributed to CM punjab where he mentioned 'punjab ki gandum')
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Defensive Day
6th September is celebrated in Pakistan as the Defence Day. The day when 'supposedly' we won a war against Indians. Earlier there used to be a holiday when I was in school so I kind of a.. remembered Defence Day! Today a friend of mine told me its Defence Day today thats why national songs on FM! I did not even remember that it was 6th September!
I know. We should rememeber the sacrifices others made for us. 14th August is just a holiday for me. There was a very nice statement attributed to Fifi Haroon in a newspaper when she organized National Day celebrations in London.. which went something like .. Nationalism is not a pill that you administer to people. It has to be felt. And I truly agree with it. Although I dont know how jumping on songs will make me do this to me :p So whats the solutions for nuts like me?!
Another aspect that needs mentioning. It is agreed that September 65 war was an 'effect' to kashmir 'casue'. It was a brainchild of Army to send mujahideen into Kashmir and put Indian Army on the defensive. Rememebr Kargil? Just like that. I read somewhere that Air Marshal (retd) Noor Khan strongly objected to it. (I wish we have more Noor Khans in this country. God he has so much integrity. I have never heard of anything bad associated with him). Perhaps these 'adventures' of Pakistan army have made me lose appeal for such days. But why should I deny the sacrifices that people made for me and my country men? Why did colonel Sher Khan sacrifice his life for me on Kashmir mountains? He did for some reason.. thats nationalism.
I know. We should rememeber the sacrifices others made for us. 14th August is just a holiday for me. There was a very nice statement attributed to Fifi Haroon in a newspaper when she organized National Day celebrations in London.. which went something like .. Nationalism is not a pill that you administer to people. It has to be felt. And I truly agree with it. Although I dont know how jumping on songs will make me do this to me :p So whats the solutions for nuts like me?!
Another aspect that needs mentioning. It is agreed that September 65 war was an 'effect' to kashmir 'casue'. It was a brainchild of Army to send mujahideen into Kashmir and put Indian Army on the defensive. Rememebr Kargil? Just like that. I read somewhere that Air Marshal (retd) Noor Khan strongly objected to it. (I wish we have more Noor Khans in this country. God he has so much integrity. I have never heard of anything bad associated with him). Perhaps these 'adventures' of Pakistan army have made me lose appeal for such days. But why should I deny the sacrifices that people made for me and my country men? Why did colonel Sher Khan sacrifice his life for me on Kashmir mountains? He did for some reason.. thats nationalism.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Hello, Hello! Testing Faith!
Yesterday a friend of mine told me that a certain mouse had ruined her suit. She also told me that a cloth cover of Quran was also ruined by the same specie. She asked me "Why did mouse do that?" I told her, acting very logically, that you cant expect mouse to differentiate between sacred and profane! He had to eat something! She asked "Why did not God protect the Quran cover? HE could have given the mouse another cloth to ruin!". And I had that look where... you know.. you dont know what to say :p
Now this may sound trivial or childish point but this is a question that does bother! A very long time ago I had read in an urdu newspaper (you can only find these things in urdu newspapers) that a muslim and a christian were making claims that 'their' lord is the true lord (in fact both have the same lord but its a different issue). Since they both worked in a factory so they decided that will put their (Reader's warning: verbally described scenes that may be disturbing!) hand in machines! and whosoever's lord is true.. he'll be saved! Damn! They both had their hands.... you get the idea I guess.
Another story that I jsut cant erase from my mind is that of a 'hafiza' who was gang raped in a remote village in our motherland. How could God let this happen to a person who had memorized His book?
I don't know. Honestly I do not. Perhaps this is how 'events' are supposed to unfold? I guess its easy to pass comments since it did not happen to me.
Now this may sound trivial or childish point but this is a question that does bother! A very long time ago I had read in an urdu newspaper (you can only find these things in urdu newspapers) that a muslim and a christian were making claims that 'their' lord is the true lord (in fact both have the same lord but its a different issue). Since they both worked in a factory so they decided that will put their (Reader's warning: verbally described scenes that may be disturbing!) hand in machines! and whosoever's lord is true.. he'll be saved! Damn! They both had their hands.... you get the idea I guess.
Another story that I jsut cant erase from my mind is that of a 'hafiza' who was gang raped in a remote village in our motherland. How could God let this happen to a person who had memorized His book?
I don't know. Honestly I do not. Perhaps this is how 'events' are supposed to unfold? I guess its easy to pass comments since it did not happen to me.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Not So Funny
Have you seen the 'laughter challenge' programmes on Indian TVs? its the buzz I guess these days. All sorts of comedians are trying their luck and showing their skills on television. Our Pakistani brethren too are taking their share of limelight on Indian TV.
Is it just me or did anyone else also feel that pakistani comedians are vulgar? In fact I find them horribly vulgar. I do not watch these programs regularly, only when I am channel hopping. Earlier I thought that the Indian TV is so pathetic (and their comedy level so low) that comedians have to resort to innuendos and double entendres. Then I started realizing that its the Pakistani comedians that do this often. I swear... earlier I used to check whether there was a pakistani comedian on stage so that I could enjoy listening to him... now when I see a pakistani comedian.. I just keep my fingers crossed in fear that he'll spit something... if he does then I have switched that channel. I feel so ashamed. Honestly.
Indians have a gem of a comedian in Raju Shrivastav(?). Whenever he comes on stage... it is just a masterful act. Absolute genius. Just like Omar Sharif in our case.
What does this tell us about the level of stand up comedy in our country? Is it jsut the same as I have stated? has it always been like that and we saw only the 'clean' acts? You feel the same too?
Is it just me or did anyone else also feel that pakistani comedians are vulgar? In fact I find them horribly vulgar. I do not watch these programs regularly, only when I am channel hopping. Earlier I thought that the Indian TV is so pathetic (and their comedy level so low) that comedians have to resort to innuendos and double entendres. Then I started realizing that its the Pakistani comedians that do this often. I swear... earlier I used to check whether there was a pakistani comedian on stage so that I could enjoy listening to him... now when I see a pakistani comedian.. I just keep my fingers crossed in fear that he'll spit something... if he does then I have switched that channel. I feel so ashamed. Honestly.
Indians have a gem of a comedian in Raju Shrivastav(?). Whenever he comes on stage... it is just a masterful act. Absolute genius. Just like Omar Sharif in our case.
What does this tell us about the level of stand up comedy in our country? Is it jsut the same as I have stated? has it always been like that and we saw only the 'clean' acts? You feel the same too?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Prudent Broadcasters
It is heartening to read the news that Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has agreed to desist from showing scenes of violence and terrorism. It had to be realized sooner that displaying gory images on screen does not help at all. If you want to grab the audiences then there are others ways of telling the story. Not just violence and terrorism, I was horrified when I saw the full footage of a person dying on screen on a private TV channel while covering the 2005 Earthquake. Prudence should have been observed there as well. What the hell was Aaj TV thinking? What was the chief reporter Talat Husain thinking?
I also want the PBA to ban commercials that are racist in nature e.g. all the 'skin fairness' advertisements in which the girl is told that since her skin is dark so she will not be able to get married and by using such and such product she can have a 'white' skin and hook a person (frankly this makes males look even more dumb-ass). How horrible can advertisements get?
I also want the PBA to ban commercials that are racist in nature e.g. all the 'skin fairness' advertisements in which the girl is told that since her skin is dark so she will not be able to get married and by using such and such product she can have a 'white' skin and hook a person (frankly this makes males look even more dumb-ass). How horrible can advertisements get?
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Lord of the Medieval
I just cannot understand how can anyone oppose administering polio drops to children in connection with vaccination drive. The religious scholars in NWFP are notorious for such acts. Swat is especially known for this - a certain Mr. Maulana Fazlullah, who ironically uses FM Radio transmissions (an infidel West's made device) to deliver his sermons! How can anyone be so cruel to let children suffer this deadly disease by citing frivolous arguments not to immunize them? Health workers have been attacked who went in these areas to carry out immunization drive.
But I guess these religious scholars (Maulanas) are really... very cruel. Citing the argument that these immunizations are just a conspiracy by the West to control muslim's population - they hit they roof of idiocity. Further, that if a child gets a disease.. this how God intended it to be. This is insane. Why do these religious scholars wear warm clothes in winter to protect them from cold? has not God made cold to be felt as it is? Why wear a helmet on a motorcycle? is it not for protection from serios injury?
What is with these people? Why cant this segment of our society think straight? Why our people and 'religion' is hostage to them? What on earth has religion got to do with it anyways? Poor poor us...
But I guess these religious scholars (Maulanas) are really... very cruel. Citing the argument that these immunizations are just a conspiracy by the West to control muslim's population - they hit they roof of idiocity. Further, that if a child gets a disease.. this how God intended it to be. This is insane. Why do these religious scholars wear warm clothes in winter to protect them from cold? has not God made cold to be felt as it is? Why wear a helmet on a motorcycle? is it not for protection from serios injury?
What is with these people? Why cant this segment of our society think straight? Why our people and 'religion' is hostage to them? What on earth has religion got to do with it anyways? Poor poor us...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Lal Masjid
Pardon my ignorance but I fail to understand the point in raising questions like "how could Lal masjid administration amass so much weapons?" It is clear that the Government wanted to exploit the situation to its maximum favour. If they were "oh so worried" about the situation which resulted in so many unwanted deaths then they would not have let Lal Masjid imbroglio come to its final situation. If the Government wants then the incidents like of May 12th of Karachi cant even be probed.
Implementation of Sharia is a very nice statement. Our people are so sincere and honest when it comes to religion that Maulana Ghazis of every kind take them for a ride. Youth get misguided and critics get silenced because who can dare talk against Islamic values not being implemented in society? If Mr. Ghazi was so good then at least he could have heeded the advice of Imam e Ka'aba; Which he did not becasue obviously he had no such intention. Do not tell me that agencies were involved in him not heeding the advice.
Vested interests got mixed with misguided religious ambitions and the result is the mess that we Pakistanis find ourselves in. Stupid is as stupid does. Unfortunately in this case it cost innocent lives.
Implementation of Sharia is a very nice statement. Our people are so sincere and honest when it comes to religion that Maulana Ghazis of every kind take them for a ride. Youth get misguided and critics get silenced because who can dare talk against Islamic values not being implemented in society? If Mr. Ghazi was so good then at least he could have heeded the advice of Imam e Ka'aba; Which he did not becasue obviously he had no such intention. Do not tell me that agencies were involved in him not heeding the advice.
Vested interests got mixed with misguided religious ambitions and the result is the mess that we Pakistanis find ourselves in. Stupid is as stupid does. Unfortunately in this case it cost innocent lives.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Suicide Bombings
The country is passing through its worst phase perhaps regarding law and order when every other day a suicide bombing takes scores of innocent lives. There is a version of political Islam which no matter how much we deny - exists and which is extremely militant.
Yes.. Islam is very peaceful and killing of an innocent is like killing the whole humanity (Quran 5:32) but there are some very sick people around. And a lot of innocent people to trap and exploit. And No! they wont get any paradise or virgins for that...
The outcome of the judicial crisis or Musharraf as president or not has no bearing on the course which it will follow. Anyone who is perceived to be an agent/puppet/'dog' of America or Israel is their enemy. This section of 'our' society knows no alternative to further their cause but militantly. This ideology has to be dealt with in earnest because innocence is a non issue if you are perceived to be on the other side of the divide. People, intelligensia and most importantly ulema have to play a major role. Identify and tackle this ideology or face the worst.
Yes.. Islam is very peaceful and killing of an innocent is like killing the whole humanity (Quran 5:32) but there are some very sick people around. And a lot of innocent people to trap and exploit. And No! they wont get any paradise or virgins for that...
The outcome of the judicial crisis or Musharraf as president or not has no bearing on the course which it will follow. Anyone who is perceived to be an agent/puppet/'dog' of America or Israel is their enemy. This section of 'our' society knows no alternative to further their cause but militantly. This ideology has to be dealt with in earnest because innocence is a non issue if you are perceived to be on the other side of the divide. People, intelligensia and most importantly ulema have to play a major role. Identify and tackle this ideology or face the worst.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Couvade
Its a syndrome by the way...
To quote my example.. I perfectly knew what was going to happen, I knew there would be responsibilities, I knew I would have sleepless nights! in fact these things did not go through my mind as they were taken as default! perhaps I am abnormal! :p there is a friend of mine who does not even get married saying its a responsibility! Damn!
I think the "responsibility" fear is taken care off by the typical family system our society has to offer. It is not "only you" that has to look after the baby.. in my case I had my mum, her mum, my sis when the birth took place.. so a lot of things were taken care of automatically. The elders in our society are respected alot for a very definitive reason.. wisdom. Today's generation may be very well informed but they cant match the wisdom and experience that elders have. And that is visible when my kids mum is going nuts trying to handle the baby and then comes her mum and everything calms down! excellent :)
Couvade comes from the french word couvee meaning "to hatch". It has come to mean a man having a "sympathetic pregnancy." Yes, ..., this means that your partner could start to vomit, gain weight, and have many of the "joys" associated with pregnancy.Yeah. It is what it says. Pregnant Fathers! Now. Frankly I did not get affected by this syndrome. I never experienced such things... But the website also states..
Generally, couvade syndrome begins in the end of the first trimester and increases in severity until the third trimester. The only known cure for couvade is -- birth.
-About.Com
Some men are more susceptible to couvade than others. For instance if you and your partner have experienced infertility or if you were adopted, you could be more likely to experience couvade syndrome.hmm.. now that sounds more in line with what I can expect. But the reason that a father gets affected by this syndrome because of "future responsibilities"?! Hell No!
To quote my example.. I perfectly knew what was going to happen, I knew there would be responsibilities, I knew I would have sleepless nights! in fact these things did not go through my mind as they were taken as default! perhaps I am abnormal! :p there is a friend of mine who does not even get married saying its a responsibility! Damn!
I think the "responsibility" fear is taken care off by the typical family system our society has to offer. It is not "only you" that has to look after the baby.. in my case I had my mum, her mum, my sis when the birth took place.. so a lot of things were taken care of automatically. The elders in our society are respected alot for a very definitive reason.. wisdom. Today's generation may be very well informed but they cant match the wisdom and experience that elders have. And that is visible when my kids mum is going nuts trying to handle the baby and then comes her mum and everything calms down! excellent :)
Friday, June 15, 2007
I Do Not Remember
yeah I do not.. do you remember what went on with you when you were born and then when you started growing up? All those kisses and hugs and care takings of you when you could not even see straight! the love filled talks that your parents, your siblings, the people around you did with you while you were busy dirtying your pampers! I cant remember anything!
I know.. just having a baby born to me - my thoughts are usually centered on her. Also my posts will be more on her!
But this is strange... one cant remember anything that happened when one is in a 'Child state'. I keep kissing my daughter and I know that she wont remember any of it! still I do it! still I hug her and talk to her... hmm... is this what we call life?
And then you see people really turning into something else when they grow up... misbehaving with the same people that took so much care of him/ her when he/ she was a child... making sure not even a single instance of harm occurs... but the tables turn for the bad. (I am only highlighting the negative side because that is what hurts the most).
Ok enough of this crazy world... starting once again.. I remember the sights and sounds of places when I guess I was ..umm.. 4? not that much of it mind you... How much do you remember?
I know.. just having a baby born to me - my thoughts are usually centered on her. Also my posts will be more on her!
But this is strange... one cant remember anything that happened when one is in a 'Child state'. I keep kissing my daughter and I know that she wont remember any of it! still I do it! still I hug her and talk to her... hmm... is this what we call life?
And then you see people really turning into something else when they grow up... misbehaving with the same people that took so much care of him/ her when he/ she was a child... making sure not even a single instance of harm occurs... but the tables turn for the bad. (I am only highlighting the negative side because that is what hurts the most).
Ok enough of this crazy world... starting once again.. I remember the sights and sounds of places when I guess I was ..umm.. 4? not that much of it mind you... How much do you remember?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Lord of the (my own) World!
On May 29th I was blessed with an angel.. my daughter. Well if one asks me how am I feeling, am I a changed person now.. NO! yeah strange.. but I feel normal! Yes I love my daughter! she is so cute... but I am still the same! there is one more person that requires my attention and love! and I have plenty of that to give to her :)
I do not know whether its becasue of 'men' or 'women' thinking or feeling differently.. but somebody (a father) told me that you start to 'really' associate with the little one when they start giving response to your actions... my janu daughter keeps blank when I kiss her :)
One thing is strange.. she does not focus on the person holding her or is trying to get her attention.. she watches on or side of shoulders! I do not know whether other people having little ones have noticed this as well(?) As if she is watching someone else.. and who really gets her attention! and she even passes smiles while looking their! she even smiles while sleeping! she does not smile for me! damn! angels there too?
I do not know whether its becasue of 'men' or 'women' thinking or feeling differently.. but somebody (a father) told me that you start to 'really' associate with the little one when they start giving response to your actions... my janu daughter keeps blank when I kiss her :)
One thing is strange.. she does not focus on the person holding her or is trying to get her attention.. she watches on or side of shoulders! I do not know whether other people having little ones have noticed this as well(?) As if she is watching someone else.. and who really gets her attention! and she even passes smiles while looking their! she even smiles while sleeping! she does not smile for me! damn! angels there too?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Train Wreck
Well fortunately this title is not related to some train accident rather what goes on in my mind after a certain incident. This time it involved a train being stuck on railway crossing and hundreds of cars being jammed as a result of it.
Its Karachi. The busiest of areas - I.I. Chundrigar Road and Jinnah Bridge. I.I. Chundrigar is closed because of maintenance. That leaves a road parallel and to the back of Chundrigar Road to commute and it also crosses a railway track. The Train got stuck and that ruined everything.
When I reached my office (after an hour stuck at bridge), I got to hear all the stories of what happened to different people, how awful it was, how people went 'under' the stuck train to the other side etc etc. I also got to hear a 'foreigner' complaining "Look at me, my shoes are dirty and I am sweating"... meaning that he had to 'go through' all this which he should not have in the first place had he not visited this place. Well excuse me...
'We' (the locals) too had to face this problem, we too were stuck in traffic jam, we too had to walk to our offices, our boots became dirty and we sweat as well.. just who the hell you think you are telling us that you had to go through all of this just because you were here?
Yes the train should not have stuck there but it did. Yes it should have been removed earlier but it was not. Yes people had to face problems but everyone managed it. Yes it should not have happened but it did.
Just do not come here if you can't handle situations. Moron.
And my thoughts are a train wreck because instead of complaining about the situation - I am focusing on that foreigner moron who is telling me he had to face problems! Whoa!
Its Karachi. The busiest of areas - I.I. Chundrigar Road and Jinnah Bridge. I.I. Chundrigar is closed because of maintenance. That leaves a road parallel and to the back of Chundrigar Road to commute and it also crosses a railway track. The Train got stuck and that ruined everything.
When I reached my office (after an hour stuck at bridge), I got to hear all the stories of what happened to different people, how awful it was, how people went 'under' the stuck train to the other side etc etc. I also got to hear a 'foreigner' complaining "Look at me, my shoes are dirty and I am sweating"... meaning that he had to 'go through' all this which he should not have in the first place had he not visited this place. Well excuse me...
'We' (the locals) too had to face this problem, we too were stuck in traffic jam, we too had to walk to our offices, our boots became dirty and we sweat as well.. just who the hell you think you are telling us that you had to go through all of this just because you were here?
Yes the train should not have stuck there but it did. Yes it should have been removed earlier but it was not. Yes people had to face problems but everyone managed it. Yes it should not have happened but it did.
Just do not come here if you can't handle situations. Moron.
And my thoughts are a train wreck because instead of complaining about the situation - I am focusing on that foreigner moron who is telling me he had to face problems! Whoa!
Monday, April 16, 2007
I Killed a Pigeon
Weird right? well not exactly. I was parking my car in a parking lot. As I drove, a couple of pigeons came moving in front of my car. I drove with the usual 'they'll fly by' attitude... and one of the pigeons did not. I drove over that pigeon.
I cant explain how awful I felt. To make it doubly awaful was the fact that the partner pigeon was standing right beside that dead pigeon while crows were trying to their job. Man I felt sick.
In this world of mayhem, people are killing other people and I am talking of killing of a pigeon. Sissy?
I cant explain how awful I felt. To make it doubly awaful was the fact that the partner pigeon was standing right beside that dead pigeon while crows were trying to their job. Man I felt sick.
In this world of mayhem, people are killing other people and I am talking of killing of a pigeon. Sissy?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Rape and Adultery Differentiated
Strange as the title may sound, this is actually true. In Pakistan, there was no distinction between rape and adultery (or so the Islamic experts would have us believe) because in Quran there is no distinction! (Read my post Quran & Laws Related to Rape in Pakistan)
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), a constitutional body, which deals with legal Islamic issues has ruled that both these situations are different and so the requirement imposed upon Pakistani women by the military dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq that they should bring four witnesses in case they get raped! and if if they do not bring forth witnesses then charges of adultery will filed against them! is not valid.
Read my previous posts Womens Protection Bill and Islam and Womens Protection Bill on these issues.
Sanity has prevailed and now Rape and Adultery will be treated differently. A woman will not be required to bring in four witnesses in case she files a case for rape and she can not be prosecuted for charges of adultery if she cannot manage 4 witnesses as the previous clause required.
Thank God for that!
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), a constitutional body, which deals with legal Islamic issues has ruled that both these situations are different and so the requirement imposed upon Pakistani women by the military dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq that they should bring four witnesses in case they get raped! and if if they do not bring forth witnesses then charges of adultery will filed against them! is not valid.
Read my previous posts Womens Protection Bill and Islam and Womens Protection Bill on these issues.
Sanity has prevailed and now Rape and Adultery will be treated differently. A woman will not be required to bring in four witnesses in case she files a case for rape and she can not be prosecuted for charges of adultery if she cannot manage 4 witnesses as the previous clause required.
Thank God for that!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Bloody Basant
Innocent lives were lost again this basant. Yes, the administration was responsible for this but the blame is shared equally by another party as well - the Lahorites. I find the policing of 'kite-flyers' by police as a ridiculous approach to solving the issue which is unmanageable to say the least. It is a social responsibility of people residing in a particular area that dangers of kite-flying, especially the use of metal wire, be told. It was the people that were using metal wires not police, it was they who were doing the aerial firing not the administration. How many people told their friends, their neighbours, family members and kids that they should not do such acts because it can kill someone? perhaps they were all busy in merrymaking and basant. Innocent blood is at their hands too. My sympathies with all those who have lost their loved ones.
Monday, February 19, 2007
A highrise Building Fire
Karachi saw one of its 16 storey building burning like hell. And the City government had no clue (rather equipment) to extinguish the fire. The 10th biggest city in the world has no fire fighting equipment to deal with fires higher than 13th storey buildings. One can just not believe it. And they are planning to build a 36 storey building! hurray to that! and would you believe it.. this building has no 13th Floor as it is a sign of bad luck! hurray to that as well!
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