.. and so is Venus! checked her out?!
darn you feminists!
:p
Friday, August 01, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Taliban at the Door
They are just a wall away from my city. Really.
Will the Taliban take over NWFP? Will the Taliban take over Pakistan? Intriguing questions. well they have gained a strong foothold in Swat. O that beautiful valley is so torn now. It was rumored that Peshawar was about to fall to them.. luckily that did not happen. But the operation did start against the 'militants and criminals' in the adjoining areas of the provincial metropolis.
Some years back, Taliban were an entity that was in Afghanistan. Now they are in Pakistan! These hardcore beard sporting-gun wielding-pants (shalwar) up till ankles-tribals employ a strict interpretation of Islam - which serves their interests well. The protectors of Al Qaeda, the tormentors of Hamid Karzai, the irritants for NATO, the headache for Pakistani government and fear for any population under their control.. are planning to take over Pakistan!
I'll be evaluating various issues that will confront them in their plan to take control over Pakistan and her population.
1. Electoral Bottleneck.
Well thats a serious one. Religious parties cum political parties have not fared well in Pakistani politics. Yes MMA got the NWFP Govt last time but they were routed this time by ANP and PPPP who have a secular attitude. No Taliban will ever find this route easy. (Although for the sake of events.. one hopes they do join the political process instead)
Forget about Taliban thinking of the same route. They don't believe in it (as it is a representation of infidel system and that democracy is not compatible with Islam!)
2. Religious Affinity.
Definite plus point for Taliban. Tag anything with Islam and Pakistani people will fall for it.. well most of them. Reason is simple. Pakistanis are religious. They accept religion as a major factor in their life and to support it they can go to any length - irrational extremes even.
The Taliban of Swat have only one thing to say - impose Islamic Shariah. I mean who can disagree when asked whether you would want to have God and His system placed in the country?! Nobody will surely ask 'what system by the way'! Ordinary perception is that there is only one variety. Pakistan has majority sunnis and most of them think (keeping aside their militant acts) that Taliban are true representation of early muslims. A true portrayal of Islamic values which obviously is a hard fact. Religion is no chill pill they will tell you.
Then there are medressahs. They provide fresh crop of religious students who have almost no contemporary knowledge of the world. They are not imbued with critical thinking and thus are easily 'converted' for malafide acts. For ordinary tribal, they do not see any wrong with what goes on in medressah. They have sent their children to learn the religion of God. If they cant succeed in this world and at least life hereafter would be better for them.
3. Inept Government
This is closely linked with the previous one. Why most people find Islamic system attractive? One it relates to Islam and secondly the state has been so inept at performing its duties that people hope that the new system would solve their problems. Take for example the justice system employed by Taliban. If there is a wrong committed and a call for redressal is made - it is acted upon quickly. If the offenders are caught they are dealt there and then. No courts where the trial would continue for yars and years to no effect. Simple dispensation of justice (with all merits and demrits of course).
Similarly the political environment. There is no penetration of main stream political parties of Pakistan in tribal areas. They are ruled by a century old Frontier Crimes & regulations Act (FCR). The federal government appointed political agent acts as the god father. Until very recently, tribal people were not even able to cast their votes. The people know no way apart from jirga system, their clan lords and political administrator. You might argue that Swat had a political structure in place so why it did not work there? When the religious organizations like Tehreek e Nifaze Shariat e Mohammadi (TNSM) demanded that shariah law be imposed in Swat, the successive governments since 1996 always said they would do so soon. What did this knee jerk reaction convey? That their demand for shariah was valid, that people were not being governed by an Islamic system and that the political administration was plain idiot.
Inept governance is also evident on the developmental work. FATA areas have never been on the developmental priority of the federal government. The area contains huge mineral resources. The mines built were of no use because tribes fought amongst themselves and Government could not mediate between them. Now Taliban with the force of the gun, have made the mines start working again and started levying their own tax. Simple and efficient.
4. Tribal Affinity.
This is a very conducive environment for Taliban. FATA area and areas near the border of Afghanistan (Dir and Swat) are inhabited by Pathans. Its a mix of Pathan code (pukhtoon wali), tribal customs and medressah Islam. Add to it the fact that FATA area has always been a no go area for the Pakistani Government- in fact for anyone for that matter. And tribals take pride in it. Its their rules, their customs and no body else interferes.
5. Anti-American Sentiment
The holy nectar. Give one sip and the person is yours. If there is a satan on earth - then its America. For Taliban and most of the muslims, the America is the reason for all ills that afflict the muslims all across the globe. Things got more complicated after 9/11. Every muslim is a terrorist and beard sporting pathan even more!
Americans have made a mess in Iraq, in Afghanistan and brazenly support Israel. Guilty all the way. Then they kill ordinary Afghans in collateral damage raising the hate sentiment for the invading army. Americans keep pounding suspected Taliban hideouts in Pakistani controlled territory. Add to this fact that Pakistani Government is seen too compliant of American interests. You getting labeled as an American agent can lead you further to search for your chopped head.
6. The Power of Gun
Taliban are ruthless. They do not give a damn about you if you go against their interests. They wont care if you are seen without the compliance of their definition of Islam. The power of gun can silence anyone. This means 'peace' - a misnomer here but still peace. Everyone keeps telling you about how peaceful Afghanistan had become during their rule right? Well its because of the fact that you cant talk or do anything against them. For ordinary people its much better than the lawlessness that they have to witness during war time. At least you don't die.
7. Cultural Obstacles.
Tough one for Taliban. Pakistanis are one separate thing and Taliban are another. If they could, they would make every man sport a beard, wear a cap and make them raise their pants till ankles. They would make every woman wear a burqa and shunted in homes. No girl schools, no women workers. I like the idea. No women - 50% percent problems solved. That is a quantum jump in problem solving you know.
Cultural 'relaxations' are evident when one travels from North of Pakistan to South of it. In Peshawar a girl in jeans is 'uh huh. ok'. In Karachi it would be 'so what?'. Taliban are too out-dated fashion wise for most of the Pakistanis.
Majority of Pakistanis also fear the invasion of western culture through satellite dish and cable. They think that Pakistani society is being rendered morally bankrupt with terms like 'enlightened moderation' which are just a tool to introduce foreign culture. There is a need for a saviour for Pakistani society against this onslaught of sin. So who to turn to help? Pure Islamic system. Taliban are a proponent of that and although Taliban may not be supported in major cities - the idea gets a warm response in the form of Lal Mosque. Remember - they were supposedly out their countering sins and purging society of it.
All in all, Taliban are a reality breathing down your neck. They will be in major towns of Pakistan unless the government takes remedial action. They have to tackle them on political and religious front. They have to get more involved administratively in Swat and FATA. Taliban have to be brought in to the political mainstream. Diverse opinion has to be introduced in the religious discussions so as to introduce moderation in their views.
Lets pray and hope for the best.
Related Post
- Why Do I Hate The Taliban
Will the Taliban take over NWFP? Will the Taliban take over Pakistan? Intriguing questions. well they have gained a strong foothold in Swat. O that beautiful valley is so torn now. It was rumored that Peshawar was about to fall to them.. luckily that did not happen. But the operation did start against the 'militants and criminals' in the adjoining areas of the provincial metropolis.
Some years back, Taliban were an entity that was in Afghanistan. Now they are in Pakistan! These hardcore beard sporting-gun wielding-pants (shalwar) up till ankles-tribals employ a strict interpretation of Islam - which serves their interests well. The protectors of Al Qaeda, the tormentors of Hamid Karzai, the irritants for NATO, the headache for Pakistani government and fear for any population under their control.. are planning to take over Pakistan!
I'll be evaluating various issues that will confront them in their plan to take control over Pakistan and her population.
1. Electoral Bottleneck.
Well thats a serious one. Religious parties cum political parties have not fared well in Pakistani politics. Yes MMA got the NWFP Govt last time but they were routed this time by ANP and PPPP who have a secular attitude. No Taliban will ever find this route easy. (Although for the sake of events.. one hopes they do join the political process instead)
Forget about Taliban thinking of the same route. They don't believe in it (as it is a representation of infidel system and that democracy is not compatible with Islam!)
2. Religious Affinity.
Definite plus point for Taliban. Tag anything with Islam and Pakistani people will fall for it.. well most of them. Reason is simple. Pakistanis are religious. They accept religion as a major factor in their life and to support it they can go to any length - irrational extremes even.
The Taliban of Swat have only one thing to say - impose Islamic Shariah. I mean who can disagree when asked whether you would want to have God and His system placed in the country?! Nobody will surely ask 'what system by the way'! Ordinary perception is that there is only one variety. Pakistan has majority sunnis and most of them think (keeping aside their militant acts) that Taliban are true representation of early muslims. A true portrayal of Islamic values which obviously is a hard fact. Religion is no chill pill they will tell you.
Then there are medressahs. They provide fresh crop of religious students who have almost no contemporary knowledge of the world. They are not imbued with critical thinking and thus are easily 'converted' for malafide acts. For ordinary tribal, they do not see any wrong with what goes on in medressah. They have sent their children to learn the religion of God. If they cant succeed in this world and at least life hereafter would be better for them.
3. Inept Government
This is closely linked with the previous one. Why most people find Islamic system attractive? One it relates to Islam and secondly the state has been so inept at performing its duties that people hope that the new system would solve their problems. Take for example the justice system employed by Taliban. If there is a wrong committed and a call for redressal is made - it is acted upon quickly. If the offenders are caught they are dealt there and then. No courts where the trial would continue for yars and years to no effect. Simple dispensation of justice (with all merits and demrits of course).
Similarly the political environment. There is no penetration of main stream political parties of Pakistan in tribal areas. They are ruled by a century old Frontier Crimes & regulations Act (FCR). The federal government appointed political agent acts as the god father. Until very recently, tribal people were not even able to cast their votes. The people know no way apart from jirga system, their clan lords and political administrator. You might argue that Swat had a political structure in place so why it did not work there? When the religious organizations like Tehreek e Nifaze Shariat e Mohammadi (TNSM) demanded that shariah law be imposed in Swat, the successive governments since 1996 always said they would do so soon. What did this knee jerk reaction convey? That their demand for shariah was valid, that people were not being governed by an Islamic system and that the political administration was plain idiot.
Inept governance is also evident on the developmental work. FATA areas have never been on the developmental priority of the federal government. The area contains huge mineral resources. The mines built were of no use because tribes fought amongst themselves and Government could not mediate between them. Now Taliban with the force of the gun, have made the mines start working again and started levying their own tax. Simple and efficient.
4. Tribal Affinity.
This is a very conducive environment for Taliban. FATA area and areas near the border of Afghanistan (Dir and Swat) are inhabited by Pathans. Its a mix of Pathan code (pukhtoon wali), tribal customs and medressah Islam. Add to it the fact that FATA area has always been a no go area for the Pakistani Government- in fact for anyone for that matter. And tribals take pride in it. Its their rules, their customs and no body else interferes.
5. Anti-American Sentiment
The holy nectar. Give one sip and the person is yours. If there is a satan on earth - then its America. For Taliban and most of the muslims, the America is the reason for all ills that afflict the muslims all across the globe. Things got more complicated after 9/11. Every muslim is a terrorist and beard sporting pathan even more!
Americans have made a mess in Iraq, in Afghanistan and brazenly support Israel. Guilty all the way. Then they kill ordinary Afghans in collateral damage raising the hate sentiment for the invading army. Americans keep pounding suspected Taliban hideouts in Pakistani controlled territory. Add to this fact that Pakistani Government is seen too compliant of American interests. You getting labeled as an American agent can lead you further to search for your chopped head.
6. The Power of Gun
Taliban are ruthless. They do not give a damn about you if you go against their interests. They wont care if you are seen without the compliance of their definition of Islam. The power of gun can silence anyone. This means 'peace' - a misnomer here but still peace. Everyone keeps telling you about how peaceful Afghanistan had become during their rule right? Well its because of the fact that you cant talk or do anything against them. For ordinary people its much better than the lawlessness that they have to witness during war time. At least you don't die.
7. Cultural Obstacles.
Tough one for Taliban. Pakistanis are one separate thing and Taliban are another. If they could, they would make every man sport a beard, wear a cap and make them raise their pants till ankles. They would make every woman wear a burqa and shunted in homes. No girl schools, no women workers. I like the idea. No women - 50% percent problems solved. That is a quantum jump in problem solving you know.
Cultural 'relaxations' are evident when one travels from North of Pakistan to South of it. In Peshawar a girl in jeans is 'uh huh. ok'. In Karachi it would be 'so what?'. Taliban are too out-dated fashion wise for most of the Pakistanis.
Majority of Pakistanis also fear the invasion of western culture through satellite dish and cable. They think that Pakistani society is being rendered morally bankrupt with terms like 'enlightened moderation' which are just a tool to introduce foreign culture. There is a need for a saviour for Pakistani society against this onslaught of sin. So who to turn to help? Pure Islamic system. Taliban are a proponent of that and although Taliban may not be supported in major cities - the idea gets a warm response in the form of Lal Mosque. Remember - they were supposedly out their countering sins and purging society of it.
All in all, Taliban are a reality breathing down your neck. They will be in major towns of Pakistan unless the government takes remedial action. They have to tackle them on political and religious front. They have to get more involved administratively in Swat and FATA. Taliban have to be brought in to the political mainstream. Diverse opinion has to be introduced in the religious discussions so as to introduce moderation in their views.
Lets pray and hope for the best.
Related Post
- Why Do I Hate The Taliban
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Find Your Friend! Damn!
Warid telecommunication company has recently introduced a new feature for their subscribers through which they can find the location of the target number through sending a simple SMS. The company has launched this feature stating that you can find your friends through this facility. Fun eh? :)
No!
There is a huge privacy issue involved here. At the start of this service, it will be fun and later it will become the tool of stalkers! wives will be keeping a watch on their husbands, girls and guys on each other, morons on their victims, criminals on wealthy businessmen! what the hell is going on?! This service sounds more of a trouble rather than blessing. Security personnel or people who like to have their location secret - they are in trouble I think. No VIP is going to use Warid I suppose! (Ok I am stretching here a bit I know because it wont be real time online position monitoring.. but still!)
I think Warid has played a gamble here and it might cost them. Nobody likes the idea that they been stalked or snooped up on. I do not know how much accurate information the system will provide but cellular phones are traceable by their nature and the resultant location can be considered specific enough.
Lets see which way the dice rolls.
No!
There is a huge privacy issue involved here. At the start of this service, it will be fun and later it will become the tool of stalkers! wives will be keeping a watch on their husbands, girls and guys on each other, morons on their victims, criminals on wealthy businessmen! what the hell is going on?! This service sounds more of a trouble rather than blessing. Security personnel or people who like to have their location secret - they are in trouble I think. No VIP is going to use Warid I suppose! (Ok I am stretching here a bit I know because it wont be real time online position monitoring.. but still!)
I think Warid has played a gamble here and it might cost them. Nobody likes the idea that they been stalked or snooped up on. I do not know how much accurate information the system will provide but cellular phones are traceable by their nature and the resultant location can be considered specific enough.
Lets see which way the dice rolls.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Word Verification
When you publish a post, the site usually asks for a word verification from the author so that it can be ensured that no bots were involved in producing the text counted as Spam. The author has to enter alphabets as they appear through the computer generated image. I use Blogger, one of the many blog making portals.
Recently (well more than that) the word verifications are becoming.. umm.. lets say dicey for me :p The alphabets come in shapes that are getting really hard for me to decipher! I swear! Either I am losing it on my brain and eyes front or there is something wrong with their system!
Check these... I had to enter the word verification 4 times to publish my last post!
I swear I cant make that out.
Seems like .. rkjibdx?
It is kzukx right? No! Gave an error.
Finally got this one right.
Damn it Blogger. You really are forcing me to click the wheel chair sign with these verifications :|
Recently (well more than that) the word verifications are becoming.. umm.. lets say dicey for me :p The alphabets come in shapes that are getting really hard for me to decipher! I swear! Either I am losing it on my brain and eyes front or there is something wrong with their system!
Check these... I had to enter the word verification 4 times to publish my last post!
I swear I cant make that out.
Seems like .. rkjibdx?
It is kzukx right? No! Gave an error.
Finally got this one right.
Damn it Blogger. You really are forcing me to click the wheel chair sign with these verifications :|
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I am on fire!
thanks to gasoline prices!
oh come on.. 6rh increase in 5 months? what the hell is government up to. A whopping Rs.10.97 increase in petrol and Rs.9.50 in diesel - its totally unfair. While coming on my 'car pool' this morning, I saw several people stranded because the transporters had announced strike and they had no alternative to go to their work. The helplessness was so visible - on their faces and my heart. I swear. There is no worse feeling than seeing someone helpless and you enjoying the same luxury as they lack.
Ordinary people are being marooned. Soaring inflation has broken the back of many. I earn well, thank to Almighty, but even I feel the pinch. What would the lower and lower-middle class people be doing? God forbid, if a father cant feed his children, what worth would he feel his life is? If your children are hungry, you'll go to any extent to have their stomachs filled. Either you'll follow the criminal path or the path of suicide.
The Government can give any excuse it wants to (mostly that previous govt did it) but people are not interested in this crap. If the country's premier after returning from an international conference can have the whole plane diverted to a new destination country just for a party meeting - would the people believe him? You are blowing up tax payers money on ludicrous acts and expect them to give up what they are doing?
We are 'exporting' petrol for heavens sake! why on earth are you charging us international rates for it. The demand for petrol had drastically reduced after the introduction of CNG resulting in the fact that petrol now is exported. We are producers of natural gas and you are talking of removing subsidies as you cant afford it?! a wholesome Rs.20 increase per kg of CNG? Forget car users - what about industrial units running on CNG? they are going bankrupt.
I agree the energy costs have risen unfathomably in the past in international markets. At least the government should detail the gasoline rate evaluation mechanism for the sake of transparency! Tell them what commission Oil Marketing Companies are making and what govt is earning in this all shady rate evaluation deal.
Do something to show that you are sincere. (what the hell is wrong with me? who am I complaining to? idiot me)
oh come on.. 6rh increase in 5 months? what the hell is government up to. A whopping Rs.10.97 increase in petrol and Rs.9.50 in diesel - its totally unfair. While coming on my 'car pool' this morning, I saw several people stranded because the transporters had announced strike and they had no alternative to go to their work. The helplessness was so visible - on their faces and my heart. I swear. There is no worse feeling than seeing someone helpless and you enjoying the same luxury as they lack.
Ordinary people are being marooned. Soaring inflation has broken the back of many. I earn well, thank to Almighty, but even I feel the pinch. What would the lower and lower-middle class people be doing? God forbid, if a father cant feed his children, what worth would he feel his life is? If your children are hungry, you'll go to any extent to have their stomachs filled. Either you'll follow the criminal path or the path of suicide.
The Government can give any excuse it wants to (mostly that previous govt did it) but people are not interested in this crap. If the country's premier after returning from an international conference can have the whole plane diverted to a new destination country just for a party meeting - would the people believe him? You are blowing up tax payers money on ludicrous acts and expect them to give up what they are doing?
We are 'exporting' petrol for heavens sake! why on earth are you charging us international rates for it. The demand for petrol had drastically reduced after the introduction of CNG resulting in the fact that petrol now is exported. We are producers of natural gas and you are talking of removing subsidies as you cant afford it?! a wholesome Rs.20 increase per kg of CNG? Forget car users - what about industrial units running on CNG? they are going bankrupt.
I agree the energy costs have risen unfathomably in the past in international markets. At least the government should detail the gasoline rate evaluation mechanism for the sake of transparency! Tell them what commission Oil Marketing Companies are making and what govt is earning in this all shady rate evaluation deal.
Do something to show that you are sincere. (what the hell is wrong with me? who am I complaining to? idiot me)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bush unhappy with Taliban’s movement on Pak-Afghan border
Really? No kidding right? You also want to discuss this issue with Prime Minister Gilani I have read. You must be serious this time.
How about a solution to this problem Mr. Bush. You have the best army in the world right? Your army is equipped with the most technologically advanced weapons, communication systems and allied accessories. If Pakistan is doing nothing to prevent movement of Taliban across the border.. how about you doing it? I mean, Pakistan can do anything on her side of the border but can not do anything on that side of the border right? How about plugging all the holes on the Afghan border?
The moment the Taliban enter in to Afghanistan - put them to smithereens. Do not let them get away. Put all your army on Pakistan's border. Focus all your satellites on that area. Map, man and monitor every inch of that area so that no militants hop across.
Or do I sound illogical? If you can not do so since being in Afghanistan, from I don't know when, ages?... how can you expect this from Pakistan? Yes Pakistan is the trouble maker in Afghanistan but surely you are there to correct the situation and prevent anything bad from happening? Either the Taliban enter in droves in Afghanistan loaded with Stingers or something fancy or they enter Afghanistan one-by-one using the paths they know well - you cant tackle them? You do not know where they come from? Is it not your fault you cant plug those holes on border?
Or you have already started doing so by amassing army at our borders?
How about a solution to this problem Mr. Bush. You have the best army in the world right? Your army is equipped with the most technologically advanced weapons, communication systems and allied accessories. If Pakistan is doing nothing to prevent movement of Taliban across the border.. how about you doing it? I mean, Pakistan can do anything on her side of the border but can not do anything on that side of the border right? How about plugging all the holes on the Afghan border?
The moment the Taliban enter in to Afghanistan - put them to smithereens. Do not let them get away. Put all your army on Pakistan's border. Focus all your satellites on that area. Map, man and monitor every inch of that area so that no militants hop across.
Or do I sound illogical? If you can not do so since being in Afghanistan, from I don't know when, ages?... how can you expect this from Pakistan? Yes Pakistan is the trouble maker in Afghanistan but surely you are there to correct the situation and prevent anything bad from happening? Either the Taliban enter in droves in Afghanistan loaded with Stingers or something fancy or they enter Afghanistan one-by-one using the paths they know well - you cant tackle them? You do not know where they come from? Is it not your fault you cant plug those holes on border?
Or you have already started doing so by amassing army at our borders?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Best Wedding Meal
Ok I will sound biased here but this what I honestly believe. You do attend wedding ceremonies and and you do get to eat the meal. After they have the meal.. people 'always' comment about the food! Men usually focus on the quality of food and management whereas women would go one step further and discuss what they 'could not get'.
I have attended wedding ceremonies and have eaten the food at offer. Till date, I have not had anything as delicious and as lovely as the 'khwancha roti' of Peshawar! I swear. There is no comparison. A 'khwancha' is a big tray that is meant to be a serving for four people. Normally nowadays they have buffet system where people absolutely go nuts when food is served. Khwancha roti system is much controlled and better managed as only four people per table are being served and if guests cant be accommodated at that time and then another sitting can be arranged.
A khwancha roti will usually consist of one large tray of rice made in 'daig' (one big cylinder/ container), at most 2 small bowls - one of meat and the other of lentils with meat, a bread on top of rice for anyone who wants it, a chicken inside rice, a dessert (kheer most probably) and one 'aalo bukhara chatnee'! awesome!
By the way, I am talking of general wedding meals and not specific 'big hot shot' offered ones. Peshawar rules! Do share your experience.
I have attended wedding ceremonies and have eaten the food at offer. Till date, I have not had anything as delicious and as lovely as the 'khwancha roti' of Peshawar! I swear. There is no comparison. A 'khwancha' is a big tray that is meant to be a serving for four people. Normally nowadays they have buffet system where people absolutely go nuts when food is served. Khwancha roti system is much controlled and better managed as only four people per table are being served and if guests cant be accommodated at that time and then another sitting can be arranged.
A khwancha roti will usually consist of one large tray of rice made in 'daig' (one big cylinder/ container), at most 2 small bowls - one of meat and the other of lentils with meat, a bread on top of rice for anyone who wants it, a chicken inside rice, a dessert (kheer most probably) and one 'aalo bukhara chatnee'! awesome!
By the way, I am talking of general wedding meals and not specific 'big hot shot' offered ones. Peshawar rules! Do share your experience.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Rickshaw Ride
Ever sat in those rickety things called Rickshaw? I have and I am sure most of you have. They roam all around Pakistan in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta etc. These 3 wheeler autos are the worst thing imaginable on roads if you happen to be either 'in' them or trying to avoid yourself 'from' them. The emit smoke and have horrible noise. Being 3 wheelers they are unstable and drivers driving them ensure that 'you' know this through their driving!
They are a 'bit' different from each other in cities. I have had the 'pleasure' of their ride in Peshawar and Karachi. The Karachi ones are open from sides and back making you visible from every area as a passenger. The Peshawar ones are enclosed in the sense that only sides are open and not the back. No Nothing pervert here but just the fact that winter in Peshawar is tough! same case as in Quetta rickshaws.
I remember only two rides of these entities. One was in Peshawar when I literally prayed to God to be saved! The guy drove absolutely nuts! and one of today! The driver, a young lad, had totally lost his marbles as he was driving it. I on the other hand cant remember where my marbles were because I was busy thinking I have to blog this! (there is something seriously wrong with us bloggers I tell you) About 5-6 kilometer patch of M A Jinnah Road was like hell for me. I was holding tight the bars in rickshaw. He literally had a 'kiss ass' approach! of cars that is! A new Corolla was going ahead and he was stuck with its rear bumper. Had the driver of Corolla applied brakes, it would have made us something even we ourselves could not recognize.
But he 'corrected' my thinking quickly when the swerve that he made near the rear of a Suzuki Baleno! The guy can be a good talent in ice skating and dancing I tell you. By the way I have heard that rickshaw drivers act like this more when the passengers are ladies. Any woman reader would like to enlighten me? (does this experience count me in as a woman?!) There is one thing I have come to the conclusion and that is most of the rickshaw drivers are afflicted with some sort of Tunnel Syndrome. Perhaps its the result of 'strong feelings' recorded on mind during their birth. I mean how else can you explain it? They look for every possible hole to get out of!
Anyways... wont forget this one. One hell of a ride.
They are a 'bit' different from each other in cities. I have had the 'pleasure' of their ride in Peshawar and Karachi. The Karachi ones are open from sides and back making you visible from every area as a passenger. The Peshawar ones are enclosed in the sense that only sides are open and not the back. No Nothing pervert here but just the fact that winter in Peshawar is tough! same case as in Quetta rickshaws.
I remember only two rides of these entities. One was in Peshawar when I literally prayed to God to be saved! The guy drove absolutely nuts! and one of today! The driver, a young lad, had totally lost his marbles as he was driving it. I on the other hand cant remember where my marbles were because I was busy thinking I have to blog this! (there is something seriously wrong with us bloggers I tell you) About 5-6 kilometer patch of M A Jinnah Road was like hell for me. I was holding tight the bars in rickshaw. He literally had a 'kiss ass' approach! of cars that is! A new Corolla was going ahead and he was stuck with its rear bumper. Had the driver of Corolla applied brakes, it would have made us something even we ourselves could not recognize.
But he 'corrected' my thinking quickly when the swerve that he made near the rear of a Suzuki Baleno! The guy can be a good talent in ice skating and dancing I tell you. By the way I have heard that rickshaw drivers act like this more when the passengers are ladies. Any woman reader would like to enlighten me? (does this experience count me in as a woman?!) There is one thing I have come to the conclusion and that is most of the rickshaw drivers are afflicted with some sort of Tunnel Syndrome. Perhaps its the result of 'strong feelings' recorded on mind during their birth. I mean how else can you explain it? They look for every possible hole to get out of!
Anyways... wont forget this one. One hell of a ride.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Stop Wearing Lipstick or Be Prepared to Get Raped
Muslim council in Malaysia orders women to stop wearing lipstick and high heels to 'prevent them getting raped'
Authorities in a northern Malaysian city are calling on Muslim women not to wear bright lipstick and noisy high-heel shoes if they want to follow the "Islamic way".
The municipal council in Kota Baru, run by a conservative Islamic party, is distributing pamphlets with the advice, in an effort to prevent rape and protect women's dignity and morals....
Full Article
I tell you what. We muslims love to lecture other people. Dress is an extremely contentious issue and debates rage all across the globe between muslims themselves and with non-muslims. Veil has assumed the role of Sacredness and Oppression.
Dress is a cultural phenomenon. It has no religious connection. As muslims we are told in Quran to dress 'modestly'. Quran does not describe what dress to wear. Citizens of various countries dress differently according to their cultural traditions. A Muslim woman would take a headscarf rather than try a skirt.
Normally, when you see a girl observing 'pardah' (protection) you would naturally think she is a modest person as compared to a girl who does not cover her head. This happens because one thinks since she is observing pardah so she must be religious so she must be good. Though this is a flawed assumption but this is how it goes. A girl in veil is no more pious than a girl without a veil - their character is dependent upon their acts.
Now this assumption takes a really 'mean' twist and the mindset says that since the girl is wearing lipstick or high heel, she definitely is of bad moral conduct and the person observing her gets the license to do 'anything'. I am not saying it happens but IT WILL HAPPEN if the same mantra is kept repeating.
Zakir Naik is also a 'proponent' of this philosophy. According to him 'if there is a girl who is wearing mini skirt and a girl who is wearing hijab and they both pass through an area where they are some ruffians - who do you think would be more prone to be attacked? Naturally the one wearing mini skirt is more at risk.' I find it extremely sick. Its not dependent upon the dress but the sickness of the attacker. If the attacker is sick then it does not matter whether a girl is wearing hijab or mini skirt.
This is the worst kind of preaching for 'pro islamic dress'. Don't adopt this line that if a woman is wearing high heels and lipstick then she is more prone to be raped. No one should be granted the licence to rape a woman wearing lipstick or high heels and I fear this approach will lead to such acts.
Unfortunate.
Authorities in a northern Malaysian city are calling on Muslim women not to wear bright lipstick and noisy high-heel shoes if they want to follow the "Islamic way".
The municipal council in Kota Baru, run by a conservative Islamic party, is distributing pamphlets with the advice, in an effort to prevent rape and protect women's dignity and morals....
Full Article
I tell you what. We muslims love to lecture other people. Dress is an extremely contentious issue and debates rage all across the globe between muslims themselves and with non-muslims. Veil has assumed the role of Sacredness and Oppression.
Dress is a cultural phenomenon. It has no religious connection. As muslims we are told in Quran to dress 'modestly'. Quran does not describe what dress to wear. Citizens of various countries dress differently according to their cultural traditions. A Muslim woman would take a headscarf rather than try a skirt.
Normally, when you see a girl observing 'pardah' (protection) you would naturally think she is a modest person as compared to a girl who does not cover her head. This happens because one thinks since she is observing pardah so she must be religious so she must be good. Though this is a flawed assumption but this is how it goes. A girl in veil is no more pious than a girl without a veil - their character is dependent upon their acts.
Now this assumption takes a really 'mean' twist and the mindset says that since the girl is wearing lipstick or high heel, she definitely is of bad moral conduct and the person observing her gets the license to do 'anything'. I am not saying it happens but IT WILL HAPPEN if the same mantra is kept repeating.
Zakir Naik is also a 'proponent' of this philosophy. According to him 'if there is a girl who is wearing mini skirt and a girl who is wearing hijab and they both pass through an area where they are some ruffians - who do you think would be more prone to be attacked? Naturally the one wearing mini skirt is more at risk.' I find it extremely sick. Its not dependent upon the dress but the sickness of the attacker. If the attacker is sick then it does not matter whether a girl is wearing hijab or mini skirt.
This is the worst kind of preaching for 'pro islamic dress'. Don't adopt this line that if a woman is wearing high heels and lipstick then she is more prone to be raped. No one should be granted the licence to rape a woman wearing lipstick or high heels and I fear this approach will lead to such acts.
Unfortunate.
Is Quran Really Detailed?
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." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.
God states that Quran is fully detailed. Is it? I was asked the following questions on a discussion board.
-------
Just tell me about the one verse of Quran which describe how many rakat's are
in five prayers. What will you recite in each prayer? Just Give me one
example. If u r unable to give me a reference from Quran then you should accept this that hadith is the source.
1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE
2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE
3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran.TRUE
4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. TRUE
5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE
---------
See. When God says Quran is fully detailed.. then it must be. But then where is your question addressed in Quran? Is God joking with us? because number of rakaat of prayers are not mentioned in Quran!
Prayers and other religious duties (Zakat, Fasting) were not given to Prophet Muhammad - they were given to Prophet Abraham. People of Mecca were 'already' doing all these things but were 'mushrik' (polytheists). There was no need to tell them 'how many rakaats are there in prayers!'. Check my blog here for further reference...
http://think-islam.blogspot.com/2007/10/5-pillars-of-islam.html
Now your other questions...
1. Quran is word of Allah. TRUE (you are right)
2. No doubt Quran is complete. TRUE (right there too!)
3. Only messenger of ALLAH (Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)) can explain the Quran. TRUE.
No its FALSE!
Prophet Muhammad was not allowed to 'explain' Quran! Its really astonishing what God states in Quran and according to Him, Prophet (every prophet for that matters) is just a deliverer of Message!
75:16 - Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith
75:17 - It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:
75:18 - But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital
75:19 - Nay more, it is for Us to explain it
4. Acts of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) explains the meaning of Quran. FALSE!
Prophet Muhammad was a human being! He committed mistakes as evidenced in Quran! For example
66:1 - O Prophet! Why holdest thou to be forbidden that which Allah has made lawful to
thee? Thou seekest to please thy consorts. But Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
80:01 - (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,
80:02 - Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting).
All of these are human elements. Prophet Muhammad was not an angel rather a human being. Thats why one should never idolize humans!
Respect the Prophet because he was the last of Prophet, he was given a supreme message! But seek guidance from Allah and not humans!
5. Acts of Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) are recorded in Hadith.TRUE. (questionable)
There are an estimated 400,000 hadiths in Sahih Bukhari. 4000 are considered 'authentic'. That represents a mere 1%.
Quran is 'detailed'!Thursday, July 03, 2008
Where is the Lawyer's Movement Heading?
I found this sticker on a door of a toilet on motorway. Is the movement heading in that direction?
'hum mulk bachanay niklay hain, aye duniya hamaray sath chalay'
'hum mulk bachanay niklay hain, aye duniya hamaray sath chalay'
Thursday, June 12, 2008
11 "Don't-Tell-the-Wife" Secrets All Men Keep
Just had to share this. Source WebMD. I like #8 :)
WebMD Feature from "Redbook" Magazine
11 "Don't-Tell-the-Wife" Secrets All Men Keep
I was in the ninth grade when I learned a vital lesson about love. My girlfriend at the time, Amy, was stunningly cute, frighteningly smart and armed with a seemingly endless supply of form-fitting angora sweaters. And me? Let's just say I was an adolescent Chris Robinson to her budding Kate Hudson -- and well aware of my good fortune.
Then one day, as we stood in line for a movie at the mall, Simone Shaw, junior high prom queen, sauntered by. Suddenly Amy turned to me. "Were you looking at her?" she asked. "Do you think she's pretty?"
My mind reeled. Of course I was looking at her! Of course she was pretty! My God, she was Simone Shaw! I paused for a second, then decided to play it straight.
"Well, yeah," I chortled.
Five days later our breakup hit the tabloids (a.k.a. the lunchroom).
There comes a time in every man's life when he discovers the value of hiding the grosser parts of his nature. He starts reciting the sweet nothings you long to hear: "No, honey, I play golf for the exercise." "No, honey, I think you're a great driver." "No, honey, I wasn't looking at that coed washing the car in the rain."
We're not lying, exactly. We're just making things...easier. But Glenn Good, Ph.D., a relationship counselor, disagrees, and maybe he has a point. "These white lies are pretty innocent, but they can turn confusing," he says. "Many women think, If he's lying about himself, is he also lying about something else? Is he having an affair? To establish trust you have to tell the truth about the innocuous stuff."
And so, in the interest of uniting the sexes, we've scoured the country for guys willing to share the private truths they wouldn't normally confess. Some are a bit crass. Some you've always suspected. Some are surprisingly sweet. (Guys don't like to reveal the mushy stuff, either.) But read on, and you may discover that the truth about men isn't all that ugly.
"When a woman walks by, even if I'm with my girlfriend, my vision picks it up," says Doug LaFlamme, 28, of Laguna Hills, California. "I fight the urge to look, but I just have to. I'm really in trouble if the woman walking by has a low-cut top on."
Granted, we men are well aware that our sizing up the produce doesn't sit well with you, given that we've already gone through the checkout line together. But our passing glances pose no threat.
"It's not that I want to make a move on her," says LaFlamme. "Looking at other women is like a radar that just won't turn off."
But most of us didn't spend our formative years thinking, "Gosh, I just can't wait to settle down with a nice girl so we can grow old together." Instead we were obsessed with how many women who resembled Britney Spears we could have sex with before we turned 30. Generally it takes us a few years (or decades) to fully perish that thought.
Yeah, well, that's what we tell you. But we're shallow, competitive egomaniacs. You don't think it gets under our skin if our woman's bringing home more bacon than we are -- and frying it up in a pan?
"My wife and I are both reporters at the same newspaper," says Jeffrey Newton, 33, of Fayetteville, South Carolina. "Five years into our marriage I still check her pay stub to see how much more an hour I make than she does. And because she works harder, she keeps closing the gap."
"The reason we don't share this information," Powers adds, "is that most women don't differentiate between taking out the trash and fixing that broken hinge; to them, both are tasks we need to get done over the weekend, preferably during the Bears game. But we want the use-your-hands, think-about-the-steps-in-the-process, home-repair opportunity, not the repetitive, no-possibility-of-a-compliment, mind-dulling, purely physical task." There. Secret's out.
With that much room left on our emotional-growth charts, we sense we've only begun to admire you in the ways we will when we're 40, 50 and -- God forbid -- 60. We can't explain this to you, because it would probably come out sounding like we don't love you now.
"It took at least a year before I really started to appreciate my wife for something other than just great sex; and I didn't discover her mind fully until the third year we were married," says Newton. "But the older and wiser I get, the more I love my wife." Adds J.P. Neal, 32, of Potomac, Maryland: "The for-richer-or-poorer, for-better-or-worse aspects of marriage don't hit you right away. It's only during those rare times when we take stock of our life that it starts to sink in."
Well, we don't understand. It doesn't make any sense to us at all. And although we'd like to do better next time, we could only do so if, in fact, we had an idea of what you're talking about.
We do care. Just be aware that the part of our brain that processes this stuff is where we store sports trivia.
"I am scared to death when she drives," says LaFlamme.
"Every time I ride with her, I fully accept that I may die at any moment," says Buckingham.
"My wife has about one 'car panic' story a week -- and it's never her fault. All these horrible things just keep happening -- it must be her bad luck," says Andy Beshuk, 31, of Jefferson City, Missouri.
Even if your man is too diplomatic to tell you, he is terrified that you will turn him into a crash-test dummy.
Why? Because she'd let me go on vacation alone. Hell, she made me go. This is the most important thing a man never told you: If you let us be dumb guys, if you embrace our stupid poker night, if you encourage us to go surfing -- by ourselves -- our silly little hearts, with their manly warts and all, will embrace you forever for it.
And that's the truth.
WebMD Feature from "Redbook" Magazine
By Ty Wenger
I was in the ninth grade when I learned a vital lesson about love. My girlfriend at the time, Amy, was stunningly cute, frighteningly smart and armed with a seemingly endless supply of form-fitting angora sweaters. And me? Let's just say I was an adolescent Chris Robinson to her budding Kate Hudson -- and well aware of my good fortune.
Then one day, as we stood in line for a movie at the mall, Simone Shaw, junior high prom queen, sauntered by. Suddenly Amy turned to me. "Were you looking at her?" she asked. "Do you think she's pretty?"
My mind reeled. Of course I was looking at her! Of course she was pretty! My God, she was Simone Shaw! I paused for a second, then decided to play it straight.
"Well, yeah," I chortled.
Five days later our breakup hit the tabloids (a.k.a. the lunchroom).
There comes a time in every man's life when he discovers the value of hiding the grosser parts of his nature. He starts reciting the sweet nothings you long to hear: "No, honey, I play golf for the exercise." "No, honey, I think you're a great driver." "No, honey, I wasn't looking at that coed washing the car in the rain."
We're not lying, exactly. We're just making things...easier. But Glenn Good, Ph.D., a relationship counselor, disagrees, and maybe he has a point. "These white lies are pretty innocent, but they can turn confusing," he says. "Many women think, If he's lying about himself, is he also lying about something else? Is he having an affair? To establish trust you have to tell the truth about the innocuous stuff."
And so, in the interest of uniting the sexes, we've scoured the country for guys willing to share the private truths they wouldn't normally confess. Some are a bit crass. Some you've always suspected. Some are surprisingly sweet. (Guys don't like to reveal the mushy stuff, either.) But read on, and you may discover that the truth about men isn't all that ugly.
Secret #1: Yes, we fall in lust 10 times a day -- but it doesn't mean we want to leave you
If the oldest question in history is "What's for dinner?" the second oldest is "Were you looking at her?" The answer: Yes -- yes, we were. If you're sure your man doesn't look, it only means he possesses acute peripheral vision."When a woman walks by, even if I'm with my girlfriend, my vision picks it up," says Doug LaFlamme, 28, of Laguna Hills, California. "I fight the urge to look, but I just have to. I'm really in trouble if the woman walking by has a low-cut top on."
Granted, we men are well aware that our sizing up the produce doesn't sit well with you, given that we've already gone through the checkout line together. But our passing glances pose no threat.
"It's not that I want to make a move on her," says LaFlamme. "Looking at other women is like a radar that just won't turn off."
Secret #2: We actually do play golf to get away from you
More than 21 million American men play at least one round of golf a year; of those, an astounding 75 percent regularly shoot worse than 90 strokes a round. In other words, they stink. The point is this: "Going golfing" is not really about golf. It's about you, the house, the kids -- and the absence thereof.
"I certainly don't play because I find it relaxing and enjoyable," admits Roland Buckingham, 32, of Lewes, Delaware, whose usual golf score of 105 is a far-from-soothing figure. "As a matter of fact, sometimes by the fourth hole I wish I were back at the house with the kids screaming. But any time I leave the house and don't invite my wife or kids -- whether it's for golf or bowling or picking up roadkill -- I'm just getting away."
Secret #3: We're unnerved by the notion of commitment, even after we've made one to you
This is a dicey one, so first things first: We love you to death. We think you're fantastic. Most of the time we're absolutely thrilled that we've made a lifelong vow of fidelity to you in front of our families, our friends and an expensive videographer.But most of us didn't spend our formative years thinking, "Gosh, I just can't wait to settle down with a nice girl so we can grow old together." Instead we were obsessed with how many women who resembled Britney Spears we could have sex with before we turned 30. Generally it takes us a few years (or decades) to fully perish that thought.
Secret #4: Earning money makes us feel important
In more than 7.4 million U.S. marriages, the wife earns more than the husband -- almost double the number in 1981. This of course is a terrific development for women in the workplace and warmly embraced by all American men, right? Right?Yeah, well, that's what we tell you. But we're shallow, competitive egomaniacs. You don't think it gets under our skin if our woman's bringing home more bacon than we are -- and frying it up in a pan?
"My wife and I are both reporters at the same newspaper," says Jeffrey Newton, 33, of Fayetteville, South Carolina. "Five years into our marriage I still check her pay stub to see how much more an hour I make than she does. And because she works harder, she keeps closing the gap."
Secret #5: Though we often protest, we actually enjoy fixing things around the house
I risk being shunned at the local bar if this magazine finds its way there, because few charades are as beloved by guys as this one. To hear us talk, the Bataan Death March beats grouting that bathroom shower. And, as 30-year-old Ed Powers of Chicago admits, it's a shameless lie. "In truth, it's rewarding to tinker with and fix something that, without us, would remain broken forever," he says. Plus we get to use tools."The reason we don't share this information," Powers adds, "is that most women don't differentiate between taking out the trash and fixing that broken hinge; to them, both are tasks we need to get done over the weekend, preferably during the Bears game. But we want the use-your-hands, think-about-the-steps-in-the-process, home-repair opportunity, not the repetitive, no-possibility-of-a-compliment, mind-dulling, purely physical task." There. Secret's out.
Secret #6: We like it when you mother us, but we're terrified that you'll become your mother
With apologies to Sigmund Freud, Gloria Steinem -- and my mother-in-law.Secret #7: Every year we love you more
Sure, we look like adults. We own a few suits. We can probably order wine without giggling. But although we resemble our father when he was our age, we still feel like that 4-year-old clutching his pant leg.With that much room left on our emotional-growth charts, we sense we've only begun to admire you in the ways we will when we're 40, 50 and -- God forbid -- 60. We can't explain this to you, because it would probably come out sounding like we don't love you now.
"It took at least a year before I really started to appreciate my wife for something other than just great sex; and I didn't discover her mind fully until the third year we were married," says Newton. "But the older and wiser I get, the more I love my wife." Adds J.P. Neal, 32, of Potomac, Maryland: "The for-richer-or-poorer, for-better-or-worse aspects of marriage don't hit you right away. It's only during those rare times when we take stock of our life that it starts to sink in."
Secret #8: We don't really understand what you're talking about
You know how, during the day, you sometimes think about certain deep, complex "issues" in your relationship? Then when you get home, you want to "discuss" these issues? And during these "discussions," your man sits there nodding and saying things like "Sure, I understand," "That makes perfect sense" and "I'll do better next time"?Well, we don't understand. It doesn't make any sense to us at all. And although we'd like to do better next time, we could only do so if, in fact, we had an idea of what you're talking about.
We do care. Just be aware that the part of our brain that processes this stuff is where we store sports trivia.
Secret #9: We are terrified when you drive
Want to know how to reduce your big, tough guy to a quivering mass of fear? Ask him for the car keys."I am scared to death when she drives," says LaFlamme.
"Every time I ride with her, I fully accept that I may die at any moment," says Buckingham.
"My wife has about one 'car panic' story a week -- and it's never her fault. All these horrible things just keep happening -- it must be her bad luck," says Andy Beshuk, 31, of Jefferson City, Missouri.
Even if your man is too diplomatic to tell you, he is terrified that you will turn him into a crash-test dummy.
Secret #10: We'll always wish we were 25 again
Granted, when I was 25 I was working 16-hour days and eating shrimp-flavored Ramen noodles six times a week. But as much as we love being with you now, we will always look back fondly on the malnourished freedom of our misguided youth. "Springsteen concerts, the '91 Mets, the Clinton presidency -- most guys reminisce about the days when life was good, easy and free of responsibility," says Rob Aronson, 41, of Livingston, New Jersey, who's been married for 11 years. "At 25 you can get away with things you just can't get away with at 40."
While it doesn't mean we're leaving you to join a rock band, it does explain why we occasionally come home from Pep Boys with a leather steering-wheel cover and a Born to Run CD.
Secret #11: Give us an inch and we'll give you a lifetime
I was on a trip to Mexico, standing on a beach, waxing my surfboard and admiring the glistening 10-foot waves, when I decided to marry the woman who is now my wife. Sure, this was three years before I got around to popping the question. But that was when I knew.Why? Because she'd let me go on vacation alone. Hell, she made me go. This is the most important thing a man never told you: If you let us be dumb guys, if you embrace our stupid poker night, if you encourage us to go surfing -- by ourselves -- our silly little hearts, with their manly warts and all, will embrace you forever for it.
And that's the truth.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Myth of Intercession
Can Prophet Muhammad save you on Judgment day? Can your parents save you on Judgment day? Can reciting Sura Yasin everyday save you on Judgment Day? Will the Quran save you on Judgment day?
When I was young, I used to go in the local mosque for Quran recitation and memorization. I memorized 4 Chapters of Quran! (not Sura but chapters 1, 28, 29 and 30) Then came Mathematics! God I hate Math! I failed in class 6th in this subject and I had to abandon the memorization of Quran to give more time to Math! End result - I left memorizing Quran and still am as impotent at mathematics as I was earlier.
The thing that was used as a motivation factor in memorization of Quran was that one who is a 'hafiz' (a person who memorizes Quran) will ensure that his/ her parents are made to wear a golden crown. Apart from that, the hafiz will be able to intercede on behalf of 10 of his relatives and Allah will forgive their sins and enter them into paradise! Lovely is it not? :) Of course that will not happen.
What is Intercession? and what does Quran say about it. Intercession is an act through which God Almighty supposedly will forgive you on behalf of that person who will request God to do the favour. Quran says
19:87 - None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.
Ok we do come to know that intercession 'can' take place. There is this mechanism set by God whereby He will let people intercede for other. That makes a certain person 'very' powerful. Imagine, a person so powerful that if he tells God about a certain person.. God forgives all the sins of that person and enters him in paradise!
But is it really so? I get to read from Quran..
2:255 - ...Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?...
So you require 'permission' to intercede? What kind of intercession is it that requires permission of God first? Lets probe a bit more...
21:28 - He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory).
Isn't it a bit contrary to the common belief held? A person can request intercession for another person 'only' for the ones whom God have approved! It is just like a 'favour' that God is bestowing upon a certain person that 'OK, you can intercede on that fellows behalf! this is my gift to you!". There is no 'charm' in the person who is interceding rather God is bestowing a favour. No intercession can take place for a person who is not 'approved' by God!
That natural affiliation/ respect/ admiration is due to what reason? that a person is 'closer' to God. Because in this way you can be 'closer' to God yourself. Just like God states in the following verse..
39:03 - Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than Allah (say): "We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah." Truly Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah guides not such as are false and ungrateful.
Analyze yourself. The reverence you have for Prophet Muhammad - could it be due to same reason as stated in the verse above? All these saints and 'revered' personalities.. you don't by any chance think that they might show you the path to the Lord?! Bring you closer to Him?! Do you some favour in this world and on Judgment Day?!
10:37 - Say: Is there any of your associates who guides to the truth? Say: Allah guides to the truth. Is He then Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you; how do you judge?
Do respect the Prophet, he was anointed by God as the last Prophet - thats not an ordinary thing but remember that Prophet will not save you on the day of judgment. Prophet Muhammad has no power of intercession. He was even told that he cannot guide anyone - let alone intercede on someones behalf. This can only be done by God.
28:56 - Lo! thou (O Muhammad) guidest not whom thou lovest, but Allah guideth whom He will. And He is Best Aware of those who walk aright.
Intercession can not take place - at least not the common way in which it is understood.
30:11 - It is Allah Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; then shall ye be brought back to Him
30:12 - On the Day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.
30:13 - There will be none to intercede for them of those whom they made equal with Allah. And they will reject their partners.
When I was young, I used to go in the local mosque for Quran recitation and memorization. I memorized 4 Chapters of Quran! (not Sura but chapters 1, 28, 29 and 30) Then came Mathematics! God I hate Math! I failed in class 6th in this subject and I had to abandon the memorization of Quran to give more time to Math! End result - I left memorizing Quran and still am as impotent at mathematics as I was earlier.
The thing that was used as a motivation factor in memorization of Quran was that one who is a 'hafiz' (a person who memorizes Quran) will ensure that his/ her parents are made to wear a golden crown. Apart from that, the hafiz will be able to intercede on behalf of 10 of his relatives and Allah will forgive their sins and enter them into paradise! Lovely is it not? :) Of course that will not happen.
What is Intercession? and what does Quran say about it. Intercession is an act through which God Almighty supposedly will forgive you on behalf of that person who will request God to do the favour. Quran says
19:87 - None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.
Ok we do come to know that intercession 'can' take place. There is this mechanism set by God whereby He will let people intercede for other. That makes a certain person 'very' powerful. Imagine, a person so powerful that if he tells God about a certain person.. God forgives all the sins of that person and enters him in paradise!
But is it really so? I get to read from Quran..
2:255 - ...Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?...
So you require 'permission' to intercede? What kind of intercession is it that requires permission of God first? Lets probe a bit more...
21:28 - He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory).
Isn't it a bit contrary to the common belief held? A person can request intercession for another person 'only' for the ones whom God have approved! It is just like a 'favour' that God is bestowing upon a certain person that 'OK, you can intercede on that fellows behalf! this is my gift to you!". There is no 'charm' in the person who is interceding rather God is bestowing a favour. No intercession can take place for a person who is not 'approved' by God!
That natural affiliation/ respect/ admiration is due to what reason? that a person is 'closer' to God. Because in this way you can be 'closer' to God yourself. Just like God states in the following verse..
39:03 - Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than Allah (say): "We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah." Truly Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah guides not such as are false and ungrateful.
Analyze yourself. The reverence you have for Prophet Muhammad - could it be due to same reason as stated in the verse above? All these saints and 'revered' personalities.. you don't by any chance think that they might show you the path to the Lord?! Bring you closer to Him?! Do you some favour in this world and on Judgment Day?!
10:37 - Say: Is there any of your associates who guides to the truth? Say: Allah guides to the truth. Is He then Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you; how do you judge?
Do respect the Prophet, he was anointed by God as the last Prophet - thats not an ordinary thing but remember that Prophet will not save you on the day of judgment. Prophet Muhammad has no power of intercession. He was even told that he cannot guide anyone - let alone intercede on someones behalf. This can only be done by God.
28:56 - Lo! thou (O Muhammad) guidest not whom thou lovest, but Allah guideth whom He will. And He is Best Aware of those who walk aright.
Intercession can not take place - at least not the common way in which it is understood.
30:11 - It is Allah Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; then shall ye be brought back to Him
30:12 - On the Day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.
30:13 - There will be none to intercede for them of those whom they made equal with Allah. And they will reject their partners.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Happy Birthday!
You turn 1 today janu :) mashallah...
Last night... the lights were out and UPS was on. You don't like fan! you like Air Conditioner! You were absolutely nuts with sleep but did not sleep because the AC was not on! Your mum and I were drowsy and you were playing! And then when the lights came on.. I switched on the AC for you.. you cracked a laughter! I went out of room to re-fill your bottle feed and when I came back.. you were already asleep face down on bed as if sleeping since ages!
You are one cute darling. *Tightest of janu hugs*
Happy Birthday. May you be under Gods protection. May you be blessed. *Kiss on your forehead*
-Your Baba-
Last night... the lights were out and UPS was on. You don't like fan! you like Air Conditioner! You were absolutely nuts with sleep but did not sleep because the AC was not on! Your mum and I were drowsy and you were playing! And then when the lights came on.. I switched on the AC for you.. you cracked a laughter! I went out of room to re-fill your bottle feed and when I came back.. you were already asleep face down on bed as if sleeping since ages!
You are one cute darling. *Tightest of janu hugs*
Happy Birthday. May you be under Gods protection. May you be blessed. *Kiss on your forehead*
-Your Baba-
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Day Light Saving
- The other day when they were talking about moving the clocks an hour ahead...I wanted to ask ' if that would create more or less time in the world?'
- thats an interesting question but in Pakistani environment.. it'll observe the physical boundary of Law of Conservation of Procrastination.
- thats an interesting question but in Pakistani environment.. it'll observe the physical boundary of Law of Conservation of Procrastination.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Having Children...
- Have you seen Borat?
- I honestly haven't :|
I have been totally cut off from movies after my daughters birth :|
- That is self-imposed discipline or like gun on the head thing?
- well.. its like you have to do the dishes after the party...
- I honestly haven't :|
I have been totally cut off from movies after my daughters birth :|
- That is self-imposed discipline or like gun on the head thing?
- well.. its like you have to do the dishes after the party...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Urdu Word for Orgasm
I came across a blog in which it was stated that till date, the author had not come across an Urdu word for 'orgasm'. I humbly propose 'two' equivalents - indicating the diversity of Urdu.
Female Orgasm - 'Intaha e Seher'.
Male Orgasm - 'Gharoob e Aftaab'.
(oh this is so not me. Not on this blog)
Female Orgasm - 'Intaha e Seher'.
Male Orgasm - 'Gharoob e Aftaab'.
(oh this is so not me. Not on this blog)
Thursday, May 08, 2008
To Convert or Not?
Ever evaluated yourself how biased you are when it comes to your faith religion wise? Would you let go of your religious faith if somehow you are shown that what precious little you are holding on to.. means nothing? Would you move on to an other faith if you found the other faith better spiritually?
How do you know the faith you are following is 'the one'? We are born in a particular religion. I was born in a muslim family so I am a muslim. A child born in a christian family will be called christian. But unlike a christian in west or Europe, I as a muslim will hardly think of converting! Perhaps, the reason for not converting is the belief in the supremacy of our faith. But then here we run in to a problem.. are we biased or we have some 'evidence' that our belief is the best? Or perhaps I don't convert because its not that I find my religion 'oh the best!' but rather I can not imagine taking a stand against a society that is extremely pugnacious when it comes to conversion?
Why would one convert? Perhaps a bad experience with the current lot of practitioners. Perhaps they found the 'light' they were seeking for their spiritual solutions. What is it that they are seeking? How does one know 'Yes! this is what I was looking for!'? On the other hand there are types that just will not let go of their faith. I saw a comment on one of discussion boards and the person was talking about religious scholars of 'other' sect.. and he said "Do not argue with them! If you did then they will make you wet your pants!" I mean.. this guy knows that his arguments will be trashed and still he is holding on to them! On top of that he is telling others not to indulge in discussion because their faith will be in danger too! Is such faith really worth holding on to?
Are not Apostates the bravest of all instead of cowards and hypocrites we all imagine them to be?! How else can you explain it. Religious faith is such a core component of a human being and one is trying to amend/ change it! You are altering the fundamental of your personality! (or perhaps its not that fundamental and I am only assuming it to be?) Frankly majority of the people don't concern themselves with religion or seeking light. What for anyways?
Now you would ask me.. 'will you convert?'. I really do not know. I am all at ease with the current status. I have been 'reading' my religion a lot though and I have 'adapted' lets say being in my current boundary of religion. Whether I am biased or am afraid of the society? I will not contest your arguments there.
05:48 - ...and if Allah had pleased He would have made you (all) a single people, but that He might try you in what He gave you, therefore strive with one another to hasten to virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will let you know that in which you differed;
How do you know the faith you are following is 'the one'? We are born in a particular religion. I was born in a muslim family so I am a muslim. A child born in a christian family will be called christian. But unlike a christian in west or Europe, I as a muslim will hardly think of converting! Perhaps, the reason for not converting is the belief in the supremacy of our faith. But then here we run in to a problem.. are we biased or we have some 'evidence' that our belief is the best? Or perhaps I don't convert because its not that I find my religion 'oh the best!' but rather I can not imagine taking a stand against a society that is extremely pugnacious when it comes to conversion?
Why would one convert? Perhaps a bad experience with the current lot of practitioners. Perhaps they found the 'light' they were seeking for their spiritual solutions. What is it that they are seeking? How does one know 'Yes! this is what I was looking for!'? On the other hand there are types that just will not let go of their faith. I saw a comment on one of discussion boards and the person was talking about religious scholars of 'other' sect.. and he said "Do not argue with them! If you did then they will make you wet your pants!" I mean.. this guy knows that his arguments will be trashed and still he is holding on to them! On top of that he is telling others not to indulge in discussion because their faith will be in danger too! Is such faith really worth holding on to?
Are not Apostates the bravest of all instead of cowards and hypocrites we all imagine them to be?! How else can you explain it. Religious faith is such a core component of a human being and one is trying to amend/ change it! You are altering the fundamental of your personality! (or perhaps its not that fundamental and I am only assuming it to be?) Frankly majority of the people don't concern themselves with religion or seeking light. What for anyways?
Now you would ask me.. 'will you convert?'. I really do not know. I am all at ease with the current status. I have been 'reading' my religion a lot though and I have 'adapted' lets say being in my current boundary of religion. Whether I am biased or am afraid of the society? I will not contest your arguments there.
05:48 - ...and if Allah had pleased He would have made you (all) a single people, but that He might try you in what He gave you, therefore strive with one another to hasten to virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will let you know that in which you differed;
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
I and Thou
Blessed time! when we are sitting,
I and thou,
With two forms and only one soul,
I and thou.
Fragrance, song of birds, they quicken ev'rything
When we come into the garden,
I and thou.
All the stars of heaven hurry
to see us,
And we show them our own moon,
I and thou-
I and thou without words, without
I and thou-
In delight we are united,
I and thou.
Sugar chew the heaven's parrots
in that place
Where we're sitting, laughing sweetly,
I and thou.
Strange that I and thou together
in this nook
Are apart a thousand miles, see-
I and thou.
One form in this dust, the other
in that land.
Sweet eternalParadise there...
I and thou
I and thou,
With two forms and only one soul,
I and thou.
Fragrance, song of birds, they quicken ev'rything
When we come into the garden,
I and thou.
All the stars of heaven hurry
to see us,
And we show them our own moon,
I and thou-
I and thou without words, without
I and thou-
In delight we are united,
I and thou.
Sugar chew the heaven's parrots
in that place
Where we're sitting, laughing sweetly,
I and thou.
Strange that I and thou together
in this nook
Are apart a thousand miles, see-
I and thou.
One form in this dust, the other
in that land.
Sweet eternal
I and thou
- Jalaluddin Rumi -
Friday, May 02, 2008
Eunuchs in Parliament
(discussion on whether eunuchs are eligible to become member of Parliament in Pakistan)
....
Mr. A: In the last elections the nomination papers of a Eunuch were rejected from Lahore heera mandi area (Red Light Area). If I remember correctly his/her name was Aslam KIRLA.
Mr. B: what did the Returning Officer do.. 'inspected' him/her? :p
Mr. A: By the way what difference it would have made if our PM was Shoukat Aziz or Aslam KIRLA. At least the latter would not have screwed this nation.
Mr. B: You mean in the latter's case we [as a nation] too could have had the chance?!
....
....
Mr. A: In the last elections the nomination papers of a Eunuch were rejected from Lahore heera mandi area (Red Light Area). If I remember correctly his/her name was Aslam KIRLA.
Mr. B: what did the Returning Officer do.. 'inspected' him/her? :p
Mr. A: By the way what difference it would have made if our PM was Shoukat Aziz or Aslam KIRLA. At least the latter would not have screwed this nation.
Mr. B: You mean in the latter's case we [as a nation] too could have had the chance?!
....
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