Afghanistan – towards a credible Democracy

The end of election process over the reports of death destruction, intimidation, vote-rigging, fraud and even cutting the fingure's of the voters needs a bit of pondering.. The pre election brazen suicide attack by Taliban, which killed eight at NATO's headquarters, did not deter the democratic election process.

The low turnout of the voter's, reflects that more than half of the population is not a part of this process.  The results, which are expected to be declared soon, will announce the winning candidate. The winner President will have the support of less than quarter of the over-all population. Like previous elections the ethnic background has come into play in this election too.

There are also instances of proxy voting and biased elections workers.  The efforts of the foreign troops and the election observers to lead the country into a credible democratic process should not be undermined.  The voters were also wary of the situation and felt that their vote will hardly matter. They were assured of the same old faces and the continuation of the corruption and cronyism.

Whoever wins the election, in-order to make the country a better place he needs to be more dynamic and should take radical steps to provide security and the services to the common man. A vast majority of the country's population is illiterate and lacks common amenities. No doubt Afghans are the tough people and are not afraid of fighting for a cause.  The years of battle has almost destroyed the entire infrastructure. The mines have killed many and maimed many, who find difficult to get the medical aid. Many have been orphaned and homeless.  They have and are becoming easy victims of abuse. 

The problem of drugs and money is one of the major problems of this region and it has flourished during the regime of Hamid Karzai. Illegal money creates war lords, who control various regions with the support from their ethnic groups.  The rivals are usually at loggerheads with one another; this has lead to the easy availability of weapons, used in killings.

The current process of democratization looks too crude. It is a type of pre-historic democracy and still in its evolutionary phase.  In earnestness this process must continue after the leaving of the foreign troops from Afghanistan. There is a possibility of the country getting into chaos at the earliest opportunity.  The women empowerment is still a pipe dream.  Few beauty saloons in the city and participation of few women athletes may not bring about the freedom and empowerment of the women as the western world wants to see. The average people are highly religious and the holy month of Ramadan has a very high significance. One of the major concern is that Dr. Abdullah Abdullah the strong contender to the Presidential position has made pre-emptive allegations of fraud and rigging. The declaration of result should not put Karzai in the Ahmadinejad's position Hope the results of the elections and the blessed month of Ramadan brings about peace and credible democracy to the country.  

Mohammed Sadullah Khan.  26-08-2009

Consumer Services

Gone are the days when the buzz word for the Marketing trainers was "The Customer is the King".  The current scenario in the marketing of various goods makes one feel that customer is the last thing in the agenda of these sales and marketing organizations.  The helpline has become most unhelpful.  The Salesman, who is supposed to have the knowledge of the products and prices, is ignorant of both.  The Customer has become a necessary evil.  Conglomeration of businesses has given an added advantage to the organizations to simply ignore the needs of the customers.  The organizations should realize the importance of the customers and provide him with his need based services, without erring in the provision of these services. 

Mohammed Sadullah Khan

Burqa Controversy

We have been too much into this controversy. It is heartening to see so many comments from all walks of people conservative, moderate and liberal (Muslim and non-Muslim).   Basically Hijaab, is one of the popular misconceptions of the Islam.  Unfortunately it is raised time and again for political and religious reasons or to malign Islam.  Factually the persons at the root of such type of controversy may have no interest in Hijaab or women. However to fulfil their own personal agenda's, they inflame the passion to divert the attention of the people from the pressing issues.  They may not remember such issues for long, but the controversy will go on raging.  Islam as a religion has prescribed its followers both men and women a dress code and it will remain. Debate on this issue is fruitless. Now it is high time that we put a veil on Burqa issue and look at other pressing issues like hunger, burning of women and children, stripping of women, refugees, other atrocities against women and erosion of moral values.  

Mohammed Sadullah Khan(25-07-2009) 

Women's Right

There is very little difference between the prejudiced remarks made by one of the Judges in India on beard and the opinion of Sarkozy on burqa.  The Judge realized his mistake and apologized for his utterances. It is believed that French government is interested in building a secular society, which believes in full social equality between the sexes; provide freedom and dignity to women.  It will be difficult for them to justify these values by snatching women's right to dress.  The best way to alleviate the condition of Muslim women is to provide reservations in jobs and in educational institutions in double proportionate to their ratio.  This in long run will give them their financial right and make them equal partners in progress.

Mohammed Sadullah Khan (13/07/2009) 

Bubbling Controversy

Coverage on "Burqa" seems to have overshadowed the demise of "King of Pop" in Media.  It is heartening to see the huge response in the media to the remarks made by the French President, who in his usual ignorance and unbaked curiosity has opened the Pandora's Box.  He might have never imagined the reaction to his ignorant remarks from all over the world.  For some ignorance is bliss.

The word Burqa is usually used to describe the black outer garment worn by the Muslim women.  Burqa, is preferred by many women because it is easy to wear and easy to take-out.  It is designed to adhere to the Quranic guideline of coverage for women. However it is preferable to use the word Hijab instead of Burqa. Burqa is one of the Hijaab.

Like most of the controversies and misconceptions related to Islam, which time and again erupt and give a chance to the gullible ignorant to balloon it up further.  Islamic dress code is being followed for over 1430 years and it has been prescribed in Quran when it was revealed.  Dr. Zakir Nair, one of the famous Indian Islamic Scholar, who is also famous for his verbatim quotations of various World religions,   has identified 20 of the most common mis-conceptions among non-Muslims. His presentations on the same and articles has helped many people to over-come their misunderstanding of Islam and appreciate the beauty of Islam. Few years ago he had listed the Burqa related misconception under his list at No.3. He dispels this as follows,

"Misconception # 3: Islam subjugates women in a veil.

Reply: If you look at history, to ancient civilizations, you will find that women were the oppressed people. They had no individual merit. The Babylonians used to punish the woman for her husband's mistakes. The ancient Egyptians did the same. Ancient Arabs buried their newly born daughters.

It was Islam that uplifted the status of women. It gave women rights they never had before. Surah Nissah exhorts believing men to lower their gaze if a lady is passing by. Similarly, there are exhortations for women to lower their gaze if strange men are around. The Quran also speaks about the hijab for men and women to protect the modesty. The hijab for men is to cover their bodies minimally from their navel to the knees. The hijab for women is to cover their whole bodies except for their faces and hands below their wrists. There are descriptions for a female hijab, that it should cover the endowments including head, not be tight, not be transparent, not be like the clothes of non-believers, and not be like the clothes of the other gender, etc. Women got the right to own, inherit property, and to dispose it of at will.

Let me ask you a question: Suppose two identical twin sisters are walking down a street, and one of them is dressed in revealing clothing, while the other one is wearing a hijab. Who will be boys in the street whistle at or tease: the one who is scantily dressed in a mini-skirt, or the one who is modestly attired? The answer is obvious. The hijab is designed to prevent women from being molested. It brings peace to society and prevents mischief. "

All non-Muslims should be given an opportunity to go through these fully listed misconceptions; there will be lesser number of controversies.  Media should also take care to highlight these, whenever a similar controversy erupts.

Islam as a religion gave undeniable rights to women. Burqa is not a symbol of imprisonment but it is a symbol of freedom.  Burqa, has proven to give women freedom from exploitation, harassment, subjugation and eve teasing. It elevates the women.  A vast majority of reverts are women and they have voluntarily adapted to Burqa.  The reverts Yvonne Ridley, a former Christian and Kamala Surayya, a former Hindu, both well educated women and have been fully aware of the rights and freedom of women.  These women have accepted Islam on a free will and adapted to burqa (veil) voluntarily.  No one coerced them to do so.  Islam as a religion prescribes dress code to its followers both men and women. The western societies should not imprison women with their views of freedom. The Muslim women should be given a choice of what she wants to wear in a free society.

Hyderabadi Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Like many Hyderabadis, I had the opportunity to live and work in Saudi Arabia.  Saudi Arabia has become a home away from home.  Ramadan is the blessed month for Muslims and a time to earn great rewards.  It is spiritually and physically the best month for Muslims.  As Muslims follow the Hijrah (Lunar) calendar, which is shorter by 11 days as compared to Gregorian (Solar) Calendar. This allows the sliding of the Ramadan each year by 11 days and it comes in different seasons over a long period.  This gives Muslims an opportunity to fast in different weather conditions. Saudi Arabia provides a conducive and congenial atmosphere for fasting and it is one of the best places for fasting.

Having spent fifteen years in Saudi Arabia, we had an opportunity to fast in Spring, Winter and now Summer.  This year Ramadan is in Summer i.e., during the months of August/September. Over 90% of the population in Saudi Arabia fasts and there are restrictions on public eating during the period of the fast, this facilitates easy fasting. The Masjids are bustling with the devout during this month. For many bachelors breaking Iftar at Masjid is a boon, as there are a variety of food is provided at the Masjids.  This helps them from strains of making preparations at home. 

However those with their families have a different strategy they break the fast at homes, Iftar parties are held for friends and relatives. Some Iftar parties are held outdoors or near the Corniches. The Maghrib and Isha prayers are held in the open areas. 

There are many attractions of Ramadan, the month it selves, fasting, tarawi, Lailatul Qadr, Umra, Zakat, Fitra, Eid and the routine Iftar Parties. 

During the last ten nights of Ramadan mid-night prayers are held.  It is for Lailatul Qadar, which is explored during the last 10 odd nights.  It is equivalent to 1000 months and no Muslim wants to miss this blessed night.

Another blessed aspect of Ramadan is that people plan and go for Umra.  It is said that an Umra during Ramazan carries a reward equivalent to Haj, even though Umra is optional whereas Haj is mandatory upon meeting certain conditions.  Quran is read as and when there is an opportunity especially after each prayer. Maximum charity, Zakat and good deeds are done during Ramadan to reap the best returns as promised by Allah.

The Hyderabadi community, which is the second largest community among Indians in Saudi Arabia, has its own unique way of making preparations for Iftar parties. 

A typical Iftar Party preparation starts a day before, with two to three items readied for the Iftar party.  Rest of the items, are prepared on the day of the Iftar party.  For Iftar the families start arriving half an hour before the Iftar time.  Ladies and children are sent to separate room and the Gents sit in a separate room The dining sheet is spread and gets filled with a variety of food items but the common ones are Dahi Vada, chickpeas, Laban with Rooh Afza, Samosas, Haleem, Dates (khajoor), fruit juices and water.  As soon as the Magrib Azaan is heard the fast is broken with the Khajoor (Dates) and the delicacies are devoured.   The eating session last between 10 to 15 minutes then everyone rushes for Magrib Prayers.  After the prayer everyone is back at their respective places. Few minutes later, it is time for a good filling meal. Once again the dinner sheet is spread, but now the items are totally of different variety.  People try to follow the typical traditional hyderabadi menu like biryani, roti, mirchiyon ka salan (sweet chilly curry), Dahi ki chatni (made of Curd), dry chicken and chicken 65.  On the top of it a standard Double ka metha (sweet made of bread, sugar and other ingredients) and or Kheer is made.   Once the dinner is over then tea is served.  The tea is with a good amount of milk and sugar.  After dinner there is a time for little chat and usually revolves around as to the payment of Zakat and Fitra (which has to be provided to the less fortunate people) and other noble acts, then time to go for Isha and Tarawi prayers. 

The night prayers are one of the best opportunities for earning rewards from Allah.   Once the prayers are over then every one gets into their routine of next day's fast.

The sighting of moon not only brings about a joy of Eid, but also a bit of disappointment as the blessed month has ended.  A large number of Hyderabadi's plan for vacation during Eid Holidays and celebrate Eid in Hyderabad. 

Mohammed Sadullah Khan, is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.

Umra and the Ugly virus H1N1

For over a year my family was pestering me for taking them to Mecca for Umra.  But due to various circumstances I was unable to take them for Umra.  Finally a decision was taken in late April to visit Mecca and perform Umra (popularly known as lesser Pilgrimage) in the last week of July.  

Since early June the Swine flu hype was escalating and it actually started spreading throughout the world with each and every case being reported and monitored by the World Health Organization.  This caused a flutter and nightmare in me. The swine flu had already reached the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia.  I was more concerned visualizing the impact it may have at the holy places.  With fear in heart and faith in God, I did not want to disappoint my family members.  I went to the local transporter for booking the seats and hotel for Umra, the rates were comparatively cheap.  On enquiring about the swine flu and restrictions, I was informed that there is no problem so far.  Money was paid to the transporter and the seats were booked. 

On the day we were supposed to leave, it was reported in the Newspapers that a women who had come to perform Umra, had died of swine flu.  The news made me jittery.  Some of my colleagues feared for my visit and requested me to carry masks. I explained to them that the virus can enter our body from any source even by handling a knob at the door, touching the office desk or trolley at a super market. Finally I told them that Allah Karim.  Later on I contacted my brother, who is a Medical doctor about my visit to Mecca for Umra and the case of the Egyptian women.  He encouraged me to proceed without worry as we have come to an advanced stage of travel and explained about the types of Flu and their precautions.

With initial confidence, I was hoping for the last minute rescue by imagining that the government will cancel all the buses to Mecca or advise the pilgrims not to travel to Mecca, but nothing of that sort happened.  When we saw the bus, it was bustling with pilgrims.  Two Indian families, two Sudani families, two Pakistani families and rest of them were bachelors.  Among bachelors almost eighty percent were Pakistanis, the rest were Bangladeshis and Indians.

As the Bus started moving ahead my fear galloped and was mindful of any kind of sneeze or cough.  But fortunately in the entire journey no one sneezed or coughed.  Finally we reached Mecca.  Still my mind was acting like a surveillance camera, installed at the airports, scanning for persons with red eyes, temperature, cough or sneezing.  Fortunately this time I did not see anyone coughing or sneezing nor suffering from fever. 

The moment we stood in front of Kaaba, we were overjoyed, filled with excitement, felt fully blessed and forgot about everything related to the journey.  It was a real breathtaking experience after a long time. The feeling was liberating and pulsating. For two days we were engrossed in prayers with attendance to minimum daily needs. During our visit to Kaaba, it was being washed and the door was open, we had a rare opportunity to have a glimpse inside the Kaaba.

Our successful mission was over. Unlike in the past, I used to get flu after going to Umra, this time I did not have any symptoms of Flu. After our return, we realized the havoc caused by the virus. Day after day the virus was becoming more virulent. The spread of Swine flu really got out of control.  The WHO had decided not to count the number of affected persons. Restrictions were being imposed by certain clerics and countries in-respect of Haj and Umra. The Swine flu Pandemic was going ahead unabated with more infections and deaths being reported on daily basis. A new challenging question was lingering in our minds, whether to proceed on our annual vacation?

Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.