Crow's Nest...

Just recently Mothers' day was celebrated in the country with some fan fare. Media was all abuzz with mother's day celebration this Sunday. A seemingly western tradition that would be more suitable for someone who likes to remember his/her mother on one single day of the year. Islam is a beautiful religion. It taught its followers the special importance of mothers when no other philosophy dared to give them their due. Even a cursory look on the teachings of Islam would reveal the extra ordinary importance that Islam gives to the mothers of the world. The Holy Quran teaches us to respect our parents at all costs even if they are non muslims. In chapter 17 verse 23 and 24 the guidelines for respecting parents are outlined very clearly. We are asked to respect our parents and if either or both the parents reach old age then do not disrespect them and do not scold them. Instead we are asked to talk to our parents, who reach old age, in a comforting tone. We are asked to pra...

PML-N has decided to resign from the cabinet. They seem to have made the popular move and tried to win a larger vote bank from their natural opponents PPP. But is it really the case? I don't completely agree. Undoubtedly the decision is a popular move but it has been disconnected from the dictator. It seems that the independence of judiciary is an independent cause from that of independence from the dictator. PML-N has, in recent past, admitted to their inability to get rid of Musharraf and this will turn out to be a disastrous admittance on their part. I think the people of Pakistan supported the cause of independent judiciary more so because they interpreted it as a revolt against the dictator. In itself the stand of the chief justice, or for that matter that of 60 other justices, carries little meaning if it is not understood in the context of the person against whom it is being made. PPP, JUI-F and MQM are happy to play down the role of Musharraf in the public. All th...

"O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not. Those that lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger,- their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward. Those who shout out to thee from without the inner apartments - most of them lack understanding. If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah Al-Hujurat: 2-5]