I was going through a couple of magazines and papers a while ago and a majority of articles were written on Talibans. It's like Talibans have become such an integral part of our lives. Talibans is one of those international courses that everyone has to take whether you like it or not. Mandatory stuff is often not so exciting if I am not wrong.
Although I read a lot and watch a lot of news and TV. But somehow over the years Talibans is one topic I have hated to read or watch...but like I said certain things can never be ignored.
I often hear people around me discuss that in Pakistan it was during Zia ul Haq's time that the seeds of Talibans were sown and now things have become so ugly. But then they are very much there in other parts of the world as well.
I was thinking, may be I could be wrong but isn't Talibanization also an institution. And the way it has spread like wild fire it is a very strange sort of a web. It appears to be an institution, nurtured, cherished and taught with zest over the years. I really don't know how the traditions and teachings are passed on but it seems to be quite a strong ritual. I mean I always thought the biggest task is to inculcate something into one's mind to bring an overall change in the long run. It is not so easy a task.
It's always more difficult to change the mind, the thinking and the views. Even, as we call it brain washing the minds of the innocent or the not so intelligent who do not know the difference between right and wrong - how is it that the Talibans are able to brain wash in such a strong way in such a small span of time.
For instance, if we just take an example that there is a 17 year old Muslim boy. At the age of 17, most Muslims are at least aware of all the Islamic rituals and traditions. Praying 5 times a day, being kind and helpful to others, respecting the elders, fasting during the holy month of Ramzan, committing suicide is a sin, equality of both the genders etc ... these are just the basics. I mean almost every Muslim is aware of such things. Almost every Muslim.
I was just wondering then how come Talibans preach in a manner that all the basics are forgotten absolutely! Wiped out completely! Even if the kids are confused how is it possible that there is such a strong followership that these kids willingly give their lives just to hurt others and call it jihad.
Many such incidents lead to the killings of other Muslims only. And how can one Muslim kill another and call it jihad? In fact, who gives one the right to take any other human being's life away just because you feel they are not following your beliefs.
Who gives one such a strong authority?
Talibans just seem so lost. The confusion is growing. But the sad part is that bad things always grow and spread on a much faster pace than the good things!
- Zaira
