Recognizing Those Who Are Lost

We are actually living in the dark ages at the moment. It is not a surprise to all those who live in Pakistan and who are all quite sure that they are living a secured and protected life. We can never say what can happen next.

A lot of it deals with the Taliban philosophy that is pretty much absorbing itself in many parts of our country and conquering the minds of those who can't understand the difference between the right and wrong. And of course, for those with some sense now hate dictator Zia ul Haq even more and that historic despicable picture of his becomes even more vivid in our minds as we see Talibanization progressing because it was the great Zia who started all this decades ago. And it is no more a silent movement. Definitely not, after seeing how the Governor of Punjab was killed for expressing his views and then there is countless support for the murderer from so called lawyers and religious fanatics. So it is not a shocker...we are living in the dark ages absolutely.

Zia-ul-Haq

However, it is interesting to note that the word Taliban is actually derived from the Arabic word Talib, which means a student or somebody who is ready to learn, seek and acquire knowledge. It does not in anyway mean, to seek religious knowledge only, by all means. Taliban can be anyone who are ready to learn and educate themselves. It is not something to do with guns, ammunition and madrassahs.

This is strange, how the illiterates associate those who kill other human beings, who believe in killing other Muslims, who think suicide bombing is a brave thing to do, who think they are the only ones who can preach and talk about Islam in a way they want to while they promote that the rest of us know nothing if we talk about peace and equality for all mankind. 

This is not something we were taught when we were in school and nor did anybody in our entire lives gave such a weird out look towards our religion before. In fact, for those who don't know, God already mentioned such lost souls in the Holy Quran quite clearly. And these are the words of God Himself.

Verses From Surah Al Baqarah -Quran:

When it is said to them: "Make not  mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"

"Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief but they realize (it) not"

"There is the type of man whose speech about the world's life may dazzle thee, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies."

Verse From Surah Al Nisa (04:093) - Quran:

"If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (Forever). And the wrath and the curse of God are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him."

Well, I don't the lost souls will ever get back on track and nor will their rigid mind set ever change. But Islam as a religion definitely has a very different perspective on life, justice and truth. We must just know the difference between right and wrong.

The Lost

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