Is Watching Movies In Ramazan a Sin?

Is it me or others as well, who at times burst out into laughing after focusing on a few facts preached to us by our elders, regarding Islam? We all know (in fact we are moralized) that in Ramazan it is simply not allowed to watch movies, especially Indian movies. But we can watch Pakistani dramas and morning shows where we (Pakistani audience) encounter some blooming faces (both genders), sugar coating their audiences with their charisma and bravura performances of being nice and sweet personalities – as if they are the best preachers of religion, humanity and human race.

I simply ask people with this mentality, why is that every one watches Olympics but strictly says a “No” for watching movies? Why is it that we (Muslims) can watch Ramazan’s especial transmission featuring our favorite celebrities all dressed up in branded / designer’s clothing (which are mostly body fitted nowadays)? We are not allowed to discuss movies and songs during “Roza”, but we thoroughly enjoy discussing actresses’ or presenters’ controversies by getting updates from Google.

I am sure this is nothing new, those individuals who have witnessed the era of 90’s, NTN’s and STN’s names still ring bells in their mind, they can easily remember that back in those days most of us were not allowed to watch movies on rent during Ramazan or Muharram, but it was completely acceptable to watch the movies which used to be telecasted on the mentioned channels. Even at that time it was quite paradoxical for me to understand. I just don’t get it why don’t we focus? Why do we always have to jump to conclusion?

I am not saying that watching a movie is not a sin but all I am trying is to ask "how long will we play with our religion? How long will we complicate it?" Why aren't we preached like

“Be it Ramazan or any other month of the year, watching a movie is prohibited in Islam”

It is not just that watching “Khuda Kay Liay” is permissible whereas watching “Dirty Picture” is “Al-Haram”. We can watch girls playing different games like beach volleyball, diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, and trampoline in skimpiest dresses, in the name of Olympic Games and art but we can not watch an actress’s interview on TV channels.

The problem with PBCM – (Pakistani Born Confused Muslims) is that they don’t ask questions. They will ask hundreds of question to their parents, teachers and friends related to career move, best educational institutions, etiquettes and fashion but they will not ask a simple question “Why” under the topic of religion. This is the reason why today, we have grown to accept the fact that

“Never ask a question related to Islam or Politics, it will only end up in an argument or clash”.

I am sure this is something which we all have heard at one or more than one places in our lives. Let us hope that we (Pakistanis and Muslims) start to ask questions, so that in future we can answer our children questions raised by them logically and not saying “Hush, don’t ask such questions, just follow what is being taught to you”. A slave is not allowed to ask questions, but in Islam mankind is allowed to ask as many questions as possible – to make others understand the crux of this beautiful and complete religion.

Finally, is watching movie in Ramazan a Sin? And Watching Dramas, Morning Shows, Cricket Matches or Olympic Games are all allowed?

I Somehow Leverage And Maneuver Islamic Corruption – New Age Muslims

For those who don’t understand Urdu – The roman English written under brackets, I have translated the same in English as well, for you all to understand.

Alhamdulillah (By the grace of Almighty) I am a Muslim and I follow the rules and regulations declared in Islam. This is the spontaneous sentence that we blurt out when someone asks about our religion or being a Muslim.

Do we really mean it? Is praying 5 times a day, complete Islam? (Pehlay Namaz toh Qayem Karlo phir yeh sab baatin karna) First start praying 5 times a day then question others! Why? I am not a doctor but I can question about his ill practicing. I am not a patriot but I can question and defame any army fellow. But! I can not question a Muslim by any means. Right!

(Islam Allah or uskay banday ka muamla hai) Islam is all about the bond between LORD and HIS creature. These are the statements which we come across whenever we raise any question! None of us is allowed to ask questions in mosques or questions related to Islamic practicing, as if they are universal truth – no doubt they definitely are, but a layman like me and many others, have the right to ask questions if they are not satisfied, right? Why do we all forget that without Tauheed (Sovereignty of Allah) everything has a logic and rationale behind it? Allah has quoted multiple times in Holy Quran (Ghaur karo) Think. But even then we do not think and just follow without knowing the basics and root reason.

For a new age Muslim it is very easy to follow Islam, as compared to his ancestors or elders. Nowadays, whatever was initially banned and prohibited in Islam is acceptable by providing a justification. The most common sentence that all of us usually hear is (Deen o Dunia Saath Sath chalti hai) Religion and World go hand in hand. (Beech ka raasta Ikhtiyar karo) Select the route that is in between Islam and worldly affairs. For all those who agree with these statements or say these lines to others, you all are not aware of ISLAM and its teachings. Islam either has a “YES” or “NO” but no “Maybe” so either one thing is allowed or prohibited! If (Tasveer-Kashi) Painting / Photography is Haraam (Prohibited) in Islam then there is no second answer to that. And now please don’t come up with those usual examples that after 3 days of hunger a man can eat anything – this could be acceptable back in early civilization, not anymore! Plus this can be applicable to 10 – 15% of the total mankind, and definitely you and I are not amongst them.

These days we have Islamic banking systems, Islamic meat shops even in Islamic countries, Islamic Boutiques and Islamic promotional plans etc. Today the term ISLAMIC has a new meaning, I Somehow Leverage And Maneuver Islamic Corruption. The rates at Islamic boutiques are high enough to even let me think twice before purchasing, so what about those Muslims who are not so well to do and want to wear Islamic Clothing Brands! I am sure everyone is aware of the Islamic Clothing Brands (after all they were pitched to fame with this concept – else they have/had nothing else to offer, quality wise). The profit which these outlets or brands make is Halaal, as per the context of Islamic Business Rules?

I never knew MOVIES are allowed in ISLAM – that is why people do not object on existence of movies but the subjects people select, for them (ref: Khuda Ke Liay).

Are we allowed to do Umrah or Hajj by scoring points through our credit/debit cards? Aren’t people adulterating the religion known as Islam? Are we (pointing out Males) allowed to appear on screens, wearing branded clothes, spectacles and footwear presenting Islamic shows and interacting with females (Na-Mehrum) with smiles?

A New Age Muslim:

• Drinks
• Smokes
• Flirts (for the sake of fun)
• Manipulates (out of habit)
• Shows off brands (to let others feel his supremacy)
• Hides his Identity (as well)
• Listens to music every day! (After all Music is food to soul - CRAP)
• Cheats (---)
• Rapes (---)
• Lusts (--)
• Lies (on daily basis)
• And what not?

But he offers prayers and visit 5 times to Allah’s house after performing all the mentioned and non mentioned sins.

Bravo My Muslims!

The month of Ramazan is near, trust me my nation will again witness corruption in the name of Islam and will buy it! Why? Because we aren’t Muslims anymore! We are (as I always say) PBCM –Pakistani Born Confused Muslims.

I wish! One day we can embrace Islam not by just hearing Azaan in our ears, when born, but by living a life as per the teachings of Holy Quran and Sunnah. Even I don’t practice Islam the way I might have mentioned, but I feel guilt inside. Do you too?

And they think I am Crazy!

Just because a person wants to do what he feels, people (mostly) consider him (or her) weird. Why does one has to live according to others? And then it is said that people have freedom of living. Well, the reality is we are living in a society, irrespective of class segmentation, where we can still not “DO” what we want to. We are dependent upon our parents, spouses, kids, friends and professional colleagues and so on. 

The problem lies in other peoples’ mind not in one’s own. If a person wants to wear orange shirt irrespective of his age or hierarchical level he is considered as cheap. We do not associate people with their brains and capabilities but their dresses and visual smartness. On the contrary when we talk about using fonts for chatting, most of us go for vibrant colors and funky styles. Similarly all the marketing campaigns are carried out in unusual ways just to let that campaign differentiate from others.

Similarly if a person wants to look different from the “lot” then why does he have to face a lot of criticism and opposition from others? He usually becomes the center of the jest and tease from others. This does not tell how crazy he is but this depicts how crazy people are in either letting others feel shame or not letting anyone stand out. If a person is comfortable in his or her ways, why do others have to point it out as an alienating thing?

Similarly if a person loves to stay casual about things why do people have to force him to become serious psycho? Everyone has the right to live his life as per his own way and comfort then why do we try to influence others. There are numerous ways with which people influence other individuals. I personally believe that most of the individuals who are either insecure or frustrated within tend to advise others for being “so different” from the bunch. As they don’t have the balls to embrace that daring move hence they want to stop others too.

To me, it is a crazy thing to do. I mean we don’t stop people or friends from doing injustice to others. We also don’t stop any corruption, for which we have the power to stop. We even don’t stop our good friends (whom we respect) to date numerous girls and boys and fool them but we enjoy to stop them to live their lives in a way that they feel comfortable in.

Strange but true!

Pakistanis Feel “Honor” in “Honor Killing”

Pakistan is amongst the most talked and discussed countries of the world. There are many reasons behind that. For few, Pakistanis are fundamentalists, extremists, terrorists and for others they are considered as nuclear power, fashion freaks, out-of-box thinkers, cheaters and smart entrepreneurs. But now Pakistanis are also among the “Oscar Winners” thanks to “Sharmeen Obaib Chinoy”. But what does a Pakistani thinks about his own self? What do you think about yourself “as a Pakistani”? Are we good human beings? For how long we will make fun of ABCDs (American born confused desis), and start to realize that we ourselves are PBCM (Pakistani born confused Muslims). The acts that are performed by Pakistanis are neither in accordance with Islam nor as per the laws of humanity – world’s norms. So who are real Pakistanis?

There are many kinds of problems that are faced in Pakistani society. Honor killing is the most severe one amongst them. Are we actually familiarized with honor killing? If not, allow me to highlight few of the important points related to honor killing. Honor killing is basically;

1. It is an outcome of vengeance. 95% focused on women.
2. One of the family members (mostly a man), with the consent of other family members, kills and sentences the woman on few basis.
3. For the whole family this becomes a moment of pride when they sacrifice their own blood because due to her they earned dishonor.

There are many reasons that are considered as the main and basic causes behind the honor killing.

1. If a girl marries (legally) as per her will – this can be a cause behind honor killing.
2. If a girl refuses to marry a man selected by her family – even then she is sentenced to death.
3. Few people also massacre their wives and daughters if they wear objectionable dresses (as per their family’s tastes and definitions)
4. A woman can also come under the threat of honor killing if she starts to communicate with any of her colleagues, class mates or even distant cousins.

There are many other reasons as well, but these are the most observed ones. Definitely honor killing does not come under Islamic Sharia. So for all those individuals who think that this is something as per Islamic laws and preaching then they must need to clarify their minds and pre-assumed logics.

One thing that I have observed closely and researched about is that, honor killing is not limited to Pakistan only; it is practiced in America, Latin America, Middle East, Canada, India and Europe etc. But Pakistan has the highest rate of honor killings. The basic element behind this is that the individuals in Pakistan are not provided with education, neither religious nor worldly. This is the reason why they feel proud after slaughtering their own kids and sisters. It is a time to create awareness and let everyone educate about both Islam and Humanity that is ethics and rights of every individual.

Let us hope that the new age Pakistanis can take this issue to a level where it will be solved and people will start to accept any woman and man as an individual and not as a commodity. Every year approximately 500 cases are filed against honor killing, whereas countless are unregistered. It is high time to let Pakistani society focus on the crucial topic of honor killing. The cold bloodedness must come to an end! Can Pakistan ever be an “Honor killing” free state? If Yes, then how?

Pakistan's Youth - A false pretense (Part A)

Pakistan is a country that has always suffered from false hopes. Initially by the politicians and bureaucrats but now it is the youth that spreads propagandas at a level which, unfortunately, is not deserved. Well, I personally have no grudges against the youth, I have met few exceptional guys and girls lately but as I mentioned "FEW" not all. Pakistan and its people need to understand that every potential is not a potential that can elevate a character. We need to guide the youth, craft them, provide them with right kind of teachings and preachings instead of letting them do whatever they want to. And it also does not mean that we must force them to do something that either they don't want to do or something in which they cannot excel.

Few of the points that I have noticed in my virtual, professional and teaching career are stated as under; (apart from my personal observations, while traveling in a bus, attending a seminar or party etc)

Our youth never follows the queue
Is it really a big deal to stand in a line? Or is it really difficult to keep a line straight instead of a zigzag one? I have seen in many universities that instead of one proper queue, there are several scattered students forming a queue. This is the behavior of Educated Pakistan and not of those who belong to under or non-privileged groups. If the youth does not have the patience to keep the queue straight how on earth will it be able to straighten up the freaked out life and profession in future? Plus there are few, in fact many, who try to break the queue with either an excuse or attitude (both males and females).

Do they follow Rules?
Hello biker boys! And speedy Gonzales. I am sure every third person belongs to this category, call it anything, for instance, getting late for lecture, class or date the bottom line you speed up and break the signals. Don't you do it? Or haven't you done such things in last 5 days? It takes guts to answer truthfully.

Does your youth respect "Women"?
Today in Pakistan women are doing wonders. Gone were the days when women were not allowed to work or attend universities. These days (talking about the educated class) women are found in majority as compared to men in colleges, universities and offices. Few of the universities and offices have set a clause in their policy that 65% of the staff and students must be women to increase the ratings and standards of the organization and institute (personally witnessed). So in the era of such a womanizing period the youth (including boys and girls) do not pay the deserving regard to the women. Why? Youth is educated, sensible, mature and well groomed as per many think tanks and leaders. So what is the reason behind indecency and cheapness that is mostly witnessed by almost everyone on 14th August, New year eve, Basant or Valentine's Day?

Cars, Mobiles, Gaming lappies and Face book Pedias
Today's youth is surrounded by best gadgets and best available technology, that is the reason why it concentrates more on tangible things like cars, cell phones, lap tops and face book accounts etc rather than focusing on intangible thing things like honesty, character, virtue and success. Are parents and teachers providing too in comparison to what these youngsters actually need and are capable of getting? They prefer to spend hours and hours in front of their PCs (there is no harm in this, provided they do something fruitful and beneficial) just spending their time on Facebook, playing few stupid games there and liking posts and pages. Do you think this in any way will work? They want every luxury in their lives but they do not want to "work their bases off" to achieve them.

I am sure these are few of the traits which must be witnessed by my readers as well, I don’t think, I am the only one who noticed these things!

Soon, I will come up with few more examples to discuss them with you.

Take cares!