A man with his bird in the cage walks to the sunset in graveyard, western part of Kabul
Photographed by Afghan Lord
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Category Archives: South Asia
Turk schools in Pakistan
The New York Times did a story on the Turk schools that are being setup in parts of Pakistan that are ‘moderate’ and offera mix of modern and Islamic education to the youth get.Biased article, but still worth a read.Image: NYT
Lahore Nama
I have found Lahoris particularly attached to their city. A blog dedicated to Lahore. Lahore Nama’s about page says:
Lahore, the ancient, magnificent city is a wonder of sorts. It has braved the vicissitudes of history, the upheavals of pre-historic and modern times and above all it continues to shine despite the negligence of its current residents and administrators.
This blog will post stories of Lahore – its past, present and visions for its future in the vain hope that there are some who will read and think and then act…
[Huge thanks to Koonj.
Image: thanks to manitoon.]
Indonesia May Ban Ahmadiyya Muslim Sect
Islamosphere is abuzz with discussion about a possible ban on Ahmadiyyas and related
Robert Salaam quotes Mike Ghouse-
The real issue is not about who is a Muslim, but it is about the role of a majority in a diverse society. [...] The real question that we need to address is should we let a majority determine what one believes, wears or eats? Can the Majority in the United States do that? Can the majority in Indonesia do that? Should that work in India?
On a different note, indscribe twines Ahmadiyyas and Sunnis, Iraq and Pakistan-
Country, region, religion, sect, followers of different spiritual leaders, they are all baying for each other’s blood. Is it not Iraqi blood? It is in this context that I have quoted the couplets here.
The family of Obaidullah Aleem, a poet born in India, had migrated to Pakistan long back. It was the sectarian clashes in Pakistan that may have prompted him to write these lines.Ironically, Aleem belonged to the Ahmadiyya sect, that believes in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiyani as prophet, though their split branch, Lahoris, believe him as a mujaddid or reviver, but both sects were declared un-Islamic in Pakistan.
I admit that I was biased against the sect. But the kind of persecution they have braved, is also unparalleled.
[Image of an Ahmadiyya Mosque: Satyadasa]
What’s cooking in Pakistan?
Pervez Musharraf has been making concession after concession to Zardari (e.g. dropping all corruption and murder cases, eliminating the graduation requirement). So, what does Zardari owe Musharraf in return? A Manhattan condo with a nice view of Central Park? Or a couple more years as defanged president?
Arif explores the recent developments in Pakistan politics.
US seeks access to Pakistan’s Nuclear Command Authority
Watandost summarizes news about US wanting control over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
The Inverse Power of Praise
Muslim Mom discusses why positive reinforcement in children requires careful wording and an encouraging demeanour for it to be effective:
A group of studies found that students who are praised for being intelligent tend to quit whenever things get tough, whereas students who are praised for their effort become more persistent when faced with difficult challenges.
At first it seems like a small difference, to say “You really worked hard at this!” vs. “You’re so smart!” but the effects of praising a child’s intelligence and pegging him as a “smart kid” actually holds him back from acheiving his true potential.
NATO Genocide in Afghanistan?
I hold no brief for the Taliban. They have enraged the world and brought much shame to Muslims and dare I say the great religion Islam as well. In fact, I detest their version of Islamic codes that they want to impose on the world through coercion.
However, the NATO battle against Taliban is not only barbaric in equal intesnity but it also dehumanizes them.