Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Religious extremism
We can no longer ignore the impact of religious extremism and radicalisation. Situation in Pakistan is going to worse from bad day by day. The growing misrepresentation of Islamic teachings by extremists has marred the positive image of Islam. Those elements, who misrepresent, have nothing to do with religion and are the real threat to our peaceful religion, Islam.
Islam and other religions of the world do not permit and justify violence or unlawful killings. In fact, Islam clearly reiterates that the murder of one innocent person is equal to the killing of entire humanity. Islam, moreover, teaches us that Allah will have mercy on us if we have mercy on others. The Last Prophet (PBUH) is Rahmatullil Aalameen (blessing for all worlds). He always forbade his disciples from evils and unlawful activities. Thus all Muslims should act according to teachings of Islam and do abstain from un-Islamic practices and actions.
Government of Pakistan should immediately pay attention towards this social problem. In all educational institutions whether schools, colleges, universities or Madaris, teaching of the Holy Quran with Urdu meaning should be introduced under the supervision of learned/moderate scholars. There is a need for collective action to overcome religious extremism and sectarian violence. We have to promote justice, equality, harmony, tolerance and brotherhood in the country and its neighbours.
The major causes of religious extremism are illiteracy, unemployment, injustice and health problems. To curb religious extremism the government must initiate measures to eradicate poverty and social disparity. It should provide speedy justice as well as qualitative and affordable education, health facilities and employment to all without discrimination.
IMTIAZ ESSA HALEPOTO
Jamshoro, Sindh
Times 100 list and Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been featuring Times 100 personalities since his election in 2014. He appeared in this list in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2020. This time has featured in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People 2020 list for all his bad deeds. . Modi, a fascist is known all over the world for his safronism and RSS activities from the time he came into power. TIME Editor, Karl Wick, wrote the profile for Modi. Wick discussed the present pathetic and demeaning form of democracy in India, mentioning that free elections are not a key to democracy as they only highlight the candidate who fetched the maximum number of votes.
The most important are the rights of those who did not vote for the winner. India has been the world’s largest democracy for more than seven decades, with a population of 1.3 billion people belonging from different religions including Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains. However, Modi has brought all these into doubt, writes Karl. He says that unlike other Prime Ministers who have been elected that have come from the nearly 80% of the population that is Hindu, only Modi has governed in favour of majority.
“First elected on a populist promise of empowerment, his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected not only elitism but also pluralism, specifically targeting India’s Muslims.” Moreover, the ongoing pandemic has been used directly and indirectly to target communities, making them responsible for the outbreak of pandemic. He has pushed to wall all those who have dissent with him, were held, considering the arrests made during the February 2020 Delhi Riots. “All this is nothing but a threat to the world’s largest democracy that seems to be falling deeper into shadow,” Karl wrote.
To sum up the discussion, it is an eye opener for the fascist ruler to act wisely and give breathing space to minorities, especially Muslims, lest things go out of his control.
IFTIKHAR MIRZA
Islamabad
Secret of strong bones-dairy products
“Milk is a complete diet” is a well known saying. After saying hello to the world, it is the first meal baby has. Baby/Infant completely relies on this for the early 6 months of life. Milk is necessary for boosting immunity, heart diseases, efficient digestion, muscle strength but its most important role is in maintaining healthy bones. It is the blessing of Allah Almighty and He also declared it as His Noor.
Dairy products are rich in minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin A, B and D. Calcium, important component of dairy products, plays an essential role in making bones strong. If you properly consume dairy products in early stage of life, then you can decrease the risk of weaker bones later in life. 52% of people are unaware of the fact that occurrence of joint problems and osteoporosis are more common in females. Osteoporosis occurs to every1/3 women. According to a survey, the common reason reported behind this suffering is lack of consuming dairy products.
Women not consuming dairy products properly/regularly are more prone to get hormonal issues leading to several bone diseases. This eventually leads them to use calcium and vitamin D supplements regularly. It must be essential part of their diet. Dairy products are also important for pregnant and lactating mothers for the proper growth of infants. Mother’s negligence in consuming dairy products properly can impose negative effect on infant’s growth. Teenage is that part of life where the need of dairy product increases.
Milk, cream, yogurt, butter, cheese etc are the dairy products loaded with calcium. The calcium we actually consume gets stored in bones that benefit the body in old age. In short, dairy products are the cause for bone strengthening in adulthood and bones maintenance in later stage of life. Milk and milk products that are the bank of nutrition becomes the ultimate reason for strong bones and healthy body.
MARIA IMTIAZ
Via email
