As I watch ptv, the occasional times that I do, and as I observe the new arrival Pakistanis, the realization sets in that Pakistan is becoming more and more westernized. I do realize the necessity of more education and some broadening of thoughts–such as tolerance for religion, rights of women, etc. However, one thing is for certain and that is that there is a dire need for preserving our own Eastern values and necessity to keep Islam as the guiding force that runs Pakistan. We are trying to westernize…why? Because we want a society that is comparable to West. They run successful businesses and have peace in their country–why? Because they are honest in their usual day-to-day work dealings; there is tolearance for other religions and other cultures. But all these qualities are the qualities that Islam stresses. We as a society are not following Islam as perhaps it was meant to be. Do you think that wearing short-sleeve shirts and speaking English is going to make a comparable society to West? We need to broaden our horizens; increase knowledge and tolerance; and we need to do these things while preserving our Eastern Values and Isam. Is that possible?
Re: Future Trends
It is, but as long as you have people who look down upon on men with "beards" and come up with all sort of reasons to put them down...it will not happen. It is trendy to put down anything Islamic and blame somebody of madrassa eductaion as if everything related to the madrassas is wrong. These same "mod muslims" demand equality for all, however, do not see their own hypocrisy when they engage in name calling as "beardos, madrassa educated" etc etc.
Re: Future Trends
or..when ppl call others ‘mod muslims’ 
Re: Future Trends
Is "beard" necessarily associated with Isam? A man without a beard might have all the qualities that Islam stresses--might be walking Qur'an. And a person with beard and who says five times prayers might not have any other quality stressed by Islam (though unlikely as prayer itself has the power to cleanse the heart). So, I guess what I am trying to stress is that we need to focus on the soul of Islam rather than just the shell.
Re: Future Trends
well said brotha…
we are too focused on rituals and lose the intent and the essence
appearances matter, words matter, but actions do not.
intolerance and bigotry becomes part and parcel of some people’s “beliefs” while it has zilch to do with the faith.
could not agree with you more.
I would however add, just like actions without intent are meaningless, intent without a followthru with actions is also quite useless.
Re: Future Trends
lol @ beardos
Re: Future Trends
Pir ji, how come I see people on this board putting down views of the folks who happen to have a beard? Beard has become a target, I dont need to point out specific post, you can find them in almost all of the forums here. Just take a look at some the discussions in Religion forum, anything related to Islam is disected, opposed and non-islamic behavior is justified by all means possible.
I can appreciate you statement that actions without intent are meaningless, but remember a person who prays is actually praying for Allah and you and I are not in a position to question the sincerity of his/her prayers. However a person induldging a non islamic behavior is showing it with actions...at this point intent does not matter, if the behavior is unislamic the inetent cannot be pure either.
Dopey, so what exactly is the essence of Islam?
Re: Future Trends
As I watch ptv, the occasional times that I do, and as I observe the new arrival Pakistanis, the realization sets in that Pakistan is becoming more and more westernized. I do realize the necessity of more education and some broadening of thoughts--such as tolerance for religion, rights of women, etc.<<
Westernization likely won't facilitate the spread of education, strengthening of judiciary, and rights of minorities etc. Therefore, it's a misconception that there's any co-relation. What's needed the most is introduction of judicial reforms, elimination of corruption, and enforcement of laws and regulations through candid selection and better training of the personnel.
Re: Future Trends
Yes, It is possible Dope. I always and still ask the same question to myself. But you and me gettin an answer from anyone will not make any difference. I totally agree with your other responses and opinion and am sorry to say that no matter how much u, me or anyone for the fact come up with an arguement and burn our brain cells out thinkin y Pakistan is getting more westernize in a matter of dressin up or y is it too hard for them to follow Islam…we can’t really do much about it.
The very much can be done is by talking to the people that are around. Start by influencing them and then go beyond keep Allah (s.w.t) in mind and seekin help from him in this matter or any other.
All I always end up doin is make DUA infront of Allah (s.w.t) to help and guide our generation to the right path, ameen.
Re: Future Trends
I thought we are already working on increasing knowledge and tolerance in Pak and I think we have persevered our culture………………you cant say that we are trying to westernize just becoz gals have started to wear short sleeves and stuff. I don’t think we have yet westernize or will. Our Eastern culture is still there. What u watch on Pak channels is not reality, its just media way of making money. Personally, I think Pak has a better educational system. People are more intelligent in Pak and there overall achievement levels are higher than the western countries. I m sorry but I do not agree with you.
P.S: I think media has played a huge role in woman rights.
&
* Do not always believe what you read, watch, and hear.
Re: Future Trends
I agree with you. Just as women’s rights; rights of minorities; and tolerance for some westernization is needed, so is the need to respect the people who follow Islam. People who keep beard, or women who chose to cover themselves should be equally respected. What is the essence of Islam? That would most likely be best answered by a scholar of Islam. However, my simple opinion would be to live life in accordance with guidance provided by Qur’an, and sunnah of the prophet.
Re: Future Trends
I agree with you. Thinking is essential.
Re: Future Trends
It really has nothing to do with beards or any other types of appearance....these are just the outward appearances which really have no bearing on success or failure of business and enterprise. From my (somewhat limited) experience of Pakistan, the things that need to be addressed are corruption, greed and general work ethic in the middle and above classes.
Although I beleive the Pakistani way of life (in the upper middle class) is the best and nicest way of life, it isnt exactly the way to a productive and progressive country. 4 to 6 hour workdays, 5 or 6 weeks vacation. 2 to 3 hour lunch breaks. Knowing who to pay off to get what you want rather than working for it.
Although US is rather hated, its people are by far the working-est people on the planet. 10 to 12 hr workday, 2 to 3 weeks of vacation (if that) and reward for the best and/or hardest workers. Dont get me wrong, there is a good amount of corruption here too but if you have a strong work ethic you can have much success here....not so true over there unless you have the right connections.
Anyway, I dont think it has to do with westernization or religion really. You can be a good Muslim with a strong work ethic and be successful....just get rid of corruption and greed.
Re: Future Trends
So you are saying that it is possible to run a successful and strong country while maintaining Eastern Values and Islam.
Re: Future Trends
If you look at "sucessful" nations around the world - it all comes down to every day ethics and education.
Ethics are more important than education in the end (my opinion).
We do not have any Ethics in our daily lives. I do certain businesses as a hobby, I love desiz but if I would ever have a choice to not to deal with a desi - i would take it in a heart beat.
Re: Future Trends
Ethics are learned with education. Third world countries are behind in quality of education that is necessary for them to prosper as successful nations. An ignorant person’s dealings are tolerant because of lack of knowledge, as compared to that of an enlightened person committing a similar action.
Re: Future Trends
hahaha u are going to teach ethics to pakistani people who pull out wooden benches placed in public parks to take them home?
Re: Future Trends
Shweety, generalizations are not good...How about NYorkers killing/robbing/mugging people in the subways...is that ethical?
Re: Future Trends
kaleem stick to the topic ok?
dont be talkin abt ny’ers