Zia turned out to be a very wily man. He made Afghanistan a rallying point not only for the West, which wanted to stop the spread of communism from the Soviet Union, but also for Muslims from Sudan to Tajikistan, who saw it as a fellow Islamic country under attack from infidels. **Money poured in from all over the Arab world, particularly Saudi Arabia, which matched whatever the US sent, and volunteer fighters too, including a Saudi millionaire called Osama bin Laden.
**
We Pashtuns are split between Pakistan and Afghanistan and don’t really recognise the border that the British drew more than 100 years ago. So our blood boiled over the Soviet invasion for both religious and nationalist reasons. The clerics of the mosques would often talk about the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in their sermons, condemning the Russians as infidels and urging people to join the jihad, saying it was their duty as good Muslims. It was as if under Zia jihad had become the sixth pillar of our religion on top of the five we grow up to learn – the belief in one God, namaz or prayers five times a day, giving zakat or alms, roza – fasting from dawn till sunset during the month of Ramadan – and haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, which every able-bodied Muslim should do once in their lifetime. **My father says that in our part of the world this idea of jihad was very much encouraged by the CIA. Children in the refugee camps were even given school textbooks produced by an American university which taught basic arithmetic through fighting. They had examples like, ‘If out of 10 Russian infidels, 5 are killed by one Muslim, 5 would be left’ or ‘15 bullets – 10 bullets = 5 bullets’.
Edit:
More against USA
**In Pakistan we were still under a dictatorship, but America needed our help, just as it had in the 1980s to fight the Russians in Afghanistan. Just as the Russian invasion of Afghanistan had changed everything for General Zia, so 9/11 transformed General Musharraf from an international outcast.
Suddenly he was being invited to the White House by George W. Bush and to 10 Downing Street by Tony Blair.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
Endorsement of Satanic Verses
One of their most heated debates in that first year was over a novel. The book was called The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie, and it was a parody of the Prophet’s life set in Bombay. Muslims widely considered it blasphemous and it provoked so much outrage that it seemed people were talking of little else. The odd thing was no one had even noticed the publication of the book to start with – it wasn’t actually on sale in Pakistan – but then a series of articles appeared in Urdu
newspapers by a mullah close to our intelligence service, berating the book as offensive to the Prophet and saying it was the duty of good Muslims to protest.
Soon mullahs all over Pakistan were denouncing the book, calling for it to be banned, and angry demonstrations were held. The most violent took place in Islamabad on 12 February 1989, when American flags were set alight in front of the American Centre – even though Rushdie and his publishers were British. Police fired into the crowd, and five people were killed. The anger wasn’t just in Pakistan. Two days later Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s assassination.
My father’s college held a heated debate in a packed room. Many students argued that the book should be banned and burned and the fatwa upheld. My father also saw the book as offensive to Islam but believes strongly in freedom of speech. ‘First, let’s read the book and then why not respond with our own book,’ he suggested. He ended by asking in a thundering voice my grandfather would have been proud of, ‘Is Islam such a weak religion that it cannot tolerate a book written against it? Not my Islam!’
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
**Benazir’s Shawl
**Rehanna told me that thousands and millions of people and children around the world had supported me and prayed for me. Then I realised that people had saved my life. I had been spared for a reason. People had sent other presents too. There were boxes and boxes of chocolates and teddy bears of every shape and size. **Most precious of all perhaps was the parcel that came from Benazir Bhutto’s children Bilawal and Bakhtawar. Inside were two shawls that had belonged to their late mother. I buried my nose in them to try and smell her perfume. Later I found a long black hair on one of them, which made it even more special.
…
**On my sixteenth birthday I was in New York to speak at the United Nations. Standing up to address an audience inside the vast hall where so many world leaders have spoken before was daunting, but I knew what I wanted to say. ‘This is your chance Malala,’ I said to myself. Only 400 people were sitting around me, but when I looked out, I imagined millions more. I did not write the speech only with the UN delegates in mind; I wrote it for every person around the world who could make a
difference. I wanted to reach all people living in poverty, those children forced to work and those who suffer from terrorism or lack of education. Deep in my heart I hoped to reach every child who could take courage from my words and stand up for his or her rights.
I wore one of Benazir Bhutto’s white shawls over my favourite pink shalwar kamiz and I called on the world’s leaders to provide free education to every child in the world. ‘Let us pick up our books and our pens,’ I said. ‘They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.’ I didn’t know how my speech was received until the audience gave me a standing ovation. My mother was in tears and my father said I had become everybody’s daughter.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
I also had reservation with my father said this and that, but then I thought God forbid, if our daughters/ sisters go through the same events as Malala, we won't be telling them fairy tales. We will educate them why this is happening and what lead to all this chaos.
I have one question. Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was almost of the same age, when she was married to the Prophet and learning from him. She then went on to quote many ahadees from the Prophet and many senior companions used to refer her for clarifications on certain issues. Though there is no comparison between today's people and those holy personalities, there is a tradition that young people learn from knowledgeable relatives / companions and if they refer source / views while quoting an incident / opinion, I don't find it objectionable.
If I have to write history of my hometown, I would be using 'My grandfather says... My Dadi used to tell us... Once abba told me.... Amma is of the view' frequently.
Sorry dear, didn’t find in her book anything about declaring Qadyanis as non-Muslims being wrong. Can you please help me, in which chapter it is covered. You seems to have studied this book thoroughly.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
“My father also saw the book (Rushdi’s book) as offensive to ISLAM but strongly Believes in freedom of Speech”. She should nt have used the word “Freedom of speech” here. Obama and west also give them license to make Movies against ISLAM in the name of freedom of speech. Infact she would not endorse satanic verses cz his father is a clever man. By using the word “Freedom of speech” his father showed a soft corner for Rushi. Thats what we are sayin frm day one. In other words, everyone have a right to say whatever he/she wants to say againt Prophet (PBUH) in the name of freedom of Speech… She was actually speaking their language. And she did nt realize that ths matter is sensitive and “freedom of speech” can not be applied here..Even UN human rights council is working on a resulation on “Combating defamation of Religion and Personalities” Even western heads are thinking that there is a limit to Freedom of speech. But Baap Beti ka Kuch nhe ho sakta… Lagay Rahoo
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
I also had reservation with my father said this and that, but then I thought God forbid, if our daughters/ sisters go through the same events as Malala, we won't be telling them fairy tales. We will educate them why this is happening and what lead to all this chaos.
I have one question. Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was almost of the same age, when she was married to the Prophet and learning from him. She then went on to quote many ahadees from the Prophet and many senior companions used to refer her for clarifications on certain issues. Though there is no comparison between today's people and those holy personalities, there is a tradition that young people learn from knowledgeable relatives / companions and if they refer source / views while quoting an incident / opinion, I don't find it objectionable.
If I have to write history of my hometown, I would be using 'My grandfather says... My Dadi used to tell us... Once abba told me.... Amma is of the view' frequently.
There is no way I'm going to comment on the comparison between Malala and Syeddina Ayesha (ra).
Anyway, a biography is supposed is be about your personal experiences and your opinions and conclusions based on those experiences...not your mother's or father's. Unless your mother or father were renown historians or analytics. Even then, you don't keep referring to your parents unless you're compiling their sayings.
what's her stance on BB and her involvement in creating Taliban? Or did her father totally ignored telling her about it?
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
There is no way I'm going to comment on the comparison between Malala and Syeddina Ayesha (ra).
Anyway, a biography is supposed is be about your personal experiences and your opinions and conclusions based on those experiences...not your mother's or father's. Unless your mother or father were renown historians or analytics. Even then, you don't keep referring to your parents unless you're compiling their sayings.
what's her stance on BB and her involvement in creating Taliban? Or did her father totally ignored telling her about it?
To be specific its not autobiography technically. A 16 year child has to experience life before writing an autobiography.
This book is about a particular experience this girl had in her teenage and the writer Lamb (not Malala) had given background based on interviews of Malala. Of course, we all have to right criticise certain contents of the book, but there are some good contents and thought provoking passages in the book as well. She has mentioned involvement of ISI in creating Taliban, which is a debatable issue and many people believe this version of history as well.
I was not comparing her to Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and I specifically mentioned it in my post. It was with reference to tradition of gaining knowledge from people near you and quoting their name while sharing your views.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
Bring passages about Qadianis first. Don;t use google and Orya Maqbool Jaan.
For Rushdie, read the complete passage:
"My father also saw the book as offensive to Islam but believes strongly in freedom of speech. ‘First, let’s read the book and then why not respond with our own book,’ he suggested. He ended by asking in a thundering voice my grandfather would have been proud of, ‘Is Islam such a weak religion that it cannot tolerate a book written against it? Not my Islam!’ "
**
For her, the book was offensive, but she is suggesting another way for protest. Book in favour of Prophet to respond the Rushdie. Have you read books of Professor Rafiq Zakaria against Satanic Verses. If not and read that. You will feel more relaxed than burning properties and killing your own countrymen.**
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
Has nt she said "but My father believes strongly in freedom of Speech"? Yes or No. No games. As far as Qadyanies are concerned, anwer my Question 1st. Are Qadianies muslim ? Yes or No. @muqawwee123 and whats wrong with Orya and gøogle ? Care to share (have nt gøogled it.)
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
Share from the original source so that people can evaluate on their own.
Utilising Freedom of speech to controvert offensive material like ‘Satanic Verses’ is the better option than killing innocent people in your own country. Yes or No? Have you read name of William Muir and his book Life of Mohamet. Better use google and see how people like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan responded to it. I don’t think there was a wajib ul qatl fatwa for Muir, when at time people like Allama Shibli were alive. There was no killing of innocent people in India in reaction to a book written in Britain.
And tell me when Malala’s father consider a book offensive, how come he defended the content of book? He agreed to protest, but in a different way, which is long lasting and beneficial for coming generations as well.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
My father says this my father says that...okay I've heard it all!
She has a strong role model in her father, who has instilled a strong character in her and made her an individual...rarity for Pakistanis...I can understand your reluctance to recognize and applaud that.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
@muqawwee123 I am also against violence.. Killing ur own countrymen or western people is stupidity. Question ya nhe k violence na karo. I do nt like violence in the name of religion. But the person who wrote that book should be punished acording to law. Malala's father should nt have used the word "freedom of speech" when he was talkin about satanic verses. It was nt freedom of speech. Zia ull din wanted to respond , with logic na? Right, then why did he use the word "freedom of speech", giving an impression that everyone can say anythng to anyone including religious Personalities... And later he tried to cover it by saying why nt respond with our own book.. Take off ur lamb Glasses. They keep on saying bakwas about Prophet (PBUH) in the name of freedom of speech and we keep on responding them.. One day they publish Cartoons and Mister Zia ul Din will justify it by saying "its freedom of Speech, let's answer it with our book" . You can not respond with ur book , when other Person is using stupid language/cartoon.. I do nt want to argue. Leave it.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I’m Malala
You can;t stop people publishing offensive material be it a book or Cartoon. Can you?
So whats the solution if such material can’t be stopped and you yourself agreed that violence is not the solution.
For me it should be controverted through books as Malala’s father said, Professor Rafiq Akhtar did against Satanic Verses and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan did against Muir’s book. You tell me the alternatives that can be productive and our next generation can follow that whenever such instances arises. I think we can’t deny that future will be more challenging to stop such offensive material from spreading.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
You tell me the alternatives that can be productive and our next generation can follow that whenever such instances arises. I think we can't deny that future will be more challenging to stop such offensive material from spreading.
Punish the Person acording to law. Hit him. This will create fear and terror in the hearts of those people who want to repeat it in future.. But do not hit any innocent anywhere, i mean, the way our people react, toor phoor, Jalaou gehraou e.t.c. That is stupidity. You cant stop them through book.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
Punish the Person acording to law. Hit him. This will create fear and terror in the hearts of those people who want to repeat it in future.. But do not hit any innocent anywhere, i mean, the way our people react, toor phoor, Jalaou gehraou e.t.c. That is stupidity. You cant stop them through book.
Which Law? Pakistan's law is not applicable in west where such material initiated. As far as 'Hit' part is concerned, its not Pakistan every where to target kill your rivals. You see its not the permanent solution.
Were people like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Allama Shibli less Muslims than today's Muslims, who didn't opt for 'Hit' option. See William Muir is not as famous as Rushdie. Who promoted Rushdie? Besides west, credit also goes to Muslims who made 'zero' as 'hero'. Rushdie is simply an average writer, most of the time, you will miss what he wants to say. Still reaction and violent protests made him 'best seller'.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
There is no way I'm going to comment on the comparison between Malala and Syeddina Ayesha (ra).
Anyway, a biography is supposed is be about your personal experiences and your opinions and conclusions based on those experiences...not your mother's or father's. Unless your mother or father were renown historians or analytics. Even then, you don't keep referring to your parents unless you're compiling their sayings.
what's her stance on BB and her involvement in creating Taliban? Or did her father totally ignored telling her about it?
Who made these rules about biography? Plus biography per my understanding is about someone else's life. This is not a biography. Per the title I am Malala, this is about her life experiences. As a 16 yr old (when she wrote this), it should be obvious to any rational individual that what her father taught her, stated etc would be a HUGE part of her life. And it is also clear to ANY rational individual that her father is a courageous man who taught her well.
Re: Interesting Extracts from the Book - I'm Malala
To be specific its not autobiography technically. A 16 year child has to experience life before writing an autobiography.
This book is about a particular experience this girl had in her teenage and the writer Lamb (not Malala) had given background based on interviews of Malala. Of course, we all have to right criticise certain contents of the book, but there are some good contents and thought provoking passages in the book as well. She has mentioned involvement of ISI in creating Taliban, which is a debatable issue and many people believe this version of history as well.
I was not comparing her to Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and I specifically mentioned it in my post. It was with reference to tradition of gaining knowledge from people near you and quoting their name while sharing your views.
Okay I get your point. Still, I feel she has a very biased opinion about BB.
