Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
if it was the work of some illiterate idiot, then i wont comment.
if it was done officially then that is soemthing to think about. whether he was a muslim or not, he was a pakistani first. as long as we declare ourselves as muslims first and pakistanis second, we will never be able to move forward. and we will remain like this. this is tragic and idiotic to say the least.
i dont know why we are so bothered by other peoples' religions.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
^ Even if it was written by any illiterate random person then i would comment and would like to raise a question that why would it be happened? I mean how did someone do this? were the dead bodies placed in an open ground so anyone can come and write on the coffins whatever they want? Shouldn't we consider this an extreme act of irresponsibility of the authorities who were meant to take care of the bodies?
Dead bodies MUST be treated with care and respect. I don't find such example anywhere in Islamic history (I've read so far) that the non muslims who were killed in battles were treated disrespectfully. They are humans anyway.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
^Yes ,True.... (but such instances were there)
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
From Daily Times
The good who die young
*By Amar Guriro *
KARACHI: Elderly Nathi, grandmother of Premchand Maharaj, one of the ill-fated passengers onboard the plane that crashed into the Margalla Hills near Islamabad, wished to see her grandson - the only male member of the family - as a well-placed officer.
When Maharaj was selected for the Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme two months ago, she distributed sweets among her relatives.
But her dreams were shattered in an instance, when she watched the news about the plane crash on television on Wednesday.
Twenty-five-year old Premchand, Youth Minister for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, was a resident of a small town called Jhoal in Sanghar district. He had studied Masters in Social Work at the University of Sindh.
Maharaj’s father died when he was only three and he worked strenuously since childhood to support his family, and arranged the wedding of his three sisters.
After being selected for the Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme, he frequently visited Islamabad. He left behind his grandmother, mother and wife.
“He left home on Tuesday and asked me to pray for him... I am still not sure how he could have died,” Sahanti, mother of Maharaj told this scribe over the phone.
Nanak, one of his cousins, left for Islamabad to bring the Maharaj’s remains to his native town for a funeral.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
a little surprised to see people actually offended by this when prior to this incident, posts like this were the norm.
Well Hindus are kafirs. It the essence of the term. Just as Buddhists, those who practice Shinto, and other pagan traditions.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
Prem Chand We Are Ashamed!
July 30, 2010 by Ali Abbas
16 Votes
There have been very few times when I have not found the right words to express my grief, sorrow, anger or passion for something and today is one of those days as I write for my man, Prem Chand – A Pakistani Hindu, a true patriot, a social worker who spent his life trying to uplift the condition of his fellow countrymen, he gave sweat and tears to this land of pure. An elected member of PILDAT’s Youth Parliament, whose fellow YP’s say the following about him:
He greeted muslims with a warm Assalamo alaikum…he sent msgs of congratulations on shab barat and other holy days…..He used “Allah” hafiz to bid farewell…and he swore by this name…I hv been with him….He was more of a sufi who believed in all religions and the good things in them.
And it doesnt even matter if he was that intolerant about religious beliefs, even if he were a staunch Hindu he didnot deserve what we gave him. He was on board EQ-202 Airbus 321, Airblue’s flight to Islamabad which crashed in Margalla Hills leaving 152 dead and the nation mourned (officially for 01 day). He was not travelling on personal visit, he was meant to be present at Youth Parliaments session the next day.
And like said above, he gave his sweat and tears to this land of pure – and what did he get? Some religious bigot wrote “Kaafir” (English: Infidel) on his coffin. (Link) We are no short of these religious bigots whose favorite pass time is to judge and discriminate on Pakistanis on basis of their faith – but this sad incident, which killed 152 human beings was an opportunity for these religious fanatics to show their true face. The poor guy, who was born in a Hindu family and spent his life trying to work for the people of his country was given the title of “Kaafir” by someone amongst us. This particular segment of our society pounces on every opportunity to exhibit their religious fanaticism from the very beginning, when Quaid e Azam (the founder of Pakistan) was labelled as “Kaafir-e-Azam”.
Bear in mind, Pakistan was made because people of Indo-Pak subcontinent felt they were discriminated upon on the basis of their faith – The same we are doing with our minorities.
I would cross-post some of his words here:
I believe in democratic process, because true democracy can solve all problems of state. – Prem Chand.
Prem Chand’s last status update on Facebook was: “Comments Can Make a Person & Comments Can Break a Person.”So Be Careful and Ethical While Giving Comments for Someone.” – He rightly said so. A single word comment on his coffin has shattered many across Pakistan.
I protest against these religious fanatics and I salute Prem Chand – And all the Prem Chands in the making and I confess to the religious minorities of Pakistan – that just because of our silence, just because of our muted response to injustices done to you – we stand here after 64 years. I dig my head in shame, and I vow to fight for you, for us, for the Pakistan we were supposed to have.
Please join this page on facebook as we try to take it from, to pick it from here and voice out for minorities of Pakistan.
Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi
Below is the letter written by Zulqarnain, Prem’s friend:
Its very painful for me to write to defend such gem of a person. But in a society like ours where people are discriminated on the basis of their faith, Its essential to show these religious bigots their real face.
Prem chand was born to a poor family and was its lone feeder. He belonged to Sanghar, Sindh. He was 25 and was married and also had children. He, however, looked younger than his age and we also used to crack jokes on him for this which he thoroughly enjoyed. He certainly was not a “man” and had those boyish looks. He was doing masters from Sindh university, something pertaining to Social work. He not only called himself a social worker but his text messages also bore this signature. The signature was later changed to “YP Minister” when he was made minister for Youth affairs, culture and sports in previous session of YP. This honour was well deserved as he had prepared and presented a comprehensive research report on state of social welfare in Pakistan. He was hardworking, dedicated and sincere. His educational back ground was such that he could not make flowery speeches.
He was not good at speaking English and his Urdu also had that pinch of Sindhi accent but this never deterred him to stand up and speak whenever he wanted. He was a patriot and loved pakistan, worried about it as much as we “muslims” do, brought resolutions, prepared them, asked for help, tried to pinpoint and resolve all the problems that Pakistan faces, spoke against India on water issue and had no qualms on the prospect of going to war with her. I say all this to show that he was “normal”. He was not alien or “Indian”.
I have met many people from religious minorities. All of them have that peculiar air about them. they lack confidence, they have fears of the unknown, They are very cautious. Prem Chand also seemed to be the victim of discrimination. Though that did not make him a loner, but it sure taught him to love more. He over tried. tried to be more good to you than u wud expect, tried to make good friends of everyone. Most of the time he lived in the room right next to me during the sessions so he often came over to my room. Thats when I observed this. He would send u text messages just to stay in touch. he wont mind if u didnt reply. I guess, he could not afford to be egotistic.
He was very tolerant in his religious views. We never discussed religion much. Though once I remember a fellow colleague of us talked to him in good faith. He probably wanted to convert him to Islam. Though he never said so. There I came to know that Prem knew much about Islam. He liked Zakir Nayak and comparative studies of different religions. He was interested in Sufism as well. And he wont mind if u asked him questions about hinduism. When interacting with us he would use “muslim” greetings not to prove anything but simply to avoid putting others in a difficult situation.
I still remember the time when we used to hang out. He used to borrow cigarettes from friends and puff away scores of them just for the fun of it. He was not a smoker though. I also remember that prem did not have a FB account. He also did not know how to make one so Hassan Javed (the late youth prime minister) made one for him on his laptop. When the account was made he jokingly asked Hassan to allow him to add Hassan’s female friends as he did not have girlfriends of his own……Thats all I can remember right now hope it helps.
Following is a comment by another colleague of Prem:
I am Muneeb Afzal, a Member of Youth parliament of Pakistan and a Colleague and Friend of Late Prem Chand. An extremely hard-working person he was a symbol of tolerance. My last communication with him was on night before the Air Crash, he gave his greetings to me on ocassion of 15th of Shabaan.
At PIMS fortunately another friend of ours was there when Prem’s Cousin Nanik Das came to search for his body, he quickly hid the tag ‘kafir’ by putting marker lines on it, so that Prem’s family which is already suffering from great grief does not have to bear more hurt. Although later at a memorial session where media was present I criticized the inhumanity and intolerance of those who did this shameful act. I felt this was my duty to my Late friend Prem Chand that i make it clear to the world that we condemn this act of intolerance and Narrow Minded-ness. But a lot of my other colleagues have since objected to my speaking out, believing that my saying this and this news spreading in media would add to hurt of Prem’s family, and in a way they are right too. I would like you all to also keep this in mind as well…
Rest In Peace dear Prem Chand
a little surprised to see people actually offended by this when prior to this incident, posts like this were the norm.
Bigots come in all colors and religions. We have our share of them...
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
I watched the interview of some young parliamantarians and almost all of them mentioned prem chand's name. Seems he was quite popular among them.
However, some of the 'liberal' brigade here is at it again. They leave no opportunity to defame islam, muslims, and pakistanis even if a dog on a a street attacks them they would label it as a terrorist pakistani act lol. guess they can't hide their hatred. Also, I've noticed these days people look at every little thing with suspicion. Even an act of negligence would be considered as biased and the person would be labelled as extremist. People who do that need to check their own attitude first.
Coming back to the topic, I agree kaafir is a derogatory term. they could have used non-muslim instead but you've to mention the religion of a person in forms.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
Still wonder what they would have written on Mr.Suresh's dead body...
Bigots come in all colors and religions. We have our share of them...
Exactly . A lot of dumbs we have .
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
This was the case of one victim, as a result of the fault of a few individuals, but some people in this thread and in the other one, tried a lot to term it a "National Disgrace", as if the man had won a noble prize for Pakistan. I understand it to be a wrong step whoever did it, but there is no use of becoming an overly emotional being, and bringing the whole nation into it.
I understand that one should complain about this wrong step but such a height of whining on an individual case is not reasonable, specially when on the other hand, the international media and news reporter replace the term "Terrorists" with a newly developed word "Islamists" (not in the dictionary) for more than a BILLION people BUT then, the same whiners take a heavy dose of sleeping pills.
I think Pakistan has handled it's hindu population with silk gloves.
Ofcourse things would change radically If I were to ascend to power.
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
^ Thats the second time you’ve posted that 
Your username sure suits you.
Prem Chand: His Death Was a National Tragedy; How His Coffin Was Treated a National Disgrace
Posted on August 1, 2010
So the writer of this article called death of this person as National Tragedy ( ignoring all others who died) and someone’s act as National disgrace? 
Re: Prem Chand,coffin was marked KAFFIR
I know that Kaafir is a broad term that includes various religions....but it carries a negative connotation. And how hard is it to label the coffin as "Hindu", "Christian"...etc ?
I know that Kaafir is a broad term that includes various religions....but it carries a negative connotation. And how hard is it to label the coffin as "Hindu", "Christian"...etc ?
Maybe it is time to remove the negative connotation from it since it never had and should never be.
Kaafir simply means someone who denies.
Please do not fall in to negative agenda by media.
Even non-muslims call different sects among themselves non-believers.
This was the case of one victim, as a result of the fault of a few individuals, but some people in this thread and in the other one, tried a lot to term it a "National Disgrace", as if the man had won a noble prize for Pakistan. I understand it to be a wrong step whoever did it, but there is no use of becoming an overly emotional being, and bringing the whole nation into it.
I understand that one should complain about this wrong step but such a height of whining on an individual case is not reasonable, specially when on the other hand, the international media and news reporter replace the term "Terrorists" with a newly developed word "Islamists" (not in the dictionary) for more than a BILLION people BUT then, the same whiners take a heavy dose of sleeping pills.
Perhaps the irony here is that the man who did win the Nobel Prize had a somewhat similar fate...
It is a national disgrace. Something like "oh they started it first" or "look how they portray us in such a bad light always" doesn't fly. How one is portrayed and how one carries himself often don't align..Is is right ? No but that's how it is..
Honestly though, is anyone truly surprised such an event occurred? Well, I guess surprised isn't the right word, rather shocked is. I for one can't say I am. It's a sad incident, and a disgrace especially in the bigger picture. Shocking though? No..which perhaps makes it even bitter.
As for kafir... Who isn't a kafir? After all it's all pretty much relative..
Perhaps the irony here is that the man who did win the Nobel Prize had a somewhat similar fate...
It is a national disgrace. Something like "oh they started it first" or "look how they portray us in such a bad light always" doesn't fly. How one is portrayed and how one carries himself often don't align..Is is right ? No but that's how it is..
Honestly though, is anyone truly surprised such an event occurred? Well, I guess surprised isn't the right word, rather shocked is. I for one can't say I am. It's a sad incident, and a disgrace especially in the bigger picture. Shocking though? No..which perhaps makes it even bitter.
As for kafir... Who isn't a kafir? After all it's all pretty much relative..
I see what you are referring to.
National disgrace is a big term.
Not what this person Darwaish dude tried to make.
And as to your last point, 'kaafir' is not only a relative but a** reciprocal** term .
Maybe it is time to remove the negative connotation from it since it never had and should never be.
Kaafir simply means someone who denies.
**Please do not fall in to negative agenda by media.
Even non-muslims call different sects among themselves non-believers.**
Whatever the agenda of the media may be.......does it exempt the people handling the bodies from using tact and common sense? Does it exempt them from being professional about the situation? NO, it doesn't.
Yes, Kaafir means someone who denies/disbelieves. The word "Pagan" ALSO refers to those that are considered polytheists or disbelievers. But picture a coffin labeled as "Pagan".........does it sound okay? How about "Infidel"...? Does it sound right? I think for many people........something inside their conscience won't sit well with this.
Someone on the first page of this thread had mentioned that the coffin form lists the religion of the deceased before the body is delivered to the family. The guy's name is Premchand........obvious that he's a Hindu......so why not just write "Hindu" instead? It's not a tedious task......the word "Hindu" has less letters than the word, "Kaafir".......it's less likely to be cause a stir......it's more specific.... and certainly more professional. Why even bother labeling the coffin at all? There are other ways of differentiation.
Whatever the agenda of the media may be.......does it exempt the people handling the bodies from using tact and common sense? Does it exempt them from being professional about the situation? NO, it doesn't.
Yes, Kaafir means someone who denies/disbelieves. The word "Pagan" ALSO refers to those that are considered polytheists or disbelievers. But picture a coffin labeled as "Pagan".........does it sound okay? Does it sound right? I think for many people........something inside their conscience won't sit well with this.
Someone on the first page of this thread had mentioned that the coffin form lists the religion of the deceased before the body is delivered to the family. The guy's name is Premchand........obvious that he's a Hindu......so why not just write "Hindu" instead? It's not a tedious task......the word "Hindu" has less letters than the word, "Kaafir".......it's less likely to be cause a stir......it's just more professional. Why even bother labeling the coffin at all? There are other ways of differentiation.
I sincerely think you are arguing for arguing sake and deliberately ignoring what is said above.
1- Where did the article suggest non-professionalism and I agreed with that?
2- There has not and was not even a term of Pagan in this thread. So try not to bring that. Pagans is an old term and cannot speak for you and your age, but I am sure I have never seen any coffin labeled as 'Pagan'. ;)
3- I did mention the meaning of kaafir in simple English. What is your excuse not to get it? Can you bring any other meaning?
4- What do you mean by less letters?. Do you think more than some expected letters, the writer should sudddenly roll over and die? Very amusing. :D
5- Like it is said above by someone, it is a good thing to mark the coffin not being muslim fo proper burial.
What is so wrong with that?
6- Just like a muslim will be glad to know his burial is according to his beliefs, a Hindu should feel the same way I suppose.