We are actually living in the dark ages at the moment. It is not a surprise to all those who live in Pakistan and who are all quite sure that they are living a secured and protected life. We can never say what can happen next.
A lot of it deals with the Taliban philosophy that is pretty much absorbing itself in many parts of our country and conquering the minds of those who can't understand the difference between the right and wrong. And of course, for those with some sense now hate dictator Zia ul Haq even more and that historic despicable picture of his becomes even more vivid in our minds as we see Talibanization progressing because it was the great Zia who started all this decades ago. And it is no more a silent movement. Definitely not, after seeing how the Governor of Punjab was killed for expressing his views and then there is countless support for the murderer from so called lawyers and religious fanatics. So it is not a shocker...we are living in the dark ages absolutely.
Zia-ul-Haq
However, it is interesting to note that the word Taliban is actually derived from the Arabic word Talib, which means a student or somebody who is ready to learn, seek and acquire knowledge. It does not in anyway mean, to seek religious knowledge only, by all means. Taliban can be anyone who are ready to learn and educate themselves. It is not something to do with guns, ammunition and madrassahs.
This is strange, how the illiterates associate those who kill other human beings, who believe in killing other Muslims, who think suicide bombing is a brave thing to do, who think they are the only ones who can preach and talk about Islam in a way they want to while they promote that the rest of us know nothing if we talk about peace and equality for all mankind.
This is not something we were taught when we were in school and nor did anybody in our entire lives gave such a weird out look towards our religion before. In fact, for those who don't know, God already mentioned such lost souls in the Holy Quran quite clearly. And these are the words of God Himself.
Verses From Surah Al Baqarah -Quran:
When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"
"Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief but they realize (it) not"
"There is the type of man whose speech about the world's life may dazzle thee, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies."
Verse From Surah Al Nisa (04:093) - Quran:
"If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (Forever). And the wrath and the curse of God are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him."
Well, I don't the lost souls will ever get back on track and nor will their rigid mind set ever change. But Islam as a religion definitely has a very different perspective on life, justice and truth. We must just know the difference between right and wrong.
