50 Years On

 

50 Years On

 I visited England in the early 1970s in quest of knowledge. In 2022, I was there again to meet some loved ones, revisit familiar places and recall the past to formulate some comparisons.

Lake district was my favorite retreat in summer, and I had paid several visits in the early seventies. So, I went to see how it looked and felt after half a century. Rothay bridge had changed. Safety railings had been built, but the architect had maintained the old roman stone character. There was a tremendous increase in foliage, thanks to greater awareness of environmental quality. The pictures below graphically depict the contrast between then and now, both for the man and the scene.

In Manchester, where I studied for my post graduate degree the grassy grounds between the buildings had disappeared and new buildings stood tall. The roads, particularly Wilmslow Road was so thoroughly marked for traffic regulation that it looked like a work of art.

Elsewhere the architects seemed to have forgotten how to draw a straight line. Even where straight lines existed, they were seldom parallel or at right angles. This trend is not unique to UK, it can be seen almost everywhere in the world, thanks to innovations in construction techniques and building materials.

The overall environment and public behavior seemed rather subdued, perhaps partly due to nearly two years of the Covid isolation and partly the five-decade aging of the observer.

The intellectual estrangement that I felt during the visit represents the cumulative change in social and moral values that have taken place in certain parts of the world over the past century.

20th century presented a unique era of defiance and unrealism. As I ponder over the past, many suppressed thoughts scream to be shown the light of the day. A few examples are given below for the benefit of the reader.

1. Relativity and accurate prediction of the illusions of a moving observer were theorized in the first decade of 20^th century. Despite the religious convictions of Einstein and his contemporaries (God does not play dice) virtuality began to replace absoluteness. If it was impossible to measure absolute velocity or error was inevitable in any observation, to solve any problem the most viable compromises have to be found. The socio-psychological impact of relativistic thinking has been devastating. The ideals of absolute goal or identified destination do not exist anymore. Comparative or competitive achievement has become the measure of success. Idealists and ideals are things of the past.

2. Cinema and sitting in a darkened room to peep into the realistic projection of private lives of storybook characters became the favorite pastime of many people around the world. Film Industry became an essential part of economy and produced some epic movies that gained universal approval. However, as time passed, more and more intimate scenes became acceptable, and the sense of privacy (or respect for privacy) which is the corner stone of civilization began to erode. The result is that today people seem to take nudity as a norm and are totally insensitive to public display of pornographic material or human indecency. Oddly enough, it is called tolerance and respect for personal freedom.

3. Airconditioning and the science of taking heat from a cooler place and dumping it in a hotter place is another gift of the last century. Although it seems like a negation of the laws of thermodynamics, no laws of physics are violated. Today, there are many people who live constantly in controlled environment whether in home, office, airport, shop, car, train, ship or plane. They only step out in the open when the weather is pleasant. They must be reminded of changing seasons. They have no idea how the vast majority of mankind in their hemisphere is feeling at any given moment. In religious terms they live in a manmade paradise and think of themselves as gods of Greek mythology or Torahic traditions.

4. Capitalism and the conspiracy to take money from the poor and give it to the rich became apparent only after the publication of Carl Marx’s famous book. With the ability of the kings to impose taxes at will curtailed by parliaments, the merchants took their revenge on Robinhood. Although statistical per capita income in developed countries is so high that everyone could live in luxury, the reality is far from it. Most of the wealth belongs to 10% richest and the average person lives from salary check to check, often worrying about the needs of himself and his family. Thanks to the welfare system in UK, I did not see any homeless or starved people on the streets as is the case in some states in USA.

6. The United Nations Organization that was formed soon after the Second World War to prevent future wars and to develop harmony among nations of the world has gradually become an international institution to authorize aggression. The actions and inactions of the UN Security council, clearly dominated by five veto wielding nations, have easily identifiable shades of racial, religious and socio-economic system discrimination.

7. Sex education or reinvention of the basic instinct of life by the naïve has resulted in erosion of difference between sex and masturbation. While I was there in the early 70s many strange things happened. Homosexuality was legalized. Homosexual societies were formed in universities. John Morris of The Sunday Times became Jan Morris by surgical operation. A man was acquitted of murder charge on the alibi by of his friend’s wife that he was with her at the time the murder was committed. Later, proof was found that he had committed the murder and he was indicted ---- sounding the death knell for feminine honor. Frontal nudity became acceptable on stage. This time when I was there, I didn’t find any husbands and wives, there were only civil partners, and to my consternation they could be any combination of two-legged living things.

8. Eradication of beauty to promote sale of cosmetics is the least noticed disaster of human history. Ladies first offered themselves as models to painters and gradually became canvas themselves. It is hard to find a city-woman who would look beautiful for a whole month without the help of a beautician or the consumption of a large quantity of cosmetics and use of many electromechanical tools and implements.

9. There has been a remarkable change in the role of press and journalism from seeking the facts and educating the public, to monitoring public opinion and soliciting readership for commercial purposes. The distinctions between news, propaganda and rumors have become extinct. Live television broadcasting has dramatically changed the spirit of sport. The quality and admirability of sport are measured by their entertainment value. The span of glory for an athlete depends on the whims of his sponsors and managers.

(Copy Right: Muhammad Nasim, mohnasim@gmail.com)

Last Words

 

1. The basic premise of democracy is that you can inherit property, money and relationships, but you cannot inherit power, authority, fame or respect; you have to earn them.

2. A corporation cannot  succeed unless it has: 1) a mechanism to check unnecessary, wasteful and skimoff expenditures  and 2) a system of quality control for its products and services controlled and monitored by the highest authority.

3. A society cannot  prosper unless  every member is confident that he or she is pursuing a meaningful objective.

4. No religion asks its followers to conquer land or enslave people.

5. Faith spreads by demonstration of virtue: state expands by exercise of brute force.

6. Sense of racial uniqueness  and religious superiority are the biggest enemies of civilization; actions of Christian Nazis, Jewish Zionists, Muslim Taleban, Hindu RSS and Myanmar Budhists prove it.

7. A dynamically organised system needs an ultimate controlling authority to survive. The imagined ultimate authority of the entire perceptible universe is called God or Allah.

8. Equilibrium does not necessarily mean equality. It may be caused by leverage.

9. Relative circular motion causes counter gravitation and binary equilibrium is reached when gravitation and countergravitation balance out.

10. Logic can only be exercised with a binary base such as 0-1, good-bad, virtuous-evil, legal-illegal etc.

11. When a country is ruled by people who belong to it, there is good government. When it is ruled by people who think the country belongs to them, there is bad government.

12. Facial makeup is said to enhance beauty of women, but it conceals the blush and other subtle facial expressions that make beauty dynamic.

13. Where did space come from, where does time go?

14. Did everything come into existence with all their properties in a flash, or was there originally just raw matter, parts of which gradually acquired specific properties? Is there a bank of all possible properties on which existence can draw what is needed?

15. Many of western world's  problems result from arbitrary and unjust curtailment  of parents' and husbands' rights by a handful of thoughtless legislators.

16. We admire fiction and poetry that reminds of our own experiences or fantasies.

17. Why should I waste my time studying follies of stupid politicians or kings?

18. Religion has become the art of controlling people by exploiting their sense of guilt.

19. Capitalism idealizes personal grandeur, selective respect for rights and  brutal conquest.

20. Socialism promotes common prosperity, universal rights and peaceful coexistence.

21  Communism strives for collective growth with vindictiveness and disregard of rights.

22. For many, God is the ultimate fantasy.

23. Democracy is a sociopolitical system in which those in power or authority think and behave like common people.


24. To my mind, thinking men and women from the beginning of civilization have been looking for:
1. An unimpeachable authority and
2. A set of irrevocable laws.
Earliest answers were God and religion. Latest are supreme courts and constitutions.

25. For a sufi God is the Mind of the universe.

26. Heaven is Anywhere beyond the horizon.

27. Angels and jinn are Intelligent holograms

28. Quran is a Divine encripted document supposed to be memorized completely by Arabic speaking person, so that in a decade or two his or her mind would cross index tbe scattered text allowing him or her to answer questions according to divine intent.

29. Hindutwa is Indian equivalent of German Nazism.

30. WW3 is the plan of American domination of Asia similar to Western Europe, after Indian invasion of neighbors and American intervention, deterred by Pakistani nuclear arsenal.

Petrol Bomb Terror

 Petrol and diesel prices have traditionally been lower in Pakistan than other South Asian countrues, because of discounts given by friendly middle eastern petrolem suppliers in recognition of its contribution to their defence.

50 million liters of diesel and petrol are consumed daily in Pakistan.

The disputed and discredited government of renowned leeches has increased the price by Rs. 60 per liter (40% above existing 149), fleecing Rs. 3 billion from the public daily, amounting to over one trillion a year. If the goons are right, this amount was being subsidized from tax collected from the rich and the motorbike rider was benefitting.

Now the fuel cost of bikes, rikshaws, taxis and trucks has risen suddenly by 40 percent.
The tricle effect is bound to be disastrous. The cost of food delivery is going to double and many senior citizens who have to utilize the service may face malnutrition. Even if the goons announce some relief for the worst hit, the money will most likely end in their own pockets.

Officers of IMF need to solemnly testify that they were sober when they gave this instruction to the goons as they claim, and that they will not have any share in this loot.

Marriage and Divorce in Quran

 

Marriage and Divorce in Holy Qur’an

(English translation: Sahih International by chapter.verse)

4.1. 0 mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

5.5. This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.

4.25. And whoever among you cannot [find] the means to many free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another. So marry them with the permission of their people and give them their due compensation [i.e., mahr] according to what is acceptable. [They should be] chaste, neither [of] those who commit unlawful intercourse randomly nor those who take [secret] lovers. But once they are sheltered in marriage, if they should commit adultery, then for them is half the punishment for free [unmarried] women. This [allowance] is for him among you who fears affliction [i.e., sin], but to be patient is better for you. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

24.33. But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wea1th of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them]. after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful.

2.235. There is no blame upon you for that to which you [indirectly] allude concerning a proposal to women or for what you conceal within yourselves. Allah knows that you will have them in mind. But do not promise them secretly except for saying a proper saying. And do not determine to undertake a marriage contract until the decreed period reaches its end. And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.

4.34. Men are in-charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard.  But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.

4.35, And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Acquainted [with all things].

4.128. And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between them - and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allah - then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

4.130. But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise.

2.222. And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."

2.223. Your wives are a place of cultivation [i.e., sowing of seed] for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.

4. 3. And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

4.127. And they request from you, [0 Muhammad], a [legal] ruling concerning women. Say, "Allah gives you a ruling about them and [about] what has been recited to you in the Book concerning the orphan girls to whom you do not give what is decreed for them - and [yet] you desire to marry them - and concerning the oppressed among children and that you maintain for orphans [their rights] in justice." And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is ever Knowing of it.

4.129. And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging.  And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah - then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.

4.4. And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take It in satisfaction and ease.

60.10. 0 you who have believe, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, examine [i.e., test] them. Allah is most knowing as to their faith. And if you know them to be believers, then do not return them to the disbelievers; they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them. But give them [i.e., the disbelievers] what they have spent. And there is no blame upon you if you marry them when you have given them their due compensation [i.e., mahr]. And hold not to marriage bonds with disbelieving women, but ask for what you have spent and let them [i.e., the disbelievers] ask for what they have spent. That is the judgement of Allah; He judges between you. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

60.11. And if you have lost any of your wives to the disbelievers and you subsequently obtain [something], then give those whose wives have gone the equivalent of what they had spent. And fear Allah, in whom you are believers.

2:221. And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist. even though he might please you. Those invite [you] to the Fire, but Allah invites to Paradise and to forgiveness. by His permission. And He makes clear His verses [i.e., ordinances] to the people that perhaps they may remember.

4.19. 0 you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality [i.e. adultery]. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.

4.23. Prohibited to you [for marriage] are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your [milk] mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step-- daughters under your guardianship [born] of your wives unto whom you have gone in. But if you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And [also prohibited re] the wives of your sons who are from your loins, and that you take [in marriage] two Sisters simultaneously, except for what has already occurred. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. '

4.24. And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.

2.226. For those who swear not to have sexual relations with their wives is a waiting time of four months, but if they return [to normal relations] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

2.227. And if they decide on divorce then indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

2.228. Divorced women remain in waiting [i.e., do not remarry] for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to them [i.e., the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men [i.e., husbands] have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

2.229. Divorce is twice. Then [after that], either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust].

2.230. And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if he [i.e., the latter husband] divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon them [i.e., the woman and her former husband] for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah, which He makes clear to a people who know [i.e., understand].

2.231. And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book [i.e., the Qur'an] and wisdom [i.e., the Prophet's sunnah] by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things.

2.232. And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they [i.e., all parties] agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in Allah and the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allah knows and you know not.

2.233. Mothers may nurse [i.e., breastfeed] their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is their (i.e., the mothers'] provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.

2.234. And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind they, [the wives, shall] wait four months and ten [days]. And when they have fulfilled their term, then there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable manner. And Allah is [fully] acquainted with what you do.

2.236. There is no blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched nor specified for them an obligation. But give them [a gift of] compensation - the wealthy according to his capability and the poor according to his capability - a provision according to what is acceptable, a duty upon the doers of good.

2.237. And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already specified for them an obligation, then [give] half of what you specified - unless they forego the right or the one in whose hand is the marriage contract foregoes it. And to forego it is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget graciousness between you. Indeed Allah, of whatever you do, is Seeing.

2.240. And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind for their wives is a bequest: maintenance for one year without turning [them] out. But if they leave [of their own accord], then there is no blame upon you for what they do with themselves in an acceptable way. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

2.241. And for divorced women is a provision according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.

4.15. Those who commit immorality [i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse] of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine them [i.e., the guilty women] to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way.

4.16. And the two who commit it [i.e., unlawful sexual intercourse] among you - punish [i.e., dishonor] them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is ever Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

4.20. But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin?

4.21. And how could you take it while you have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?

4.22. And do not marry those [women] whom your fathers married, except what has already occurred. Indeed, it was an immorality and hateful [to Allah] and was evil as a way.

65.1. 0 Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands'] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a [different] matter.

65.2. And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah- He will make for him a way out.

65.3. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allahh will accomplish his purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

 

65.4. And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated. And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth. And whoever fears Allah- He will make for him of his matter ease.

65.5. That is the command of Allah, which He has sent down to you; and whoever fears Allah- He will remove for him his misdeeds and make great for him his reward.

65.6. Lodge them [in a section] of where you dwell out of your means and do not harm them in order to oppress them. And if they should be pregnant, then spend on them until they give birth. And if they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment and confer among yourselves in the acceptable way; but if you are in discord, then there may breastfeed for him [i.e., the father] another woman.

66. 3. And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allah showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Acquainted."

66.4, If you two [wives] repent to Allah, [it is best], for your hearts have deviated. But if you cooperate against him -then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous of the believers and angels, moreover, are his assistants.

66.5. Perhaps his Lord, if he divorced you [all], would substitute for him wives better than you – submitting [to Allah], believing, devoutly obedient, repentant, worshipping, and traveling - [ones] previously married and virgins.

 

33.37. And [remember, 0 Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort [i.e., guilt] concerning the wives of their claimed [i.e., adopted] sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command [i.e.,

decree) of Allah accomplished.

والله اعلم بالصواب

Compiled by Muhammad Nasim, mohnasim@gmail.com), naseemmahnavi.blogspot.com