Source: ET
Pakistan, with its predictable need to be at the centre of the world’s attention, is arguably the most critical battleground where the future of faith, as a religious and political force, will be determined. And yet, Pakistan’s national discourse avoids any meaningful discussion on religion and the role it should play in our personal and public life.
Instead of meaningful conversations on religion, we have larger than life Ramazan talk shows with grandiose sets that hand out gifts in the name of charity to an audience eager to display their knowledge of Islamic trivia. These iftar time television transmissions are Pakistan’s answer to American Idol. The American dream involves propelling half decent talent onto a world of rock stardom and an obscene amount of wealth. The Pakistani dream involves an overt display of religiosity, with the local bourgeoisie celebrating their ‘charitable spirit’ by trying to improve the lives of underprivileged families on national television.
An extremely important topic has been touched and importance of such discussion needs no further emphasis. According to holy quran the purpose of man’s creation is the understanding and worship of Allah with complete devotion to Him and acts of worship without service to humanity are not acceptable to Allah. The rights of human beings are as important as the rights of Allah. In specific
cases, even more emphasis has been laid on the service to humanity. This aspect can be taken to start the discussion.
If we see the whole history of Pakistan religious discussion has never attained due importance either in print or in electronic media. There is an urged need to discuss various aspects of religion. I am confident if true and since scholars are invited to interpret various aspects of religion and without getting annoyed with such interpretation the whole nation can learn much better about the beautiful teachings of this peace loving religion.
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