Universes explored
Exploration of the universe is a fascinating subject. While many do not even bother to think about it, there are many who spend sleepless nights in reflection. Great strides have…
Quranic aesthetics
Aesthetics of the Quran/Islam is a vast subject of study. Traditional studies have focused largely on the beauty of the Quran in terms of its language and eloquence. However, let…
Divine ‘amanat’
WITH regards to Pakistan, nature has been very kind and generous. It has endowed Pakistan — a beautiful country — with vast natural resources. It is blessed with all four…
FSC on transgender persons
ON May 19, the Federal Shariat Court declared that key provisions of the landmark Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, are repugnant to Islam. The FSC has called for invalidating a…
Quran in our lives
MANY Muslims propagate the belief that the Quran is a practical handbook on how to live one’s life. There are two ways this belief can be implemented. One is to…
Religious prisons
A JIRGA in northern Pakistan bans women from visiting tourist spots. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan continues to deny education to girls as well as freedom to work or go…
Intellect & Islam
GIVEN the lack of analytical thought, deep reflection and serious scholarship in many Muslim societies today, the fact that intellect was cited by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the most…
Arabic Pakistan?
THERE is a curious contrast in how the people of Pakistan have consistently prevented religion-based political parties from receiving more than eight to 10 per cent of the votes cast…
A ‘people’s history’ and its sources
In this series of columns we have been discussing some sources of a people’s history. We have talked about the writings of civil servants who work with a people’s perspective…
Rare collections
No politics or current topics today, but some recently published books of interest. The first is titled ‘Hasil, La-Hasil’ (Gainful, Fruitless Efforts) written by Capt (r) Liaquat Ali Malik. After…
